Dubai is synonymous with luxury that connects the old and new worlds. For jewellery lovers visiting the city, the Gold Souk and the Dubai Mall are always on the to-do list. However, great style and luxury pieces worth investing in do not necessarily have to be expensive or found in the most obvious places.
The Indigo Hotel Dubai Downtown, an affordable gem of a hotel in one of the best locations in town, is noted for its on-premise and online boutique that steers clear of refrigerator magnets and postcards and embraces local talent instead. Several showcases near the check-in and concierge desks are filled with wares by up-and-coming by designers embracing the region’s cultural traditions and modern interpretations of those inspirations. Among them, striking items from Penelope Made This have regularly sold out since their inclusion in the hotel’s unique retail setup.
If Dubai is not on your travel radar this year, it’s nice to know that the young brand’s website makes the mother–daughter team’s accessories, from delicate to dramatic, available around the world. The striking but wearable collection features 18 and 22-carat gold plated earrings, pendants with enamel and crystals, rings, charms, semi-precious stone inlaid bracelets, and statement necklaces. Every piece is handmade and can be mixed and matched to the tastes of each wearer.
Penelope Made This first came to life in a living room at a time when Nancy Awwad was looking for a creative outlet that would not only allow her to express herself but also aid in her healing journey after her breast cancer diagnosis, and create a bond with her then-10-year-old daughter Penelope that would be brighter and more enduring than the Gold Souk itself.
Three years later, with Nancy in full remission and Penelope proving herself an effective partner, the company is thriving. ‘What truly sets us apart is our commitment to treating every customer with warmth and genuine care, whether they purchase it in Dubai in our shop, at a retail partner, or from the US, Europe, and elsewhere. We approach every interaction with a personal touch, ensuring that our customers’ experience with us, whether in their store or via their website, is as special as the pieces they chose for themselves or as gifts.’
