Dubai, UAE: When Al Liali jewellery contacted me in the second week of March for a private viewing of their new Mirage collection at Dubai’s Mercato Mall, I had no idea that I would get to try on diamond rings, sparkly bracelets and get a better understanding of diamonds, caratage as well. What caught my attention immediately was the fact that the Mirage collection has been created especially for Mother’s day (and yes I know Mother’s day has passed in this part of the world, but don’t let that stop you; different cultures celebrate Mother’s day different parts of the year as I discovered). Moreover, the Mirage collection is a handcrafted line – no laser cuts, no machine touches, purely set in stone by experience Al Liali artisans.  Life in all its handcrafted-ness, whether glittering like diamonds or smooth like pearls.

Photo copyright Al Liali jewelry

Photo copyright Al Liali jewelry. If you look closely, you can see that there are smaller caratage diamonds use. You can, alternatively, pop by Al Liali either at Mall of the Emirates or Mercato Mall.

 

Comparing the Mirage set (on the blue base) with the solitaire set (on the left)

Comparing the Mirage set (on the blue base) with the solitaire set (on the left)

 

The Mirage Pendant closeup.

The Mirage Pendant closeup.

It is true that Al Liali does have jewelry that are laser cut, but I was very interested to try out the rings that were all handcrafted. As a handcrafter myself, there is a certain kind of pleasure that I get trying out other handcrafters work, reviewing them and trying to understand the technique behind it. I’m hoping to visit their workshop some day soon to view their jewellery artisans working away.

The Mirage collection is actually quite affordable (I was very tempted to buy that lovely mirage ring that you see pictured below). As the Al Liali’s marketing manager, Oofrish Contractor, said, “More flash for less cash.” Isn’t it great that out of recession, creativity still finds a way to blossom at great prices. The Mirage idea is to use several diamonds of lesser caratage (i.e. 1, 3 and 5 carat) placed in such close composition that from a distance they look like one diamond of a higher caratage.

Trying out the Princess Cut ring from the Mirage collection.  Available in 1, 2, 3 ct and in round shape too.

Trying out the Princess Cut ring from the Mirage collection. Available in 1, 2, 3 ct and in round shape too.

 

Comparing the Mirage ring (right) with the solitaire diamond ring (left)

Comparing the Mirage ring (right) with the solitaire diamond ring (left)

 

Comparing the Mirage Princess cut ring (right) with the solitaire diamond ring (left)

Comparing the Mirage Princess cut ring (right) with the solitaire diamond ring (left)

 

 

Al Liali Jewelry Marketing Manager, Oofrish Contractor, giving us the lowdown of the new Mirage Collection.

 

 

Comparing the bigger caratage diamon bracelet (left) with those of the mirage type on the right.

Comparing the different caratage diamond bracelet. Other caratage bracelets are in the background

 

 

I fell in love with these 1, 3 and 5 carat mirage bangles

I fell in love with these 1, 3 and 5 carat mirage bangles

 

Cheeky me trying out the bangle!

Cheeky me trying out the bangle!

With me, I had Marissa Woods, of Image Factor UAE (a lady, who like me, has two careers – she also owns Brand and People). I had heard her talk at the that Heels and Deals a while ago on personal branding. It was a pleasure to have an experienced fashionista/personal branding consultant at the Al Liali private viewing with me.

L to R: Flor from the Idea Agency, Jan D'Sa, Marissa Woods of Image Factor & and Oofrish Contractor from Al Liali Jewelry

L to R: Flor from the Idea Agency, Jan D'Sa, Marissa Woods of Image Factor & and Oofrish Contractor from Al Liali Jewelry

 

Oofrish and Marissa discussing other Al Liali jewelry collection.

Oofrish and Marissa discussing other Al Liali jewelry ranges.

 

Visit Al Liali Jewellery either in person (Mercato Mall or Mall of the Emirates) or the website of Al Liali Jewellery.