Beirut-based jeweller Dina Kamal debuts her floating ’Twin’ series
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Dina Kamal's architectural background has always informed her aesthetic, which began with a reworking of signet rings and a passion for muted beige gold. The low-key hue quickly become her trademark and remains a significant cornerstone of her jewellery. Since then, Kamal has become increasingly fixated on proportions, which has led to her producing simple and refined forms. Her architecture training is evident in her latest 'Twin' series and 'V' ring collections. The latter is built on a bridge that holds the diamonds, allowing for the piece to be flooded with light.
W*: You’ve always mixed ancient historical influences with a tactile modernity. What was your approach for these latest rings?
Dina Kamal: I work on functional jewellery, something you can wear every day. I've trained my senses to know how to get the balance right. I craft it and make it precious and that's what I think luxury should be about.
How has your broader design background informed your eye for jewellery?
An architect's pieces can be sterile. Often pieces are designed out of context, with the focus not on how it's worn. The context of how it's wrapped around you is really interesting. It's understanding the proportion and bringing texture into it also that makes the difference.
How do you achieve this distinction?
The fact that my pieces are handmade gives them warmth. I truly believe the process is a sacred one. If a ring wasn't textured, it would be modern and cold.
Tell us about the geometrical complexities of your 'V' ring with its custom-cut diamonds?
It's composed of two trapezoids, not rectangles, and they shift slightly, up and down.
So the bridge that you have created allows the stone to appear to be floating?
Yes, it's subtle, but rich. It's not about wearing the fancy diamond. It's about seeing the value, but not in a flashy way.
You’ve chosen cushion cuts for your 'Twin Emerald' ring. What did you want to achieve with this strategic choice?
They're hard to find, but it had to be them. I wanted to empower the emeralds, which are very fragile. To mount it, not in the traditional way, is very difficult. The result is old craftsmanship but it's technically modern.
Kamal’s (pictured) architectural background has always informed her aesthetic
The jeweller says, ’I work on functional jewellery, something you can wear every day.’ Pictured: ’Twin Diamond’ ring
’I wanted to empower the emeralds, which are very fragile,’ she says. ’To mount it, not in the traditional way, is very difficult. It’s old craftsmanship but it’s technically modern.’ Pictured: ’Twin Emerald’ ring
The custom cut diamonds of the ’V’ ring are composed of two trapezoids, not rectangles, and they shift slightly, up and down. Pictured: ’V’ ring
INFORMATION
For more information, visit Dina Kamal's website (opens in new tab)
Photography courtesy Dina Kamal
Hannah Silver joined Wallpaper* in 2019 to work on watches and jewellery. Now, as well as her role as watches and jewellery editor, she writes widely across all areas including on art, architecture, fashion and design. As well as offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, Hannah is interested in the quirks of what makes for a digital success story.
-
Masa Gallery launches inaugural Mexico City space with new solo show
Brian Thoreen and Mario García Torres are unveiling solo shows at Masa Gallery’s permanent new home in the heart of Mexico City
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
Boucheron rethinks a royal brooch for high jewellery rich in regal references
The new high jewellery collection from Boucheron, ‘Histoire de Style, Like a Queen’, is inspired by Princess Elizabeth’s 18th birthday gift
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
Ma Yansong on global architecture and MAD’s year ahead
We talk to MAD’s Ma Yansong about his thriving studio, global architecture and the year ahead
By Magali Robathan • Published
-
Hair jewellery to covet and collect
Today’s hair jewellery is both practical and pretty. We're pinning our hopes on these simple and elegant accessories
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
Eternity rings for the modern couple
Eternity rings, whether sleekly minimalist or sprinkled in diamonds, can be a chic and contemporary love token
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
Playing it cool: pearls are having a moment
We've been deep-diving into boutiques around the world to find the very best calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form. It seems jewellers have been busy rethinking pearls, with contemporary (and often affordable) results
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
Alternative engagement rings with an edge
As the sales of engagement rings sky-rocket during lockdown, enjoy our off-kilter curation of edgy and unconventional engagement rings
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
CryptoPunks come to life on Tiffany & Co pendants
Tiffany & Co has partnered with blockchain infrastructure company Chain to create custom pendants and NFTiffs
By Hannah Silver • Last updated
-
Andreas Kronthaler’s costume jewellery for Vivienne Westwood is fun, flirty and fabulous
Andreas Kronthaler’s new jewellery draws on romantic and theatrical motifs
By Hannah Silver • Last updated
-
Jewellery designers share their most precious personal pieces
A host of jewellers have given us a peek at the jewellery which has brought them solace this year
By Hannah Silver • Last updated
-
Fope’s flexible gold chains rethink a classic design
Elasticity meets elegance in Fope’s new jewellery collection, ‘Luna’
By Hannah Silver • Last updated