Saudi Arabia’s AlUla Inspires Italian Fine Jewelry Brand Eéra’s New Capsule

MILAN — Italian fine jewelry brand Eéra is releasing a capsule collection inspired by and showcased at the Dar Tantora The House Hotel in AlUla, Saudi Arabia.

On Monday, the Milan-based label founded by Romy Blanga and Chiara Capitani will drop pieces that pay tribute to the natural landscape of the destination, which in the past few years has increasingly attracted tourists with its ancient archaeological sites, historic towns, natural wonders and cultural events. 

For this collection, Blanga and Capitani revisited some of the signature styles that have marked Eéra’s success through the years in warm hues and sandy tones, nodding to the striking rock formations, sweeping deserts and lush oasis of the area.

The limited-edition range includes a selection of the Reine pendant in different materials and coming with cords in various shades; the popular Chiara earrings in white gold and diamonds rendered in blue and tangerine colors, and the Key style in a vibrant palette of blue, orange, pink, brown and anthracite. Two nylon Moon Bags in orange and green round out the range.

Guests of the hotel can see the pieces displayed and purchase them through a QR code directing them to the brand’s e-commerce, where the collection will be available exclusively starting Monday. Prices span from 620 euros for the Reine pendant in 925 silver and 2,710 euros for the version crafted in 18-karat yellow gold up to 4,550 euros for the gold alternative set with pavé diamonds.

“Our first stay in AlUla was like stepping into the world we had imagined for this collection,” said Capitani.

“The timeless beauty of Dar Tantora The House Hotel, its natural palette and sense of heritage perfectly reflect Eéra’s values: bold design rooted in enduring craftsmanship,” added Blanga.

To be sure, Dar Tantora The House Hotel is an eco-resort blending traditional architecture with modern design. It comprises 30 Dars, historic local mud-brick and stone houses that were restored in a project overseen by Egyptian architect Shahira Fahmy. 

While staying true to the original ethos of the place, the resort — which is located near the AlJadidah arts and shopping district and cultural sites like Hegra and Elephant Rock — aims to offer a customized experience to guests, who can choose a personalized scent for their Dar and an in-room vinyl selection based on their music tastes, have a bespoke dinner under the stars under the culinary expertise of Michelin-starred Chef Jaume Puigdengolas or attend cooking classes in local facilities.

To wit, the hotel has a calendar of daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal events inviting guests to fully immerse in the local culture and mingle with the AlUla community, ranging from experiential tours around the Old Town to breadmaking sessions, from Arabic calligraphy and ancient engraving workshops to pottery classes and lessons for games like chess and carrom, to cite a few. 

Dar Tantora The House Hotel is part of the Kerten Hospitality Group, which manages and operates hospitality projects spanning hotels, serviced apartments, commercial spaces, as well as food and beverage and lifestyle concepts. 

“Partnerships are at the heart of our vision in creating unique destinations,” said Giacomo Nicolodi, marketing and communications director at Kerten Hospitality Group, which counts 12 brands and more than 55 projects in 11 countries. “Our collaboration with Eéra is a celebration highlighting not only the designs of this fantastic brand, but also the unique beauty of AlUla. It is the union of culture and creativity, an invitation to experience the richness of both worlds.”

While this is Eéra’s first capsule collection in the Middle East and first tie-up with a hospitality player, Blanga and Capitani have toyed with limited-edition lines before. 

In May 2021, they set up a pink and silver metal pop-up store in Ibiza, created in collaboration with the Studio Boum architectural practice and made from pre-existing materials sourced on the island. For the occasion, they put together a range revisiting the Tokyo earrings and pendants in colorful dégradé effects inspired by the island’s crystal clear waters and sunset hues, as well as the Moon Bag design in a canvas version with snap hooks accenting its leather straps.

This launch was followed by Eéra’s first foray into design with the Mani initiative, which was developed to support the work of a selection of artisans whose creativity and aesthetic were in line with the vision of the founders. The operation evolved into the Casaeéra lifestyle project introduced during Milan Design Week last year and offering limited-edition pieces made in collaboration with 10 international artists, including glassware by Polish talent Aleksandra Zawistowska, paintings by Turkey’s Nilufer Yildrim and colorful vases and carpets by Spain’s Ariadna Chez and Edurne Camacho, respectively, among others.

In October 2024 a capsule collection titled “Through Chrome Reflections” marked a further step forward in that direction. For London Art Week 2024, the brand partnered with Italian furniture company Secolo to reimagines its key pieces, such as the Sibylia armchair and the Laghi coffee tables and mirrors.

Blanga, who previously worked in communications, and Capitani, an influencer and creative consultant, launched Eéra in 2019 out of their desire to modernize jewelry and create bold, contemporary heirlooms crafted from precious materials. The founders’ primary inspiration was the utilitarian snap hook, which they discovered at a vintage store in Tokyo and which inspired their first collection of earrings.

The design immediately grabbed attention for transforming an everyday element into a precious object and its mix of neon colors and diamonds. The founders leveraged their Instagram followings and those of their clique of friends, which translated into high visibility, buzz and attention from buyers. Ever since the brand has expanded the assortment with chunky cuffs, bangles, sculptural earcuffs, chokers and rings, as well as bags.