Jewelry isn't only sparkle and a constant threat to your budget; it is a memory card that you can wear wherever you go, a mascot to shield you from low vibrations, a way of broadcasting your identity, and sometimes a post-it note disguised as gold. For everyone, their jewelry box tells its own novella, and let's be honest — it probably holds no fewer secrets than the group chat with your bestie.

We decided to dive into this world together with Poison Drop — the online store of designer jewelry and bijouterie from famous names, a department-store-style showcase of distinctive selections that feels like a permanent exhibition of exclusivity. To make things even more interesting, we called five of our Sandy Times besties — who happen to be strong, successful, stylish women (queens, shout out to you!) — to share the stories behind their most dear pieces and the choices they make for their jewelry wardrobes.

You can visit our Instagram to hear Lava, Noor, Tanya, Rhea, and Alena talking, or keep reading for secrets unveiled here. But first, a warning: side effects of this article may include a sudden urge to scroll poisondrop.com, an irresistible impulse to call a taxi to Dubai Hills (where offline store launched this spring), and the dangerous conviction that yes, you do need just one more bracelet. We warned you.

Entrepreneur, author, model, digital creator, and founder of Rhé

For Rhea, jewelry is basically a family tree you can wear. “Each piece of mine has a story. It is either my mom gave it to me or my dad gave it to me. So it is like an heirloom piece. That is what makes it special.” The very first? A cultural rite of passage. “As soon as a girl child is born, the minute she turns a month old, you buy her a piece of jewelry. My mom bought me a gold waist chain, my dad bought me a gold neck chain, and I still have that with me.”

Her current talisman is a uni-era ring. “At the time I was doubtful about myself, and my mom said, ‘I want you to wear this ring, and every time you see it, I want you to know that anything you dream, it can be done.’” If she had to survive a year with only one piece, it would be a statement earring. “If you have something that is statement, you don't need anything else.” The most Dubai piece? Gold, obviously.

Co-creator of THE KARAK and one of the FLAVA LAB duo

Silver or gold? Lava refuses to pick sides. “Definitely both. Even my nails are saying it… one hand silver, one hand gold.” Her eternal piece is an arm cuff that doubles as a horoscope lesson. “A Vedic astrologer in Bali saw it eight years ago and told me it represents the snake — death, rebirth, letting go of what no longer serves you. It is one of Scorpio’s spirit animals, and I have a lot of Scorpio in my chart.” Translation: she is never taking it off.

Lava treats jewelry like a stylist’s toolkit. “I wear ear cuffs because I have very small ears. I wear a waist chain because it creates the illusion that my waist looks smaller. And I love pieces you can wear in many different ways — a long necklace as a waist chain, for example.” The piece that feels most Dubai? Also the waist chain.

Sustainable artist, Life of Loofah founder

Noor’s power piece is intergenerational. “This Cobra bracelet was a gift from my grandmother. It is from the Art Deco period, when they wore it in the 1920s to 40s. I’m the first grandchild, the first granddaughter, and the only girl carrying my family’s name in my generation, so it was very special to inherit such a family treasure. It is symbolic of elegance and strength, and I carry it with a lot of emotions.”

Her jewelry style is a paradox she fully owns. “Although I am small, I love big pieces, oversized, lots of stacking, but also attached to my fragile, delicate, tiny things. It is about continuity — just as I was passed jewelry from my mother and grandmothers, everything I own will be passed on. That heritage is powerful.”

Executive Brand Chef (Michelin Guide 2022), founder of Solod Club

Alena keeps it practical but with emotional spark. “I prefer jewelry that matches with everything. Because I'm a chef, I don't have much time in the morning. I just want to open my wardrobe, pick something simple and that's it. And run to the restaurant.”

Still, she has a lucky charm with Bali energy. “I bought these earrings from a local Indonesian artist a few years ago. I was in such an excited stage of my life then. Every time I wear them, I feel that energy again. If I am in a bad mood, I put them on and I feel lifted.”

Creative director at Gold Apple Middle East, AI experimenter

Tanya’s jewelry philosophy: bold, noticeable, but always symbolic. “For me, it is more about the feeling and the story behind the piece, but in design I prefer something bold and noticeable.” Her favourite find? “I found these earrings in Japan, in a tiny shop with a workshop downstairs. They are handmade, and I think only a few pieces like this exist. They always catch attention, bring me compliments, and feel like little energy sparks.”

She also trusts gifts as armour. “If I feel I need more power or luck, I wear something that was gifted to me by someone close.” And her shopping rule is strict. “When I search for new jewelry, if it isn't a totally yes, it is definitely no.”