Simply Abu Dhabi XXII

2 5 1 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I N amed after the mythical Himalayan kingdom of Shamballa, said to be populated by wise and compassionate people, Shamballa Jewels was founded in 2005 by Danish brothers Mads and Mikkel Kornerup. Over the course of the last decade the company has grown to be a much-loved global frontrunner in spiritual fine jewellery. As a teenager in the late 1980s, bursting with curiosity for the wider world outside of his home in Denmark, Mads Kornerup embarked on a journey around the globe. In Brazil he discovered the beauty and energy of gemstones and was instantly captivated. His wanderlust led him to travel further, across Japan, India, Nepal, Thailand and Indonesia, absorbing the fine details about the craft from native goldsmiths. The seed was well sown and eventually Mads designed the Shamballa bracelet in 2001. He was inspired by Buddhist prayer beads and to this day a spiritual thread runs through the brand and all its creations. “None can live without toil, and a craft that provides your needs is a blessing indeed,” is written in the Dhammavadaka, a poem about the essential aspects of Buddhist life. The Kornerup brothers have found their craft and dedicated themselves to the mastery of fine spiritual jewellery. The poem begins, “Remember always that you are just a visitor here, a traveller passing through. Your stay here is but short and the moment of your departure unknown.” This sentiment echoes the words of the actress, businesswoman and humanitarian Elizabeth Taylor, the classical 1950s Hollywood star, famous around the world for her collection and passion for jewellery. “I've never thought of my jewellery as trophies. I'm here to take care of it and to love it, for we are only temporary custodians of beauty.” If Elizabeth Taylor were alive today she would surely appreciate the beauty and philosophy of Shamballa Jewels. The creations of Mads and Mikkel are widely sought after and worn by countless contemporary stars and celebrities, the great and the good, from rapper and business icon Jay Z to the most discerning arbiters of luxury such as Karl Lagerfeld, Diane Von Furstenberg, Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Riccardo Tisci and royalty from across the world.