Rock Party: How A2Z is Shaping Private Jewellery Sales in Dubai

March 10, 2022

By Katerina Perez

6 min read

Curating, collecting and selling may be aspects of jewellery that exist away from the jewellers’ bench, but they certainly help to shine a spotlight on artists and their ideals. Abdulrahman H. Alzayani is the Founder of A2Z, an art advisory service for private clients in the Gulf States who want to expand their jewellery collections. Here, we discuss the ‘Rock Party’ selling exhibition with Christie’s Dubai, including pieces by JAR, Nikos Koulis and Fernando Jorge to name a few.

Described as a “selling exhibition of jewellery wonders”, Rock Party is a collaborative event organised by Abdulrahman H. Alzayani of A2Z and Christie’s Dubai. What’s important to note about this sale is that it contains 200 unique pieces from the likes of JAR, Bhagat, Hemmerle, Sabba, Nikos Koulis, Fernando Jorge, Mashandy and more, as well as pieces from Cartier, Bulgari, Graff and Harry Winston, to name just a few. This isn’t the first time A2Z and Christie’s have collaborated. The pair worked on the Magnificent Pearls exhibition of important pieces in tandem with the Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (Danat) in Bahrain in 2019. However, this latest event is the first meeting since COVID-19, which has infused it with new energy and excitement!

A JAR natural pearl, emerald and diamond sautoir necklace with a fancy vivid yellow old-cut cushion-shaped diamond of 114.63 carats, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

A JAR natural pearl, emerald and diamond sautoir necklace with a fancy vivid yellow old-cut cushion-shaped diamond of 114.63 carats, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

 A 4.74 carat diamond ring with one fancy light yellowish brown triangle-cut diamond and one colourless triangle-cut diamond, set in white and pink gold, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

A 4.74 carat diamond ring with one fancy light yellowish brown triangle-cut diamond and one colourless triangle-cut diamond, set in white and pink gold, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

 Harry Winston earrings with two marquise-cut diamonds of 6.26 and 6.16 carats, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

Harry Winston earrings with two marquise-cut diamonds of 6.26 and 6.16 carats, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

 Philippe Guilhem Mykloss ring from the Mashandy Collection with a square emerald-cut diamond of 10.10 carats in bronze and gold, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

Philippe Guilhem Mykloss ring from the Mashandy Collection with a square emerald-cut diamond of 10.10 carats in bronze and gold, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

 SABBA Paris ring with a 3.49 carat pink sapphire cabochon, pink circular-cut sapphires of 4 carats and diamonds in platinum and yellow gold, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

SABBA Paris ring with a 3.49 carat pink sapphire cabochon, pink circular-cut sapphires of 4 carats and diamonds in platinum and yellow gold, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

 Earrings with 46.81 carats of Paraiba tourmalines and 12.02 carats of mixed-cut diamonds in gold, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

Earrings with 46.81 carats of Paraiba tourmalines and 12.02 carats of mixed-cut diamonds in gold, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

Rock Party is spearheaded by a natural pearl, Colombian emerald and diamond sautoir by JAR, incorporating a historic 114.63 carat fancy vivid yellow diamond that is currently the largest certified old-cut cushion-shaped stone in the world. This piece is Alzayani’s favourite, but he’s also quick to point out four more pieces with exceptional credentials in the sale, including a sapphire, ruby and diamond necklace by Bulgari from the late 1970s or early 1980s, an impressive pink sapphire and diamond SABBA Paris ring with a 3.49 carat cabochon, and a Graff bracelet with a 7.37 carat fancy yellow oval-shaped diamond. Finally, look out for a pair of Harry Winston diamond earrings with marquise-cut diamonds of 6.26 and 6.16 carats. To understand Rock Party, you need to join me in finding out more about its founder! Here are some of the highlights from a recent conversation I had with Alzayani…

Pieces for sale as part of “Rock Party – A Selling Exhibition of Jewellery Wonders” by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

Pieces for sale as part of “Rock Party – A Selling Exhibition of Jewellery Wonders” by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

Katerina Perez: What is the story behind A2Z?

Abdulrahman H. Alzayani: A2Z is my creation and was officially founded in 2018. Our goal is to offer exceptional jewellery and art advisory services to clients in the Gulf States and around the world. We began with jewellery, but my intention is to build on my passion and knowledge of fine art by advising our clients on starting or growing their art collections. We always start working with clients when they’re preparing for special occasions, usually a wedding or memorable event. And with time, clients carry over and they become long term clients, along with family, or also by word of mouth. Obviously, diamonds remain the most requested. This is all complemented by our themed/curated collections of unique pieces sourced from jewellers and suppliers around the world. I have fostered partnerships with different jewellers, and I am proud to hold long-lasting relationships with both our clients and suppliers. We have continuously participated in Jewellery Arabia and the annual Ataya Exhibition, but we also do private shows and partnerships, such as this recent collaboration with Christie’s.

