Founded in 2024 by designer and celebrity stylist Haley Khan, new fine jewellery brand Calëo is a celebration of individuality, sophistication and style. Stephenie Gee reports
The world of fine jewellery is a traditional one. The same established houses have been dominating for over a century – which doesn’t leave much room for innovation – but new brand on the block Calëo is shaking things up with its unique approach to design.
Founded in 2024 by designer and celebrity stylist Haley Khan, Calëo takes inspiration from the myths of muses, designed to ignite the inner fire of those who wear it and crafted to complement all style stories. Its name, derived from the Latin word meaning “to be hot”, embodies the passion and energy infused into every creation. “Calëo represents the everyday Modern Muse; a dynamic woman notable for her personality, creative energy, elegance and finesse,” says Khan. “She is multifaceted – as comfortable in the world of fashion as she is in science, art or music. She defines her style with intention and grace, curating a world that reflects her individuality. Calëo jewellery is designed to empower, express and elevate her presence, wherever her journey takes her.”
Over millennia, jewellery has evolved from markers of status and prestige to expressions of personal stories and values. Beyond the glimmer of precious stones and the allure of metals lies a deeper narrative of individuality and self-expression. Khan understands this. All meticulously made in Italy, Germany and Thailand with each diamond and gemstone personally handpicked by Khan herself, Calëo pieces are not just ornaments; they are meant to feel like an extension of oneself – a way to celebrate individuality, heritage and artistry. Whether it’s a bold statement necklace or a delicate, intricate ring, each creation becomes a manifestation of artistic expression. The wearer becomes a curator of their own style, weaving their story through the carefully selected gems and metals that adorn them.
Some feel like mini works of art designed for the face: constellations of multicoloured sapphires suspended in 18k gold settings to create the illusion of orbiting celestial bodies, delicate rings featuring ribbons of diamonds tightly bound in contemporary knots and geometric drop earrings densely pavéd with 392 natural diamonds. Then there’s the more classic: an open bangle tipped with a bezel-set seafoam tourmaline, voluminous links punctuated with diamonds, or convertible cascading diamond earrings that shift from studs to dangles.
“Inspiration is everywhere; in the graceful curve of an architectural silhouette, the abstract beauty of modern art, or the intricate detailing of historical artifacts. I love to challenge conventions by reimagining traditional jewellery design with a contemporary edge. New materials and techniques excite me, and I strive to create pieces that feel both avant-garde and timeless,” Khan says. “Calëo piece tells a story. For example, our signature Helix necklace draws inspiration from the DNA helix, symbolising vitality and the essence of life. Similarly, the Over Clover collection blends delicate golden clover motifs with a touch of whimsy, evoking luck and prosperity for its wearer.”
With a background in gemmology from the prestigious Gemmological Institute of America, Khan got her start as a celebrity stylist, working with style leaders, renowned design houses and luxury jewellery brands the likes of Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Harry Winston, David Webb and Tiffany & Co. Along the way, she learned that personal style is deeply individualistic – what works for one person may not for another.
“Jewellery is the ultimate form of self-expression,” she says. “My love for it was ignited during my time as a stylist in New York City, where I had the privilege of working with some of the most exquisite pieces. I vividly remember a photoshoot with the 10 most powerful women in finance. It was astonishing to see how jewellery elevated their looks, adding depth and power to their presence. That transformative quality of fine jewellery is what captivated me, and I’ve been in love with it ever since.”
After years of immersing herself in the creative processes of the fashion industry, Khan felt a calling to create something that truly reflected her vision and values. “Launching Calëo was a deeply personal journey for me,” she says. “Calëo is my way of blending art, design and craftsmanship into something meaningful and lasting. Being a designer and artist first, I wanted to create a brand that felt authentic, a testament to the beauty of individuality and the power of self-expression.”
It hasn’t been easy by any means. Challenges are an inevitable part of creating something extraordinary, and Khan welcomes them as opportunities to learn and grow. “One of my designs took over a year and a half to perfect, with three rounds of sampling before achieving the final result. The process was demanding, but I refused to compromise on quality or vision,” she recalls. “For me, perseverance is key. I approach challenges with creativity and determination, finding solutions that align with Calëo’s ethos of excellence. It’s not about taking the easy path, it’s about crafting something that stands the
test of time and remains true to the brand’s values.”
It’s proved successful. One year since its founding, Calëo has quickly become a celebrity favourite, debuting on red carpets and adorning the hands of actresses such as Meg Donnelly, Whitney Cummings and Hayley Hasselhoff. And now, Khan is ready to take the brand to the next level. “The future is luminous. Starting in 2026, we will embark on a series of exclusive trunk shows across the US, Asia and Europe, showcasing our collections to a global audience. Beyond that, I’m also thrilled about collaborations and events,” Khan says. Most recently, this included a presentation at the Palace Museum, celebrating Middle Eastern–origin gemstones alongside a curated tour of the museum’s Arabic carpet exhibit. “It’s moments like these that allow us to merge artistry, culture and storytelling – an integral part of Calëo’s journey as we continue to inspire and empower the modern muse.”
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