On January 28th, The Unique Club welcomed jewellery lovers and discerning guests to an intimate High Tea at Bisou Café, celebrating the latest collection by Zahira Fine Jewellery. Co-hosted with Rodha Makki, the afternoon was a celebration of family legacy and world-class artistry.
Founded by Thai-American sisters Nina and Emi Stames, Zahira draws from a rare heritage. Growing up surrounded by extraordinary gemstones through their father’s work as an international dealer, the sisters learned early on that beauty and quality are inseparable. This philosophy defines every piece they create: jewellery where heritage meets contemporary elegance through exceptional stones and master craftsmanship.
In the weeks leading up to the event, we had the chance to connect with Emi Stames to discuss the art of selecting rare gems and the responsibility of carrying forward a family tradition. You can read the full conversation here.
Bisou Café, located next to the Dubai Opera, provided the perfect backdrop for the occasion. The ultra-glamorous, feminine atmosphere complemented Zahira’s vibrant aesthetic, while a red carpet arrival set the tone for an afternoon that felt as much about celebration as discovery. Guests had their looks styled with Zahira pieces, transforming the high tea into a living showcase of how the jewellery moves and catches light in real settings.
The collection featured Zahira’s signature use of colour and rare stones, each piece beginning with what the sisters call a “hero stone“, a gem whose personality guides the entire design. From Royal Blue Ceylon sapphires to vibrant tourmalines, the jewellery on display carried both technical precision and emotional resonance, crafted by master artisans in Bangkok whose skills have been passed down through generations.
While guests explored the collection, trying on tourmalines, sapphires, and one-of-a-kind designs, Nina created custom jewellery illustrations, sketching the pieces she and Emi designed as personalized keepsakes that guests could take home as mementos of the afternoon. The format allowed for genuine connection: conversation, close viewing, and the kind of tactile experience that reveals what photographs cannot.
The essence of the event is beautifully reflected in the words of Emi Stames, co-founder of Zahira:
A beautiful afternoon filled with meaningful conversations, genuine connections, and the joy of seeing our guests experience our jewellery was truly inspiring.
Stay Connected
If you couldn’t join us this time, we’d love to see you at our next gathering. Follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop for upcoming events and get a first look at the new designers joining our Gallery.
In the meantime, the doors to The Unique Gallery in Dubai are always open. Come visit us to experience Zahira’s collection in person, alongside a curated selection of state-of-the-art jewelry brands that redefine modern luxury. Whether you’re looking for your next “hero stone” or simply want to be inspired by world-class craftsmanship, we’re here to help you find a piece that speaks your language.
