Qatari businesswoman Noora Al-Ansari, who runs her own jewelry company, "Papillon Jewelry," and deals directly with customers, sets a shining example for other Qatari women to follow. Founded in 2011 by Noora, Papillon, meaning “butterfly” in French, is a luxury brand known for its exquisite pieces that blend timeless Qatari heritage with contemporary flair.
In an exclusive interview with Bisht magazine, Noora spoke about her passion for jewelry making, her design philosophy, her commitment to using the highest quality materials, and her vision for the future of Papillon.
· Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today, Noora. Could you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about Papillon Jewelry?
My name is Noora Al-Ansari, and I am the owner and designer of Papillon Jewelry. Papillon was established in 2011, and we opened our first boutique in 2015. The name "Papillon" is French for butterfly, symbolizing the transformation and journey we craft for our customers. The word "Papillon" also reflects the romantic and feminine essence we strive to embody in our creations. Much like butterflies fluttering from one flower to another, our customers explore the beauty of our jewelry within the serene garden that is our boutique. Every detail, from the soothing colors to the strategically placed mirrors inside our boutique, reflects nature's tranquility, inviting customers to embrace their inner beauty. Overall, we target both men and women, but most of our collections are designed with the modern Qatari woman in mind.
· What are the key highlights of your diverse collections, ranging from contemporary diamond pieces to modern interpretations of Qatari heritage, and how do they reflect a fusion of cultures and spirituality?
In our diverse array of collections, we have explored various themes and styles, ranging from contemporary diamond designs to modern interpretations of Qatari heritage. For instance, from 2011 to 2016, we delved into diamond collections like our 'Papillon,' 'Signature,' and 'Royal' lines—each with unique charm and elegance. Transitioning in 2017, we introduced traditional gold collections, including the 'Zeena' collection in the early stages of development, which reimagines Qatari heritage with a contemporary flair, featuring 21K gold in innovative ways. Our 'Burwaz' collection, launched in 2019, draws inspiration from vintage pendants popular in past decades, blending Qatari heritage with Italian craftsmanship for a harmonious fusion of cultures. Moreover, spirituality infuses our pieces, with engravings of Ayat al-Kursi alongside precious stones and diamonds, reflecting a blend of East and West in our designs.
· Papillon is known for its customized creations. Could you walk us through your process of collaborating with clients and creating bespoke pieces?
Building trust with our clients is very important to us. We listen carefully to their needs, considering the occasion, budget, and even body shape to ensure the perfect fit. We have also garnered a reputation for bespoke craftsmanship over the years. Whether it is a wedding gown or everyday wear, we create pieces that resonate with our clients’ personality and style. While we embrace our clients' individual tastes, we also uphold Papillon's quality standards, ensuring each piece reflects our commitment to quality. We also take pride in fulfilling unique requests and bespoke pieces, like the shark tooth cufflinks crafted for a passionate diver. This client envisioned incorporating his love for diving and the Maldives into the design, and we translated his vision into a masterpiece. Diamonds, gold, and blue sapphire were used in the cufflinks to evoke the shark teeth, the tiger shark, and the color of the waves on the Maldives beaches. Ultimately, the client was blown away by this one-of-a-kind piece.
· What can we expect from Papillon in the future? Are there any new collections on the horizon?
Looking ahead, Papillon is committed to continuing our tradition of nature-inspired collections, drawing inspiration from the enchanting beauty of flowers as exemplified by our Papillion line. While introducing our inaugural 21K gold collection, Zeena, marked a significant milestone, diamonds remain an integral part of our identity and craftsmanship.
In the forthcoming collection, we are excited to explore the unparalleled beauty and allure of diamonds further. With a dedication to sourcing unique and exceptional stones, we aim to create jewelry that exudes classic elegance while maintaining a distinct and contemporary edge. Each diamond will be meticulously selected and expertly integrated into our designs, reflecting our unwavering commitment to excellence and sophistication.
Our upcoming collection will seamlessly blend the timeless allure of classic jewelry with innovative and modern styles, showcasing our continued dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship. Through this fusion, we aspire to offer jewelry that not only captivates the senses but also stands as a testament to the enduring elegance of Papillon's designs.
· Could you provide insights into the quality standards of the diamonds Papillon uses in its jewelry?
Certainly! At Papillon, we take immense pride in sourcing only the finest, high-quality diamonds to craft our exquisite pieces. With my background as a certified diamond expert holding the HRD diamond grading diploma, we uphold rigorous standards based on the Four Cs: Color, Clarity, Carat, and Cut. Many of our pieces are certified by reputable laboratories such as GIA and HRD, ensuring that our clients receive diamonds of exceptional quality. We never compromise on color or clarity, ensuring that each Papillon piece reflects lasting beauty and value. This commitment to excellence in elegance and craftsmanship earns the trust and loyalty of our clients, who return year after year to cherish their Papillon treasures.
· Finally, Qatari weddings are renowned for their grandeur. What kind of jewelry do brides typically favor during these celebrations?
Qatari weddings are renowned for their lavishness, and at Papillon, we are privileged to be part of these momentous celebrations. From the traditional Henna Night to the grand wedding day, which we affectionately call the "red carpet day," brides trust us to adorn them with jewelry that epitomizes elegance and sophistication.
During the traditional Henna Night, we guide brides to embrace our full set of intricately designed jewelry, ranging from headpieces like the iconic "Luh Saad" to cascading necklaces bearing names like "Mirtahesh" and "Kirsitamim." Our offerings extend to bangles, rings, belts, and even unique "handcuff" bracelets, each exquisitely crafted to infuse a modern touch while honoring our rich heritage.
On the wedding day, brides seek to exude unparalleled glamour, often turning to our renowned diamond collections. Among these, the Papillon “Dazzah” collection reigns supreme, dedicated exclusively to brides seeking the utmost sophistication. This collection features stunning diamond sets, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings, meticulously designed to adorn the bride in radiant splendor. Additionally, for brides who prefer a classic and timeless look, we offer our Papillon “Solitaires” collection, showcasing exquisite diamond solitaire pieces that capture the essence of understated elegance. With these solitaire designs, brides can embrace a refined and sophisticated aesthetic that complements any bridal ensemble, ensuring they radiate beauty and grace on their special day. With the Papillon “Dazzah” Collection, brides shine like stars on their special night, embodying the timeless allure and luxury synonymous with Papillon's craftsmanship.
