Tania Nawbar, co-owner of the Beirut-born fine jewelry house L'Atelier Nawbar, holds a deep personal connection to unique and vintage jewelry. She particularly favors the L'Atelier Nawbar Buoy Hoops in Size 4 for their versatility in styling. Nawbar actively avoids mass-produced items, gravitating towards pieces that stand out and offer individuality. Her appreciation for vintage extends to watches, which she sees as possessing charm, history, and intentionality. L'Atelier Nawbar even assists clients in sourcing rare vintage watches and jewelry to find their dream pieces.
Nawbar is currently saving for a vintage 18k gold Piaget watch, highlighting her belief that vintage items are more personal, full of character, and intended to be treasured for life. She enjoys mixing old and new items, often incorporating vintage pieces inherited from her mother or grandmother, or discovered during her travels. Her latest acquisition is a beautifully preserved vintage Fendi bag from Nouvelle Vague in Lebanon, reinforcing her preference for items with character and craftsmanship over new purchases.
This sentiment is consistent with L'Atelier Nawbar's broader brand ethos. The company, founded in 2011 by sisters Dima and Tania Nawbar, moved away from traditional gold and diamond designs to focus on playful, colorful, and layerable pieces. Their family's jewelry business history dates back to 1891 in Beirut. Despite significant challenges, including a devastating port explosion in Beirut in 2020 which damaged their workshops and homes, the business has shown resilience, expanding sales and opening new boutiques globally, including in Riyadh, and partnering with stores like Bloomingdale's and Harrods. This resilience underscores a deeper value placed on heritage and enduring quality, mirroring Tania's personal preferences for vintage items.