For Hiba Husayni, starting her fine jewelry brand ZAHN-Z was a journey of reinvention and courage. Leaving behind her home in Syria and a budding career in architecture, Husayni ventured to the United States, where she turned her creative vision into reality. Today, ZAHN-Z is celebrated for its intricate and elegant designs that embody both her artistic roots and personal narrative.
A Name That Reflects Family and Purpose
The name ZAHN-Z isn’t just a brand; it’s a tribute.
“‘Zahn’ translates from Arabic to ‘beautify an existing beauty,’ and the initials Z, A, H, and N represent my family: Zenia, Aya, myself (Hiba), and Naomi,” Husayni explains.
The brand’s creations are inspired by nature, blending simplicity with sophistication. Signature pieces like the Sadaf’s Secrets ring ($7,510)—crafted from 14k gold, diamonds, and mother-of-pearl—exemplify her design philosophy.
A Journey Across Borders
Husayni’s path began in Homs, Syria, where she followed her family’s engineering legacy by pursuing architecture. However, the turmoil of 2011 left Syria struggling, prompting her to seek opportunities abroad.
“Graduating in 2011, job prospects were scarce, and I knew I had to leave Syria to pursue my dreams,” Husayni recalls.
With her parents’ support, she left for Egypt in 2012 and enrolled at the Azza Fahmy Design Studio, which partners with the Alchimia Contemporary Jewelry School in Florence, Italy. This experience laid the foundation for her transition into jewelry design.
From CAD to Craftsmanship
In 2014, Husayni moved to New York City, where she honed her skills in 3D modeling and CAD/CAM technology at the New York Jewelry Design Institute. She landed her first job as a CAD jewelry designer at Unique Settings, a leading manufacturer for retailers like Brilliant Earth and James Allen.
Working at Unique Settings exposed her to the entire jewelry-making process, from design to casting, polishing, and setting.
“My background in architecture gave me an edge in understanding design, structural integrity, and storytelling,” she shares.
Building ZAHN-Z: Precision and Passion
In 2021, Husayni became a CAD manager at Diamond Direct, where she deepened her expertise. She decided it was time to bring her own vision to life by launching ZAHN-Z. Her architectural training—working with precise measurements and designing in 3D—proved invaluable.
“Even a 0.1 mm change can make or break a ring’s design,” she notes.
Balancing her professional role with running her brand is challenging, but Husayni is driven by her mission to connect people to the narratives behind her designs.
“I want my jewelry to resonate with people, helping them feel connected to their own stories.”