Pieces Of Me… Tabayer
“Jewellery has always been a passion of mine; not just wearing it as an adornment but for the feeling of empowerment it gives me.” ~ Nigora Tokhtabayeva
This series is a dedication to the things that are most important to us. To the heirlooms (and memories they hold) that we wear on repeat; that we’ll cherish forever; that become part of us.
In homage to the fine jewellery designers whose pieces bring us so much joy, we’re taking a closer look at their lives through an intimate lens, gaining a sentimental snapshot of their personal stories and what’s most important to them.
For the next instalment, we’re getting up close and personal with the founder and CEO at the helm of Tabayer, the celebrity favourite which became one of the world's most desirable jewellery brands in just less than a year. Nigora was born in Uzbekistan into a family who have always seen jewellery as amulets of protection. Honouring her familial traditions, Nigora presents sustainably-crafted, fluidally-shaped talismans harnessing powerful energy for every wearer. In perfect time for gifting season, get better acquainted with the jeweller behind these symbolic heirlooms of abstract art which transcend time and trends.
"I like to travel, discover new cultures and learn new things."
"I can’t live without my family."
What was your route into design and how did you begin Tabayer?
I’ve always been surrounded by very driven people, so I got inspired by this drive, and decided to start my jewellery brand. At one point, I commissioned a bespoke piece - a pendant with a protective eye symbol - to be made, and when I started wearing it so many of my friends asked where they could buy one. This gave me the confidence to start a jewellery brand and this is how Tabayer came into existence!
Who or what inspires you? What drives your creativity?
I like to travel, discover new cultures and learn new things. This passion led me to travel extensively and make friends from all corners of the world. This tapestry of experiences fuelled my desire to create a new kind of amulet, a symbol of protection relevant to everyone regardless of their origin and background. Through research, we uncovered a globally resonant emblem of protection: Inanna's Knot, a Mesopotamian symbol with universal significance.
Growing up in Uzbekistan also shaped my worldview, in particular, thanks to my grandmother's appreciation for jewellery and the significance she attached to amulets. When my family relocated to the US during my teenage years, I encountered a new world of American modernist sculpture, particularly through the works of artists like Isamu Noguchi. Tabayer emerged as a fusion of these two influences.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A doctor - I have a medical degree. I always felt medicine was my thing, because I love helping people and
I’m also a very organised person, but later I changed my mind.
One thing you can’t live without?
I’m not attached to material things, but I can’t live without my family. My husband, my five children and my dog. We try to spend a lot of time together!
What piece of clothing/accessory/jewellery makes you feel most like yourself?
A Tabayer ring. It’s beautiful, comfortable to wear and inspired by the story of goddess Inanna, the first heroine and the first ‘feminist’ in the history of mankind. It has her symbol of protection, so when I wear it I feel protected. It makes me feel confident. I also love wearing earrings, especially for meetings - they give me an extra boost of confidence.
"My wedding band."
"My home is my favourite place in the whole world."
What is your greatest piece of treasure?
My husband. He always gives me great advice.
Which piece of jewellery do you wear the most?
My wedding band. It’s nothing special design-wise, but it doesn’t matter as my husband bought it for me.
Favourite book?
I couldn’t pick one book. Through the research into amulets we did for the Oera collection, we realised that amulets have been present in mythology, philosophy, literature and art for millennia, but we haven’t seen the contemporary perspective. So we decided to give a platform for writers, curators and philosophers to explore the theme of metaphysical protection further from their different perspectives and publish a journal, 'Summa'.
Favourite film?
I don’t really watch films unless I’m with my kids, it’s just not something I’m into.
Which three albums would you take on a desert island?
I tend to listen to classical or pop music when I work out. I recently got into Italian pop - it encourages my learning Italian.
If you could live in any era, what would it be?
Now is an exciting time. Throughout history, jewellery, in particular, has often been used to adorn women who didn’t have their own agency. I wish for all women to feel empowered and have the agency to achieve what they want to achieve. I hope the same for them too. We design jewellery that provides a sense of safety and confidence to its wearer - a private repository of strength.
"I love to bake."
"Home is where my heart is."
"My children make me laugh, my 18 month old especially."
"I’d love more time at home with my family."
Do you have any hobbies?
I love to bake. Baking is very creative to me, I feel I’m creating and I can bake anything. My family keeps asking me for their favourite cake, lady fingers. You need the right energy to bake and sometimes it can change your energy and put you in the right state of mind.
Where's your favourite place in the world?
My home, because it’s where my family is.
What makes you laugh?
My children. They are pretty funny. My 18 month old especially - the way she walks and talks makes me take things less seriously.
What makes you cry?
All the sadness in the world. All the conflicts make me feel quite powerless.
Do you have any phobias?
Anything messy and unorganised, that’s the opposite of being precise and structured makes me fearful. This would have been useful if I had become a doctor!
If you could ask anyone a question, who would you ask, and what would you ask?
I’m lucky to have such a person very close to me - my father. My dad is my mentor. We talk every day and I ask any questions, personal or work-related.
What do you need more time for?
Running a business and having five children I always feel like I need 48 hours in a day, not 24! I’d love more time for my family.
An event you wish you'd witnessed?
I wish I’d witnessed the creation of the universe. I’m very curious and love understanding the science of things that surround us. I’d love to understand the creation of human life. We are incredible creatures, I’m fascinated by human biology!
What's your idea of happiness?
Peace on Earth. I truly hope that one day we can put our differences aside and embrace our diversity.
Are you in London over the holiday season? Come and discover the Tabayer collection up close in our Fine Jewellery Room at Browns Brook Street. These timeless pieces are the perfect grand gesture for you and your loved ones to treasure this holiday season and way beyond.
Interview by Sophy Davis Russell
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