Discover The Meaningful Magic Behind Tabayer’s Timeless Fine Jewelry
Founded in 2021, TABAYER crafts sleek and sensual jewels that carry powerful symbolism – celebrating the many facets of feminine strength and beauty
“One of my earliest memories is watching my grandmother adorn herself with her jewelry; each piece had a story – and she wore her jewels with such elegance and purpose,” says Nigora Tokhtabayeva, founder and creative director of Tabayer. “That sense of jewelry as a vessel for memory and identity has stayed with me – and continues to inform how I think about creating pieces.”
Established in 2021, Tabayer was conceived with a particular mission in mind; to blend a minimalist aesthetic with a sense of protection and symbolism, creating pieces that have a timeless quality and feel meaningful to those who wear them. “Since its inception, the vision has evolved to embrace a deeper connection with the world of art and culture, creating jewelry that transcends pure ornamentation and becomes a form of storytelling and cultural dialogue,” explains Tokhtabayeva.
Blending personal identity and universal connection, the brand’s first collection, Oera, was inspired by a single motif – Inanna’s knot – the symbol of an ancient Mesopotamian goddesses of protection and fertility, with roots in both Greek and Roman mythology. Tokhtabayeva admires the Inanna for its multifaceted symbolism and its encapsulation of all women. She interpreted the knot motif through a contemporary lens, creating miniature modern sculptures to be placed on earrings, cuffs, pendants and bracelets – all played out in simple 18-karat gold, or set with scintillating pavé diamonds.
“The design philosophy of Tabayer centers on simplicity, purity and meaning. Each piece is crafted with clean, sculptural lines that embody elegance without excess,” says Tokhtabayeva. The designer explains that her creative process for a new collection begins with a story, finding inspiration in art, nature, history and human emotions. “We prioritize harmony, fluidity and a tactile connection that makes each piece feel like an extension of the wearer,” she explains. Tokhtabayeva says she finds immense inspiration in traditional craftsmanship, ancient symbols and cultural stories that speak to universal themes like protection, love and strength, which manifest as protective amulets or silhouettes that echo cultural artifacts. “The goal is to create pieces that carry a narrative, connecting wearers across different cultures and times.”
“I love what I do because jewelry has the power to tell stories, evoke emotions and become part of someone’s life in such an intimate way
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All of Tabayer’s jewels are crafted in Italy, and Tokhtabayeva is keen to stress her commitment to ethical practices. “Our ethos is committed to sourcing materials in a responsible manner, which is why we use Fairmined gold – ensuring that the mining practices behind our materials are ethical, environmentally conscious and contribute to the wellbeing of mining communities.” While precious metals and diamonds are the mainstay of the brand, Tokhtabayeva is exploring new materials, working with colored hardstones such as carnelian, chalcedony, and agate – along with gemstones with symbolic meaning, such as emeralds and onyx, to bring vibrancy and character.
While the brand is still burgeoning, Tokhtabayeva’s passion and dedication to its evolution and success is palpable. “I love what I do because jewelry has the power to tell stories, evoke emotions and become part of someone’s life in such an intimate way,” she explains. “Creating something meaningful that resonates with others is what drives me every day.”