/ 29 July 2025

Jude Benhalim Shares The Vision Behind Her Cult Jewellery Brand

Bold, sculptural and steeped in culture, Jude Benhalim’s jewellery is unmistakable. Launching her brand in Cairo at just 17, she’s since built one of the region’s most exciting fashion jewellery labels. Worn by Kendall Jenner and Halle Berry, Jude’s modern, meaningful designs have earned a devoted following. Here, she opens up about her inspirations, latest collection and the values at the heart of the brand.

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Jewellery as storytelling – that’s always been my driving force. I launched the brand at 17, inspired to create pieces that feel bold, meaningful and unapologetically different. What began as a small project with my mother quickly grew into a platform for design with purpose. Jude Benhalim is more than jewellery – it’s a mindset, a point of view.

I’ve always been captivated by my grandmother’s jewellery box – the intricate pieces, each carrying stories, memories and a real sense of permanence. That emotional connection has stayed with me. My mother wasn’t just a business partner but a force who encouraged me to take risks and trust my instincts. Turning this passion into a full-time career happened naturally, shaped by the strong women who inspired me to carve my own path.

My Egyptian identity runs through everything I create. From the architectural lines drawn from Cairo’s skyline to the delicate art of Arabic calligraphy and traditional craftsmanship, the culture is woven into the brand’s very DNA. But I always reinterpret it with a modern, global sensibility – never literal, always nuanced. Cairo is a city of contrasts: chaos and beauty, roughness and refinement, old and new. That duality constantly fuels my creativity. There’s an honesty in the city’s imperfections that resonates deeply, and it naturally flows into my designs.

What began as a SMALL PROJECT with my mother quickly grew into a platform for DESIGN WITH PURPOSE.

Empowerment is at the heart of every design. I envision bold, fearless, forward-thinking women wearing my pieces, and that image drives my creative choices. Each collection starts with a story or emotion I want to explore, and the jewellery becomes a vessel for that message. If I had to sum up the brand in a few words, I’d say boldness, authenticity, sustainability and organic. These values are the pillars of everything I do and guide my process in all situations. I don’t follow trends – I believe real designers set them.

The Collision collection holds a special place in my heart. It was created during a time of deep personal transformation and speaks to the process of breaking free – from societal expectations, from self-doubt, from whatever holds us back.

Seeing our jewellery worn by icons like Kendall Jenner and Halle Berry – and being featured in Vogue and Forbes Middle East – were huge achievements. Those moments made it all feel real. The ‘Sulla Luna’ is our classic icon. It’s timeless and consistently popular. It’s always a joy to see people wearing it, and it’s our best-seller for a reason.

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Lately, I’ve been drawn to pieces that feel like wearable art. Right now, I’m eyeing a sculptural bag from Yuzefi, and anything by Cecilie Bahnsen with her signature voluminous silhouettes. I love pieces that feel elevated yet unexpected. I’m also an avid thrifter. There’s something magical about discovering unique, one-off items. Wherever I travel, I search out thrift stores and spend hours browsing for that special piece. I usually pair my pieces with simple, minimal silhouettes – a vintage leather handbag or a crisp white shirt. It’s all about balance: letting the jewellery speak.

I definitely design beyond my personal style. I love to challenge myself creatively – that’s why boldness is one of our core values. I’m drawn to contrast – rough textures against luminous resin, shiny finishes next to matte ones. I love mixing metals, especially gold and silver, and have a deep appreciation for organic, imperfect surfaces.

The Aura collection has been in the making for a year. It’s always been about breaking boundaries for me – even if it gets tedious. Creating luminous resin that felt alive and meaningful took time, experimentation and patience, but it was worth every moment. The collection explores the emotional spectrum of human nature. Each piece represents a different side of who we are. I wanted the colours to feel vibrant and soulful, with a sense of movement and transformation. It’s a celebration of individuality, and the freedom that comes from embracing your true self.

Seeing our jewellery worn by icons like Kendall Jenner and Halle Berry – and being featured in Vogue and Forbes Middle East – were HUGE ACHIEVEMENTS.

I’m continually amazed by the rapid growth happening in the region. The Middle East is bursting with culture and creativity, and I’m optimistic about the future – it’s clear that we’re only going up from here. It’s a great time for fashion jewellery – there’s a growing appreciation for the craft, and I’m excited to see how far we can take it.

My advice to emerging designers is to stay consistent. The creative industry can be tough, so it’s crucial to keep innovating and pushing limits – but always stay true to who you are and what your brand represents. If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be: don’t rush. Trust the process, and let your voice evolve organically. Stay curious, stay hungry and never forget why you started.

There’s a new venture I’ve been dreaming of, and it’s currently in the works. While I can't reveal the details yet, I’m thrilled to be launching it later this year. It’s a bold step forward – one that will open new doors for the brand.

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