SHINE BRIGHT like a DIAMOND

ZENA AND TARICK K’DOR WANT TO CHANGE THE WAY THEIR GUESTS EXPERIENCE JEWELLERY, AND THEY’RE DOING IT ONE UNFORGETTABLE, MONEY-CAN’T-BUY EXPERIENCE AT A TIME.

- SUSAN ARMSTRONG

Zena K’dor greets me at the door of her Double Bay boutique, a glass of bubbly in hand. She’s dressed in a full-length black tulle skirt, a silk camisole and Tom Ford stilettos, with a bold red lip and brilliant diamonds twinkling from her lobes, at her throat and on her fingers. “Welcome to our home,” she declares warmly. “Would you like Champagne or a cocktail?”

I check my phone as my heart starts to pound. Did I get my day wrong? Is she on her way to a black-tie event? Have I arrived at the worst possible time? Not only would it appear I’m right on time, but I’m made to feel instantly right at home thanks to this hostess with the mostess whose sparkling style and glittering personality outshines any brilliant gem that’s currently on display beneath the large glass cases dotted around the room.

At the centre of it all, in every sense of the word, sits Tarick K’dor, owner, fine jeweller and husband of Zena. He’s as calm as she is excitable, as understated as she is energetic, the yin to her yang: like ‘complementary forces that form a dynamic system in which the whole is greater than the assembled parts’ (thanks Wikipedia). It’s heartwarming and awe-inspiring.

“You know, when people ask what I love most about my job, I can honestly say it’s working side-by-side with my husband,” Zena explains. “It goes beyond creating jewellery or events. We’re building a platform together for our children because that’s what life is all about.

“Don’t get me wrong – we’ve had our challenges and our ups and downs,” she continues. “The Universe, or whatever you believe in, will test you to see how much you want something – it’s all about persistence, patience and passion. Luckily we’re both dedicated, determined and incredibly passionate about what we do.”