Crafting Spirit and Heritage Through Jewelry: A Conversation with Lana Nassar, Founder of Atélier Lia

Jewelry designer Lana Nassar, founder of Atélier Lia, infuses each piece with family legacy, spirituality, and a deep connection to the wearer. In this interview with SEAM founder Amy Cohen Epstein, Lana shares how her grandmother’s elegance inspired her journey, why she prioritizes meaningful craftsmanship, and how she strives to create “modern vintage” heirlooms that speak to the heart. Join Amy and Lana as they discuss the artistry, cultural connections, and purpose behind Atélier Lia’s unique jewelry collections.

Amy Cohen Epstein:
I am thrilled to be here today. Well, not actually here across the world from Lana Nassar, who's in Abu Dhabi right now. I'm in Los Angeles, and she's bejeweled and gorgeous. I only have one piece on right now, and we're just going to dive right into it. I think we’re going to hone in on female empowerment, on wearing spirituality, and wearing jewelry that’s meaningful, that speaks to you as both the designer and wearer. When I wear jewelry, it makes me feel not just beautiful, but powerful and energetic… [Editor’s Note: Edited for clarity].

Lana Nassar:
Thank you, Amy! So, I started Atélier Lia two years ago, but my love for jewelry has always been there. I remember, even as a teen, my mom would take me shopping, and I’d always gravitate to the accessories section. I’d tell her, “I could wear jeans and a white T-shirt, but with the right accessories, it changes everything.” My biggest inspiration, though, has always been my grandmother. She truly was a lady, the way she dressed and wore her jewelry. She wore a lot of jewelry but always looked so elegant. I remember her playing the piano with rings on every finger… those memories stuck with me and inspired my love for jewelry.

Amy:
It sounds like your grandmother had such a strong influence on you. How did her elegance shape your designs?

Lana:
I think of her every time I create a piece. I wanted to build a brand in her honor. My style is “modern vintage with meaning.” Each piece has a vintage feel—it’s something you could imagine your grandmother wearing, but also yourself and maybe even your daughter… It’s jewelry that transcends time. I also bring my love for poetry and literature into my designs. Each piece often begins with a passage or quote that resonates with me, then inspires the design. For instance, the piece you’re wearing, called “The Universe,” was inspired by a quote from Rumi: “You are the universe in ecstatic motion.” It’s a beautiful reminder of empowerment.

Amy:
That’s amazing. When you wear jewelry, you want it to resonate with you on a deeper level. And your new collection—tell me about that.

Lana:
Yes! My latest collection is called The Sky Told Me. The theme is about unity, as we all live under one sky. I wanted to create five symbolic messages: I am light (the sun), I am loved (heart), I am free (compass), I am infinite (snake), and I am powerful (lotus flower). I worked with a family of fourth-generation engravers in Italy, who hand-carve each piece. There’s something about handmade jewelry—it’s unique to you because no two pieces are exactly alike… [Editor’s Note: Simplified for clarity and context].

Amy:
The detail and care in each piece are incredible. It’s almost as if the jewelry has its own soul. How do you feel about that connection?

Lana:
Yes, exactly! I want my pieces to carry memories, just like heirlooms. When I inherited some of my grandmother’s jewelry, it wasn’t just about the pieces themselves—it was the memories attached to them. Jewelry feels different from inheriting other items; it carries this sense of legacy.

Amy:
I completely understand. I’ve reset some of my mom’s jewelry so I could wear it more often, keeping its essence but making it my own. That sense of continuity is powerful.

Lana:
It truly is. My second collection, Adele’s Drawer, is named after my grandmother, Adele. I imagined what I’d find in her jewelry drawer, and that guided the designs. Every piece connects back to her.

Amy:
How did you decide on the name Atélier Lia?

Lana:
Atélier means “workshop” in French, and Lia was the name my grandmother wanted for me. In Arabic, Lia also means “mine,” which feels right for jewelry—something personal. It connects back to the idea of wearing something for yourself, taking care of yourself… [Editor’s Note: Edited for flow].

Amy:
And women should absolutely buy jewelry for themselves.

Lana:
A hundred percent! Most of my clients are women buying for themselves. I think that’s because they connect with the deeper meaning, the layers. We’re multi-dimensional, and jewelry can be a part of that expression.

Amy:
Tell me about your background and how you ended up in Abu Dhabi. Has that influenced your brand?

Lana:
I’m Lebanese but was born in London and raised in the UAE. Abu Dhabi is home, though I feel deeply connected to my Lebanese roots. My family here has always been entrepreneurial—my grandfather was a successful businessman, as was my father… [Editor’s Note: Summary for brevity]. Starting Atélier Lia felt like finding my purpose. Living here, in a supportive community of amazing women, has been empowering. My friends here, many of whom are business owners, are my biggest supporters.

Amy:
It sounds like an incredible network—supportive, creative, and driven.

Lana:
Yes, absolutely. It’s amazing to have friends who show up for you, who believe in you. When I went to Paris for my first show, a group of them flew in just to support me. That kind of encouragement means so much… [Editor’s Note: Condensed to capture main sentiment].

Amy:
What’s next for Atélier Lia?

Lana:
I just wrapped up a successful show in Paris, so now I’m focusing on how to grow the brand while staying true to myself. There are challenges; for example, people ask if I’ll work in white gold or certain colors. I have to balance meeting market demands without losing the brand’s soul. White gold, for instance, doesn’t feel right for my vintage-inspired pieces… [Editor’s Note: Edited for clarity].

Amy:
I understand that so well. Staying true to your brand’s integrity is what creates lasting success. And it sounds like that’s something you’ve already mastered.

Lana:
Thank you, Amy. I think so too. It’s about working hard, staying true to the vision, and knowing the right people to work with.

Amy:
It’s wonderful to hear your passion and purpose. Thank you, Lana. Your work is inspiring, and wearing your jewelry feels empowering—it has that special energy to it.

Lana:
Thank you so much, Amy. It’s been wonderful sharing this with you.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.