Jacky M: Crystal diva

Dubai-based bespoke beads and crystal jewellery artist Jacky M. doesn’t sketch anything in advance. She doesn’t really have to. The stones guide her by telling her where they have to go.

"It sounds kind of strange but I let the beads and crystals guide my hand. They tell me where they have to go," says Jacky, who works solo from a palatial villa in Al Barsha, surrounded by her pets, which include an African grey parrot, a huge German Shepherd and some turtles.

Commissioned works

It’s been just a little over two-and-a-half-years since Jacky relocated from Malta to the UAE with her husband. And already she has done several prestigious commissioned assignments, including a UAE flag made of beads and Swarovski crystals for Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace Hotel. "They wanted something special to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the UAE and I thought that there couldn’t be anything better than the flag of the UAE. It took me 43 hours to put it together," she recalls.

Latent talent

Jacky discovered her latent talent in Malta where she learnt the country’s fabled art, Ganutell.

Before long, she started experimenting with costume jewellery and fashion accessories, incorporating Ganutell techniques into her creations and turning even the most mundane things into works of art.

From specially designed Dh1,500 visiting card holders and Dh2,000 cellphone covers to handbags, fascinators, bridal jewellery and tiaras, she adds her distinct bling to just about anything.

Speciality

"The speciality of my creations lie in their originality and the fact that every single gem and bead is hand-stitched. Also, no design is ever repeated.

"I would be mortified if I buy a piece of costume jewellery and find someone else wearing the same thing," adds Jacky, whose association with Swarovski has lent a new dimension to her work. Some of her stunning creations were seen at the opening of the Dubai Bridal Show earlier this year.

Jacky is now focusing her attention on the upcoming Dubai World Cup. "I want to design something special. I want my designs to stand out."