ABOUT
THE BRAND
Inspired by the architecture of the Arab world, every jewelry piece fashions a contemporary version of a traditional form. OUMAEM focuses on regionalist designs that aims to produce ethically sourced and locally made adorned pieces reflective of new identity. The design process takes abstract vernacular objects developed into new designs that follows constructed regulating lines in order to produce asymmetrical, yet balanced designs with a recognized identity. With architecture at the core of each design, mathematics, geometry, and scientific processes became the tools that makes the jewelry. OUMAEM is a brand that celebrates diversity, unity, and inclusion in the form of a new unique tradition.
THE DESIGNER
Anas Alomaim is an architect, jewelry designer, and teaches architecture at Kuwait University. Alomaim developed a passion for jewelry design early in his career. After the death of his father, Alomaim stepped into a new phase of his life. He awakened anew to the relationships that connect him to the women in his family. Alomaim designed and manufactured rings for his mother and sisters as a gesture of gratitude for their support during this precarious time. It was then that he realized his passion for diamonds, jewelry design, and their multifaceted beauty. Alomaim believes that the art of design encompasses everything from a
simple spoon to a city.
After finishing his Masters of Architecture and Urban Design at Columbia University, he moved to California to pursue his PhD at the University of California Los Angeles. He worked on analyzing the geometries of structures that respect the larger laws of nature, constellation, and planets: namely, how mathematical equations translate physically on a Cartesian coordinate system into creating monumental objects. Alomaim participated and co- curated several exhibitions in Kuwait, Dubai, New York City, and Los Angeles. He also worked for academic institutions, corporate design firms, independent architectural offices, and interned with fashion designers.
SELECTED FEATURES
SELECTED EXHIBITION
COLLECTIONS
SOURCE
ATMOSPHERE
ATMOSPHERE
The SOURCE collection is the first collection created by OŪMÄEM. We initially conceived the pieces in this collection as a contemporary play on the classic solitaire ring. Taking the idea one step further, we crafted each design by using a coordinate system as a template to create and break specific grids for each piece. The focus of each
The SOURCE collection is the first collection created by OŪMÄEM. We initially conceived the pieces in this collection as a contemporary play on the classic solitaire ring. Taking the idea one step further, we crafted each design by using a coordinate system as a template to create and break specific grids for each piece. The focus of each design begins with a single diamond shifted off-center. A single baguette-cut ruby is always included to tip the balance of the design. The ruby is not a depiction of a brand; rather, it is used as a guide on how to wear the pieces and to emphasize on the concept of decentralization and alternative standards of beauty.
ATMOSPHERE
ATMOSPHERE
ATMOSPHERE
ATMOSPHERE utilizes the concept of “atmospheric perspective” used in art in order to represent the importance of certain elements from the environment and to add aesthetic value. This collection by OŪMÄEM pays homage to and is inspired by desert sandstorms. The particles creating the desert environment are represented by circular shapes a
ATMOSPHERE utilizes the concept of “atmospheric perspective” used in art in order to represent the importance of certain elements from the environment and to add aesthetic value. This collection by OŪMÄEM pays homage to and is inspired by desert sandstorms. The particles creating the desert environment are represented by circular shapes as the main element of design. “Aerial perspective” or “atmospheric perspective” refers to the effect the atmosphere has on the appearance of an object as it is viewed from a distance. Each jewelry piece constitutes of several circles fixed on different heights. By using different finishes on each circle, the diamonds appear floating in the overall composition. This collection promotes environmental awareness through the symbolic representation of mountains, plants, and planets.
CORE
ATMOSPHERE
BADAN
OŪMÄEM'S CORE collection is inspired by the geology of planet Earth, it highlights the importance of time in the process of minerals creation and the prominence of earthly resources. The designs of this collection focus on yellow gold, tapered baguettes and green emeralds. Planet Earth has three layers, Crust, Mantle, and Core. The Yellow
OŪMÄEM'S CORE collection is inspired by the geology of planet Earth, it highlights the importance of time in the process of minerals creation and the prominence of earthly resources. The designs of this collection focus on yellow gold, tapered baguettes and green emeralds. Planet Earth has three layers, Crust, Mantle, and Core. The Yellow gold signifies the high temperatures of Earth’s Core layer, the tapered baguettes refer to the Mantle layer, and the lush emerald green reflects the Crust layer. All diamonds of this collection are repurposed diamonds from previous jewelry pieces, highlighting the environmental message behind this collection. The CORE collection is incomplete due to the 2020 pandemic.
BADAN
IMMERSION
BADAN
Inspired by the contradictory nature of unconditional affection, BADAN collection by OŪMÄEM symbolizes what one is willing to give for their loved ones. The organs were selected as the main elements in this collection, not only because of their importance to humans, but also because the name of each organ is used in many common catchphras
Inspired by the contradictory nature of unconditional affection, BADAN collection by OŪMÄEM symbolizes what one is willing to give for their loved ones. The organs were selected as the main elements in this collection, not only because of their importance to humans, but also because the name of each organ is used in many common catchphrases around the world to express flatteries. For example, in the English language phrases such as “apple of my eye”, “on my mind”, “butterflies in my stomach”, and “my heart” are used to demonstrate endearments. Not only in the English language, but also in Arabic and other languages. For example, “liver” is used in Arabic and Farsi to express love. More aphorisms such as “my soul” and “my all” infiltrated languages that in a way refer to organs in reference to emotions and devotions.
NOOL
IMMERSION
IMMERSION
Although it is usually the colors and patterns (symbols) are the most recognized aspects of Sadu, it is instead the unseen technique and movements involved in creating Sadu that are the most unique aspects about it. The two jewelry pieces are inspired by these hidden processes. The body of the earrings and ring is made with a gold frame w
Although it is usually the colors and patterns (symbols) are the most recognized aspects of Sadu, it is instead the unseen technique and movements involved in creating Sadu that are the most unique aspects about it. The two jewelry pieces are inspired by these hidden processes. The body of the earrings and ring is made with a gold frame with recessed grid and a rotating stick that imitate an abstract form of the loom, as well as the movements involved in making Sadu textiles and patterns. Furthermore, each jewelry piece is embellished with uniquely cut triangular diamonds, baguette diamonds and a ruby to signify the special patterns found in Al Sadu known as Naqshat Al Haboub. Lastly, each piece contains the various colors usually found in Sadu. The stick on the ring and earrings rotates as its wearer move about their daily life, and by that it imitates the joy and labor of women weavers, monumentalizing decades of their kind endeavors.
IMMERSION
IMMERSION
IMMERSION
The advent of printing press, radio, and television liberated us in more ways than one. Such technologies took our basic human creativity to new fantasies. In designing this collection, I was inspired by the possibilities provided by these innovations, and by broadcasted images that allowed us to live in nostalgic moments and imagine a br
The advent of printing press, radio, and television liberated us in more ways than one. Such technologies took our basic human creativity to new fantasies. In designing this collection, I was inspired by the possibilities provided by these innovations, and by broadcasted images that allowed us to live in nostalgic moments and imagine a bright future. This collection reflects elements that makes our dreams an immersive reality.