A diamond necklace included in the Rock Party selling exhibition organised by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

A diamond necklace included in the Rock Party selling exhibition organised by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

KP: What is your own relationship with jewellery and how has it developed?

AA: I first started collecting jewellery when I was 21. For me, it has always been about exploring my passion, and A2Z is very much the result of my love of gems and the craftsmanship of the designers. To me jewellery is happiness. Having all these amazing gems, with the opportunity to work with them and create truly tailored experiences for the gems to be shown in the best way possible is to me, the synthesis of beauty.

SABBA Paris zebra jasper and diamond ear pendants in titanium and gold, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

SABBA Paris zebra jasper and diamond ear pendants in titanium and gold, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

 SABBA Paris ring with a 3.49 carat pink sapphire cabochon, pink circular-cut sapphires of 4 carats and diamonds in platinum and yellow gold, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

SABBA Paris ring with a 3.49 carat pink sapphire cabochon, pink circular-cut sapphires of 4 carats and diamonds in platinum and yellow gold, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

 Sri Lankan sapphire and diamond ring with a 24.83 carat centre stone from the Faerber Collection designed by VA, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

Sri Lankan sapphire and diamond ring with a 24.83 carat centre stone from the Faerber Collection designed by VA, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

 Earrings with eight fancy yellow diamonds with a total weight of 12.78 carats, alongside 141 marquise-shaped diamonds of 19.30 carats and round brilliant-cut diamonds in 18k white gold, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

Earrings with eight fancy yellow diamonds with a total weight of 12.78 carats, alongside 141 marquise-shaped diamonds of 19.30 carats and round brilliant-cut diamonds in 18k white gold, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

 Fernando Jorge High Brilliant Galaxy earrings with 12.15 carats of diamonds in 18k white gold, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

Fernando Jorge High Brilliant Galaxy earrings with 12.15 carats of diamonds in 18k white gold, part of the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

KP: For Rock Party you have put together quite a collection of jewels. What principles do you follow when choosing pieces for selling exhibitions and what are some of your favourite lots?

AA: My principle has always been buying what you love. I collect based on my instincts that have been developing throughout the years, but most of all I pick pieces within which I believe beauty and value align. There is always a personal side to collecting which includes the age-old, question “Do I like it or not?”. I have a few favourite lots, the Harry Winston earrings, the JAR pinkie ring, the SABBA pink Sapphire necklace and the Bulgari necklace. But in all truthfulness, I love a little bit of all the pieces, it would be impossible to do a show and not have a special affinity for all the amazing items in the collection we’re showing.

A selection of diamond rings featured in the Rock Party selling exhibition organised by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

A selection of diamond rings featured in the Rock Party selling exhibition organised by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

 A Graff bangle with a 7.37 carat fancy yellow oval-shaped diamond surrounded by 2.40 carats of pink diamonds, 3.24 carats of yellow diamonds and 11.76 of colourless diamonds in 18k gold, included in the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

A Graff bangle with a 7.37 carat fancy yellow oval-shaped diamond surrounded by 2.40 carats of pink diamonds, 3.24 carats of yellow diamonds and 11.76 of colourless diamonds in 18k gold, included in the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

 Coloured gemstone and diamond rings included in the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

Coloured gemstone and diamond rings included in the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

 Gemstone cocktail rings in the Rock Party selling exhibition organised by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

Gemstone cocktail rings in the Rock Party selling exhibition organised by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

KP: What about your personal collection? Tell me about some of your favourite design-led jewels.

AA: I have been personally collecting JAR, Bhagat, SABBA and Theodoros and therefore I decided to choose these jewellers for this current show because I truly want to showcase them to the world. But this list is always growing!

A Graff bangle with a 7.37 carat fancy yellow oval-shaped diamond surrounded by 2.40 carats of pink diamonds, 3.24 carats of yellow diamonds and 11.76 of colourless diamonds in 18k gold, included in the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

A Graff bangle with a 7.37 carat fancy yellow oval-shaped diamond surrounded by 2.40 carats of pink diamonds, 3.24 carats of yellow diamonds and 11.76 of colourless diamonds in 18k gold, included in the Rock Party selling exhibition by A2Z and Christie’s Dubai

Events like this ensure that art jewellery of all kinds can be seen, while at the same time building networks of jewellery lovers who are formulating their own tastes and personal relationships with designers. This is the ecosystem of jewellery that’s living and breathing, not only in Dubai but all over the world. I am sure you will agree with me that Rock Party – the coming together of A2Z and Christie’s Dubai from March 7-13, 2022 – is a great sign of exhibitions to come.

