Yataghan is Sarah Abudawood's brainchild. She is not just a jewelry buff, designer, mother and photographer, but a tough Saudi woman who is out here to make history. She came, she saw and now Yataghan is about to make some noise. Yataghan means sword in the Turkish language and it represents an inner struggle to combat society's norms and dogmatic beliefs. Abudawood paints her dreams with her new collections that mark a significant role for her prestigious jewelry brand. Her first collection ‘Allah' was designed in congregation with her architectural photographer skills. It was launched in Ramadan and the motif represents an unorthodox 3D geometrical setting that is meant to be a showstopper. The symmetrical cuts are what define Yataghan collections. “In all of the designs, they are slightly raised, they have a 3D, minimalist, geometric and unfamiliar aesthetic to them. That comes from my eye as a photographer as I only do architectural photography. So even in the way I photograph it is very abstract, very minimalist. I photography famous buildings and sometimes people ask, ‘is that really the same building?' So again it is that idea of taking a familiar subject or name like ‘Allah' and redesigning it with your own aesthetics, your own feelings, doubts and story to make people feel they are meeting it for the first time. Just giving it that unique side that is uncommon. I do not think personalities should be common, we are all different, and individuality is huge. If you really focus on who you are and you celebrate it that is the first step to contributing to the society around you. You have to start with you,” Abudawood told Saudi Gazette. The latest collection is called ‘Isme' (names) and is available upon request. ‘Sarah' means happiness or princess. “So when I am decked in jewels I definitely feel the princess and happy part,” she said. But what ‘Isme' hopes to define, is individuality, hope and self-confidence. “There is a sense of pride when you wear your name. In our community, people feel you take from your name and Arabic names have beautiful meanings. Names in general usually imply something beautiful. It is either inspired by a famous person, feeling or hope. I think in all cultures in the world, names always have a significance, even for Kings. So I think to be able to celebrate who you are and what you think of your name is one of the things that follow you everywhere. So to start with that, I think it is a natural place to start as a progression to something whether it is faith, country or feeling.” She said the happiest moment is when her customers call her back ‘after opening the box'. “Then I know I was meant to do this. The quality is top-notch, the design is exactly what they want, the make is superb and we make it to perfection. I am very particular. I use the finest gold, the finest diamonds; we use VS quality FG color. The spirit with which I make them makes all the difference. Our prices are very competitive. This is one of the major comments I get from my clients- that you really do get your money's worth. This is important to me. Because I am not just a retailer. I do it because I love jewelry and I want people to own jewelry, it is very personal to me.” Instagram: @yataghanjewellery
