Hanan Dajani || Behind the Designs at Ring Me
At CIIN we are delving into the creative mind behind Ring Me, Hanan Dajani, discovering her inspirations, processes, and the philosophies that shape each one-of-a-kind piece. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of fine jewels or curious about the artistry behind her custom jewelry, join us as we uncover the heart and soul of Ring Me.
What inspired you to start Ring Me, and how did your journey into custom-made fine jewelry begin?
My passion for jewelry has been a constant throughout my life. I’ve always been fascinated by different pieces, stones, and designs. As a child, when I received jewelry as gifts, I would often envision how I might personalize and transform each piece to make it uniquely my own. I loved redesigning my own jewelry, repurposing stones into various styles, and frequently altering designs. Inspired by renowned designers and the allure of fine jewels, I decided to channel this enthusiasm into creating my own designs, aiming to offer affordable collections that reflect my vision and creativity.
Can you tell us about the creative process behind designing a custom piece? How do you ensure it reflects the client’s unique style and personality?
Designing a custom piece is a journey of discovery for me. I start by understanding what draws each client to specific colors, stones, and styles. This helps me visualize and craft pieces that align with their preferences. I also draw inspiration from everyday objects, designs, and experiences, integrating these elements into my pieces. Since each client has unique desires and visions, the process is always tailored to their individual needs. Ultimately, it’s a rewarding experience to create personalized pieces that tell a meaningful story.
Your pieces are known for their dainty and delicate designs. What draws you to this style, and how do you achieve such intricate details?
I’m naturally drawn to dainty and delicate designs because they embody a subtle elegance and timeless beauty. I find that intricate details can convey a sense of sophistication and personal touch that larger pieces sometimes can’t. Achieving these intricate details involves a process of continual refinement. As we design, the pieces undergo numerous iterations and adjustments until they reach perfection. I often draw inspiration from vintage designs that I admire, infusing elements from the past into my creations. By blending these classic influences with my own modern sensibilities, I strive to bring a touch of history and personal taste to each piece.
What are some of the most memorable pieces you’ve created, and what stories or emotions were behind them?
It’s challenging to choose just a few memorable pieces because each one is uniquely special and carries its own story. For instance, my very first design was named after my daughter, Ayah, the closest person to my heart. Typically, when I complete a piece—especially rings—I reflect on its details and often name it after someone significant in my life, drawing inspiration from their stories or experiences. One of my most cherished creations is the “Teta Ring,” named in honor of my grandmothers. This piece is deeply personal, embodying the emotions and memories of my childhood, my love for my grandmothers, and their nurturing presence that held our family together. The Teta Ring represents the affection and respect I have for all grandmothers, capturing their enduring influence and the way their memories are lovingly preserved in our hearts.
How do you balance timeless elegance with contemporary trends in your designs?
My approach to jewelry design is about harmonizing timeless elegance with modern trends. I enjoy blending classic elements with contemporary touches, allowing the enduring simplicity and refined craftsmanship of the past to shine through. By combining old and new, I keep the traditional beauty alive while reflecting the spirit of today in my designs. This method ensures that each piece not only honors the elegance of tradition but also remains relevant and appealing in the current fashion landscape, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
What materials and gemstones do you prefer to work with, and how do you source them?
I love working with diamonds and precious stones, and I’ve recently started incorporating lab-grown diamonds into my designs. I believe lab diamonds are more ethical and environmentally friendly, offering a better alternative to traditional diamonds. They provide the same brilliance and quality while minimizing environmental impact and avoiding the ethical concerns associated with diamond mining. I collaborate with one of the finest workshops in Dubai, where all my stones are carefully sourced. Additionally, I use materials sourced from around the world, transforming them into exquisite jewelry pieces. Some of these materials are vintage and irreplaceable, making certain pieces limited editions that cannot be recreated. This uniqueness adds a special value to my work, as these materials bring a sense of history and exclusivity to each design.
Custom jewelry often carries deep personal significance. How do you collaborate with clients to bring their visions to life?
Creating custom jewelry is a deeply personal and meaningful process, and I take great care in collaborating with my clients to bring their visions to life. It all starts with understanding their story, their preferences, and the emotions they want to capture in the piece. I engage in detailed discussions to learn about their inspirations, whether it’s a special memory, a cultural symbol, or a personal milestone. From there, I guide them through the selection of materials, gemstones, and design elements, ensuring that every detail aligns with their vision. We engage in thoughtful discussions, and once we’ve refined their preferences, I share a sketch of the design. Throughout the process, I remain open to feedback and adjust as needed to ensure the final piece truly reflects their desires. This journey is a blend of their thoughts and requests, my creative input, and the exceptional craftsmanship I collaborate with. Together, we create a piece that holds deep significance, making it a collaborative experience that I genuinely enjoy.
What advice would you give to someone looking to invest in their first piece of custom-made fine jewelry?
When investing in your first piece of custom-made fine jewelry, I always start by asking what exactly you’re looking for—whether it’s something for daily wear, which we can keep dainty and simple, or a piece meant for special occasions. It’s important to set a budget from the beginning to help manage expectations and guide the design process. I also encourage thinking of new pieces as additions to your existing collection, where you can have fun stacking and mixing them with what you already own. Often, I suggest to my clients that instead of creating something entirely new, we could recycle an old piece and bring it back to life. I have a special fondness for old pieces that have been passed down through generations, or valuable items that aren’t being worn. Why not transform them into something fresh and wearable, so you can enjoy them more often?
What’s next for Ring Me? Are there any upcoming collections or exciting projects we should look forward to?
I’m thrilled to be in Amman now, with the goal of continuing to create unique pieces for everyone to see, style, and wear. It’s incredibly rewarding to see my creations styled in their new homes, and it fills my heart with joy to know how much love they receive. My aim is to have clients who always come back for more, eagerly adding new pieces to their beautiful collections. I strongly believe in “just because” gifting, where you treat yourself or a special someone simply because you deserve it. I’m currently working on my winter-fall collection, and it’s so exciting to watch these pieces come to life. I’ve incorporated a touch of shabby vintage into this collection, and I hope each piece finds its way to someone special who will admire it as much as I do. I can’t wait for my next drop!
