Alumni
AU Alumna Princess Sora Saud of Saudi Arabia Launches Jewelry Business
Princess Sora Saud of Saudia Arabia (BA psychology '15) has become the first woman of royal Saudi descent to launch a jewelry business in the United States. The pieces in her collection, Sora by Loren Jewels, are all hand crafted and inspired by Saud’s rich cultural heritage.
“I hope to start a conversation that connects cultures and sheds light on the remarkable talent that exists in Saudi,” Saud said. “This is only the beginning.”
Saud currently divides her time between Saudi Arabia, Europe, and Washington, DC.
She studied at Saudi Arabia’s Effat University before receiving her degree at American University. She credits her time at AU for encouraging her to be open to new experiences and cultures.
"Studying at American University was an experience I will never forget. It opened my eyes to the world and the remarkable diversity that exists within it,” Saud said. “At AU, you’re surrounded by an incredibly supportive community. The open communication between professors and students encourages you to try new things and not to be afraid of failure.”
Passion for Design
The princess was born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where she developed a passion for design from a young age. Her mother, Princess Alia, is a talented artisan who encouraged Saud’s creativity.
Saud’s collection ranges from earrings and rings to hair accessories. “Behind every piece of jewelry is a diverse, distinctive woman. I encourage every one to embrace their unique style and to be their most confident self,” she said.
Advocate for Women
Saud said she learned the importance of education from her mother, and from her grandfather, the belated Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, an equal rights activist who expanded educational reforms, opened employment opportunities for women, and gave women the right to vote.
Saud supports a wide range of humanitarian organization including the Children’s Inn at the National Institute of Health (NIH), the National Council on US-Arab Relations, and the Mentor Foundation. In addition, she advocates for female empowerment and women in business through her role as a global ambassador for 10KSA, a Saudi breast cancer awareness campaign.
For More Information
The Sora by Loren Jewels collection is available online at http://www.soralorenjewels.com. Follow Princess Sora Saud on Twitter and Instagram at @SoraSaud.