Aziz & Walid Mouzannar: New Silene Collection in Collaboration with Zaha Hadid

February 17, 2016

By Katerina Perez

2 min read

The Jewellery House Aziz & Walid Mouzannar is uniting members of the family who have dedicated their lives to creating jewellery. The family dynasty has continued this marvellous tradition since the 18th century. The Silene collection is the House’s latest line and it includes exquisite cuffs and rings created in collaboration with the renowned architect Zaha Hadid.

The first piece, which as a matter of fact was the first in the entire collection, was a gold cuff designed with Zaha for Aziz & Walid Mouzannar back in 2014. The bracelet’s shape resembled the architecture of a miniature tower and was decorated with 1,048 white diamonds. The sparkling stones adorned the smooth gold surface of the bracelet, forming a complex web of petals radiating out from the centre of the cuff right out to its edges. The constant play between the intersecting lines and flashes of light reflected from the stones imparted the piece with a certain dynamism, and created the impression that the bracelet was filled with a sort of emanating energy.

AW Mouzannar Creates New Silene Collection in Collaboration with Zaha Hadid

AW Mouzannar Creates New Silene Collection in Collaboration with Zaha Hadid

In 2014 a model of the cuff was released in limited edition with only 12 pieces made, one of 18-carat white gold and the others of gold in different colours. “Silene expresses the fluidity and complexity of natural forms,” said Hadid. “An intricate web gently envelops the pristine white gold cuff resulting in a delicate piece that explores the evolution of organic geometries and patterning.”

Inspired by the stunning results of their collaboration, Zaha Hadid together with Alia and Dori Mouzannar created a whole new line of jewellery, naming it in honour of the very first bracelet, Silene. The new collection included revised versions of the cuffs and large rings, all 18-carat gold in different colours: pink and white gold with clear diamonds, and yellow gold with black diamonds.

We chose to collaborate with Zaha Hadid because she is a great artist, a friend and our visions are aligned. It is a very contemporary collection that involves a very strong spirit, which is rich and feminine yet delicate. – Alia Mouzannar

The design of the new items echoes the 2014 bracelet but does not repeat it “verbatim”. The two new gold cuffs, under the names Silene II and Silene III, are much lighter than their predecessor, in that they are similar to the engraved contours that comprise the central ornamentation on  the original Silene I cuff. The perforated Silene II ring comes in various golds and evokes the outline of stars bursting out into the night sky. It is lighter than the Silene III ring, which is made of pink gold with diamonds. The design of the three rings in Silene I is more ambitious, as these rings cover both the lower and upper section of the chosen finger with an infusion of gold and dazzling diamonds.

Alia’s work celebrates materiality and composition in the rich history and traditions of Lebanon’s jewellers. Each immaculately detailed piece conveys formal complexity and precision with the highest standards of craftsmanship. Our collaboration with the House takes full advantage of Alia’s expertise and Dori’s knowledge to explore the beauty of natural forms and the unique properties of nature’s materials. – Zaha Hadid

Chaumet Une Education Sentimentale exhibition: An Expression of Passionate Feelings through Jewellery

continue reading

Exceptional Splendour: Jaipur Gems Celebrates 50 Years with Abu Dhabi Opening and New High Jewels 

Let me take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Abu Dhabi boutique and share some of my sparkling highlights

by Katerina Perez

Radiating Confidence: The Mother-Daughter Energy Behind Growing Brand Aponine

As one of this year’s Couture show debutants, Turkish brand Aponine impressed me with its blend of colourful creativity, timeless elegance, and stylish femininity. Let’s take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Sensual Silhouettes: Jewels with Curves in All the Right Places

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just us? As jewellers swap sharp lines for shapely swirls, we look at new collections that are embracing the raw power of sensuality inspired by the female form

by Rachael Taylor

Artistic Realms: The Enchanting Natural World of Histoire D’Elle

I had the pleasure of speaking with Pascale Van Maele, the Brand Manager of Histoire d'Elle, which celebrates the deep-rooted connection between quiet femininity, elegance and natural forms. Let's explore together…

by Sarah Jordan

Spinel Stories: Celebrating the Special Allure of Spinels with the House of Gübelin 

I visited the Geneva boutique of the family-owned business to indulge my passion for this overlooked gemstone and explore some of its beautiful creations…

by Katerina Perez

Golden Hour: Cosmic Creations in the Chanel Reach for the Stars High Jewellery Collection

The Reach for the Stars collection bounces between cosmic constellations of diamonds, elaborate, almost mythological neckwear, and starbursts of coloured stones, all with the Maison’s Parisian flair

by Sarah Jordan

Ultimate Guide to Promise Rings: What They Mean, How to Wear One and Where to Buy

While the promise ring's meaning has evolved, its emotional weight remains, making it especially popular among Gen Z and millennial couples seeking the perfect, personal pre-engagement jewel

by Claire Roberts

Exquisite Escapes: The Idyllic Inspirations Behind the Diorexquis High Jewellery Collection

In early May 2025, Dior Joaillerie's Artistic Director Victoire de Castellane showcased an unprecedented high jewellery collection, Diorexquis, to more than 300 VIPs at the Château de la Colle Noire in the heart of Provence. Let's take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Millionaire Products: Celebrating the No-Expense-Spared Bvlgari Polychroma High Jewellery Collection

Bvlgari is opening a magnificent new chapter in the world of high jewellery, and high jewellery watches with the Polychroma collection. Here's what I have discovered so far…

by Katerina Perez

Sea of Wonder: Celebrating the Ocean’s Endless Bounty with the Tiffany & Co. Blue Book 2025

Here are some of the creations that became an integral part of the Tiffany & Co. underwater world, including starfish, crashing waves and sea turtles…

by Katerina Perez

The Psychology of Jewellery: Why We Adorn Ourselves

From the earliest civilisations to contemporary fashion catwalks, humans have consistently sought ways to embellish themselves. Transcending mere decoration, jewellery acts as a powerful expression of identity, status and emotion. Whether it's the intricate beadwork of ancient societies or the minimalist designs of modern artisans, our choices in adornment reveal layers of personal and cultural narratives. 

by Claire Roberts

Gem Renaissance: Insights from GemGenève Talk on Coloured Gemstones

One of the most exciting shifts in the world of fine jewellery today is the growing appreciation for coloured gemstones, especially those beyond the traditional “Big Three” of rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. So, when the organisers of GemGenève invited me to do a talk, I instantly knew what subject I was going to touch upon - the rise of colour.

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Legacy of Love:The Dreamlike Jewels of Emirati Designer Mariyeh Ghelichkhani

During our meeting in Dubai, we spoke about the importance of family, the sweetness of finding joy through creativity, and the ability to translate dreamy visions and deep feelings into wearable pieces…

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

Writing Adventures:Co-Authoring the Book

Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.