Through Her Lens: The Design Identity of Yataghan by Sarah Abudawood

continue reading

In Conversation: Discussing Paraiba — The Legacy of a Color with Vogue Singapore

The conversation encouraged both myself and Kevin Ferreira, my co-author, to recall exactly why we wrote Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color, and I am pleased to share more with you below

by Katerina Perez

Semi-Precious vs Precious Gemstones: Why the Old Labels No Longer Work

I can’t count the number of times I’ve asked myself: what really sets so-called precious and semi-precious stonesapart? Is it their rarity? Colour? Durability? Value? Or is it simply tradition—an outdated hierarchy we’ve inherited without question

by Katerina Perez

Larger than Life: New Mineral Masterpieces and Global Adventures with Margot McKinney 

Let’s take a closer look at the pieces and places that have helped to shape the Margot McKinney brand over the last 12 months, including the rather sensational Marina, Aurora and Bloem necklaces

by Katerina Perez

Male Adornment: The Evolution of Men’s Jewellery from the 1400s Until Today

Men's jewellery is often overlooked, yet its history is both rich and cyclical. Over the past six centuries, the popularity of male adornments has fluctuated, reflecting shifts in fashion, status, and cultural values. Here, Amanda Triossi examines the reasons behind male jewellery, along with its periods of abundance and decline.

by Amanda Triossi

Perfect Proposal: The Top 10 Engagement Ring Mistakes to Avoid 

The moment you start thinking about proposing, everything shifts. Ordinary things become significant: dinner out, a walk in the park, a glance at their jewellery box. And then comes "the ring": a symbol of love, yes, but also a silent spokesperson for everything you feel and hope for. No pressure, right?

by Claire Roberts

Couture Show 2025: The Top 10 Debutants Heading to Las Vegas 

The much anticipated Couture Show will return to Wynn Las Vegas from June 4-8, 2025, shining a spotlight on established design talent, new creatives, and international brands that are vying for attention on the global stage. Just like in previous years, I am focusing my attention on the debutants

by Katerina Perez

Designing the Future: Revealing the Winners of the Katerina Perez x Osmium Institute Design Contest

What a ride it has been, witnessing such pure creative energy and original thinking, especially with a material as rare and futuristic as osmium

by Katerina Perez

New Icons: The Latest Collections by Italian Micromosaic Master SICIS 

I was presented with two striking new collections – Icon and Colibrì – that offer different interpretations of the SICIS aesthetic. Below, I want to give you a closer look at these capsule suites and tell you more about the inspirations behind them

by Katerina Perez

Fabulous Fabrications: TAOS Presents a Trio of Watches Inspired by Couture Fashion

Occasionally, beautiful timepieces demonstrating exceptional Métiers d’Art will land on our virtual desks and result in a round-robin series of emails. In the hours after we received insights into the emerging Swiss brand TAOS, almost the entire team had seen the fabric-inspired dials of its latest creations, and we all agreed that an article was […]

by Sarah Jordan

A Century of Sparkle: Celebrating 100 Years of Art Deco at GemGenève

From May 8-11, 2025, visitors to GemGenève can immerse themselves in a showcase of antique and modern jewellery while also experiencing the innovative spirit of the 1920s and 1930s through a photographic lens. Here, I'd like to tell you more about this creative collaboration and introduce you to the brands taking part…

by Katerina Perez

Tailored Perfection: The Best Jewellery Looks of the Met Gala 2025

Not since 2003 has a Met Gala theme focused exclusively on menswear, so we had high hopes for this year’s attendees demonstrating the best of tailored suiting adorned with high jewels. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best ensembles of the evening…

by Sarah Jordan

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

Jewellery is a transmitter of memories and emotions through time, which is something that Dubai-based designer Mariyeh Ghelichkhani knows all too well. 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

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Reinventing Royalty:The European-Inspired Luxury Behind Isabel Gemology

I started 2025 with a series of articles titled ‘Jeweller of the Month’ to highlight the true talent among niche designers in the jewellery industry. For May, it is Isabel Delgado, the founder of Isabel Gemology, who I would like to shine the spotlight on.

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.