The jewellery designer is known for her contemporary approach to fine jewellery

For more than three decades, Suzanne Kalan has built a distinctive identity with her fine jewellery brand. Founded in 1988, her line has become synonymous with modern elegance, defined by her signature “stacking” concept and her unconventional use of baguette diamonds, which challenged traditional jewellery design. Today, her pieces are recognised globally for their bold yet refined aesthetic, blending timeless craftsmanship with a contemporary sensibility.

Earlier this year, Suzanne Kalan once again demonstrated her forward-thinking approach with the launch of the Tech Ring Jacket collection, transforming wellness tech rings into diamond embellished accessories that bridge the gap between functionality and fine jewellery. This latest innovation reflects her continued curiosity and ability to evolve with changing lifestyles while remaining true to the brand’s identity.

With Lebanese heritage, Armenian roots and a global perspective shaped by her Los Angeles base, Kalan’s work reflects a rich blend of cultural influences. As the brand expands its presence in the Middle East, including the reopening of the Seddiqi & Sons boutique in The Dubai Mall, the region continues to play an increasingly important role in her story.

Here, Suzanne Kalan reflects on building a global jewellery brand, the inspiration behind her designs, and how creativity, heritage and innovation continue to shape her journey.

You built your brand around a signature aesthetic that felt quite disruptive when it first launched. Looking back, what gave you the confidence to trust your instinct and do something different?

When I first started, I didn’t see what I was doing as disruptive. I was simply working with what I had and trusting what felt honest to me. I had some baguette diamonds that didn’t quite fit into traditional designs, and instead of forcing them into something conventional, I let them lead. That instinct came from necessity, but also from confidence built over time. I learned early on that if something excites me deeply, it will resonate with someone else, too. You can’t design from fear. You have to design from conviction.

How would you describe the woman you design for today, and how has she evolved alongside you and your brand?

The woman I design for today is confident, curious, and unapologetically herself. She appreciates beauty, but she also values meaning and versatility. Over the years, she has evolved just as I have. She is more global, more expressive, and less interested in rules. What hasn’t changed is her desire to wear jewellery in a way that feels personal. My designs grow with her.

Earlier this year, you introduced the Tech Ring Jacket collection, merging fine jewellery with wellness technology. What sparked the idea to turn something functional into an object of glamour?

The idea came from a very simple moment. I was wearing a wellness ring and thinking, why does something I wear every day for my health have to feel so utilitarian? Jewellery has always been about emotion and beauty, so I wanted to bring that same feeling to something functional. The Tech Ring Jacket was my way of elevating an everyday object into something you never want to take off. It was a true lightbulb moment where wellness and glamour finally met.

How do you continue to stay curious and open to new ideas?

Curiosity is what keeps me going. I listen, I observe, and I stay open. I’m inspired by my daughter, my granddaughter, by technology, by travel, and by my clients. I don’t believe you ever “arrive” creatively. As long as you’re willing to learn and to evolve, new ideas will always find you.

You draw from a rich Lebanese and Armenian heritage while being based in Los Angeles. How do these different influences come together in your design language?

My heritage is deeply emotional for me. There is warmth, strength, and resilience in both my Lebanese and Armenian roots. That richness naturally finds its way into my work through bold choices, strong forms, and an appreciation for craftsmanship. Living in Los Angeles adds another layer. It brings a sense of ease, light, and modernity. Together, they create a balance between tradition and innovation.

Jewellery often marks life’s most emotional moments. As a woman, how do you approach storytelling and sentiment when creating a new piece?

Storytelling is always at the heart of my designs. Jewellery is often connected to love, milestones, and memories, so I approach each piece with sensitivity. As a woman, I understand how deeply personal these moments are. I think about how a piece will be worn, how it will make someone feel, and what it might come to represent over time. That emotional connection is just as important as the design itself.

The Middle East has become an increasingly important market for fine jewellery. What does the region represent for you personally and creatively?

The Middle East represents heritage, appreciation for fine craftsmanship, and a deep emotional connection to jewellery. Personally, it feels like a return to my roots. Creatively, it is incredibly inspiring. There is a strong respect for bold design and meaningful pieces, which aligns so naturally with my work.

With the reopening of the Seddiqi & Sons boutique in The Dubai Mall, what excites you most about connecting with clients in the region in person?

What excites me most is the personal connection. Being able to meet clients face-to-face, to hear their stories, and to see how they wear and interpret my designs is incredibly rewarding. The reopening of the Seddiqi & Sons boutique in The Dubai Mall feels like a celebration of that relationship and a continuation of a shared passion for fine jewellery.

Tell us about you as a woman – how do you spend your time when you’re not working, and what inspires you or gets you excited?

When I’m not working, I cherish time with my family. I love quiet moments, travelling, cooking, and simply observing the world around me. Inspiration often comes when I slow down. I get excited by new ideas, by conversations, and by moments that feel authentic. Those are the things that fuel my creativity.

Building a global brand comes with its own challenges. What lessons have shaped you the most, not just as a designer, but as a woman and business leader?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is patience. Building a global brand takes time, resilience, and trust in yourself. I’ve also learned the importance of staying true to your values and surrounding yourself with people who support your vision. As a woman and a business leader, I’ve learned that strength and sensitivity cancoexist.

As your brand continues to grow internationally, how do you protect its soul while
allowing it to evolve?

Protecting the soul of the brand comes down to intention. Every decision is guided by the same values that shaped the brand from the beginning: authenticity, craftsmanship, and emotion. Growth is essential, but it should never come at the expense of identity. Evolution should feel natural, not forced.

What does success look like to you today?

Success today means fulfilment. It means creating pieces that people truly connect with and building something that lasts beyond trends. Earlier in my career, success was more about milestones and achievements. Now, it’s about balance, legacy, and knowing that my work continues to inspire.

In what way do you believe jewellery can empower women?

Jewellery empowers women by allowing them to express who they are. It can be subtle or bold, personal or symbolic. When a woman chooses a piece for herself, it becomes an extension of her identity. That confidence and self-expression are incredibly powerful.