Where the Mediterranean Meets West Texas: The Jewelry of Nayla Shami

Some artists arrive at their craft through expected paths: art school, apprenticeships, and family tradition. Nayla Shami's journey to jewelry design took a decidedly different route, through law school in Beirut, across continents to the high plains of West Texas, and finally to a jeweler's bench in Lubbock, where she designs pieces that hold both worlds in delicate balance, and then back to Lebanon, where the designs are fabricated into reality.

Born and raised on the shores of the Mediterranean in Beirut, Lebanon, Nayla practiced law before relocating to West Texas with her husband to start her family and, eventually, her jewelry business. It's a geographical leap that might seem unlikely, from the ancient coastal sophistication of Beirut to the wide-open spaces of the Texas panhandle. Yet in Nayla's hands, these seemingly disparate influences create something entirely singular.

The clear blue water of the Mediterranean and the cool palette of its beaches appear throughout her work, evident in her careful selection of turquoise, sapphires, and other precious stones. She thinks of the Mediterranean sun making water sparkle like a gem as she chooses materials. But these coastal influences blend seamlessly with the blue skies, dramatic sunsets, and expansive horizons of West Texas, creating jewelry that feels both worldly and grounded, refined and approachable.

Nayla designs and handcrafts most of her pieces at her bench in Lubbock, working with 18-karat gold, sterling silver, and gemstones of the highest grades. But her connection to Lebanon remains vital to her creative process. Some of her original designs are executed by talented jewelers in Beirut, artisans whose craft is founded upon generations of goldsmiths and metalworkers famous for their attention to detail and quality. These are craftspeople Nayla has personally chosen, and she works closely with them to achieve her precise vision.

This dual-studio approach isn't about outsourcing. It's about honoring tradition while building something new. Lebanese jewelry artisanship carries centuries of refinement in metalwork and stone setting, and Nayla draws on this heritage while creating contemporary pieces meant for modern life.

Nayla's designs often draw from the natural world with a sense of whimsy and wonder. Her collection here includes delightful pieces like the Bird Holding Heart Necklace, a charming design that captures both tenderness and playfulness. The Bee Necklace renders nature's industrious pollinator in precious metals. Her Bird Confetti Necklace celebrates avian beauty with scattered, joyful energy, while the Baby Bird Infinity Bracelet offers delicate meaning perfect for daily wear.

The Baby Bird Necklace delivers sweet simplicity in miniature form. Her Ladybug Necklace combines luck and nature in wearable art. And the El Burro Necklace? That's pure Southwest character and charm rendered in gold.

These aren't literal nature studies but rather interpretations that capture personality and spirit. There's an element of storytelling in each piece, memories of childhood, observations from life, moments of joy rendered permanent in gold and gemstones.

Beyond her nature-inspired work, Nayla creates stunning pieces that showcase exceptional stones and timeless design. Her Turquoise Large Cabochon Hoop Earrings make a statement while maintaining elegance. The Turquoise Cabochon Arc Necklace flows along the body's curves. Turquoise Cabochon Circle Earrings offer classic shapes with contemporary presence.

The Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Necklace showcases one of the Southwest's most prized stones. Her Champagne Diamond Tennis Necklace brings timeless luxury with warmth, while Champagne Diamond Long Curved Earrings add sophisticated movement and sparkle. The Diamond Arc Necklace uses clean, modern lines that frame the wearer beautifully.

Her work with turquoise feels particularly relevant to Southwest collectors, yet the sophistication of her design approach elevates these pieces beyond regional jewelry into the realm of fine contemporary art jewelry.

Nayla also creates pieces with spiritual and cultural significance. Her Our Lady of Guadalupe Necklace renders devotional imagery with artistry and respect. The Cross Locket Necklace serves as a personal, wearable sanctuary. Sapphire Cross Stud Earrings offer understated faith, while Turquoise Cross Stud Earrings combine tradition with Southwest style. The War Bonnet Necklace honors indigenous imagery with careful attention.

These pieces acknowledge the deep personal meanings jewelry can carry, serving as daily reminders of faith, heritage, or values that guide us.

Working with precious metals and high-grade gemstones, Nayla creates pieces meant to last generations. These aren't trend-driven designs but rather timeless works that can move through decades and families. From hoops to statement necklaces, from delicate studs to bold pendants, each piece represents both technical excellence and emotional resonance.

Her price points, ranging from accessible to investment-level, reflect the quality of materials and the hours of skilled craftsmanship each piece requires. A Mini Gold Heart Necklace offers an entry point at $900, while her more elaborate works like the Champagne Diamond Tennis Necklace represent significant investments in fine jewelry artistry.

Nayla herself describes her work as "triggering emotions through the art of jewelry craftsmanship. Notably singular." It's an apt description. These pieces aren't simply beautiful objects but rather vehicles for memory, meaning, and personal expression. They're designed to be worn, not stored away, to become part of your daily life and your story.

We invite you to experience Nayla Shami's jewelry in person, where you can appreciate the detail work, the play of light on carefully selected stones, and the way each piece balances delicacy with presence. Whether you're drawn to her nature-inspired whimsy, her sophisticated stone work, or her culturally meaningful pieces, you'll find jewelry that speaks to something beyond mere adornment.

Nayla's work reminds us that the best jewelry carries stories of where we've been, who we love, and the beauty we choose to carry with us each day.

Join us in Santa Fe for a trunk show with Nayla Shami on December 5, 2025, 5 - 7 pm.