Jewelry Designer Cassy Saba Dines at Steak 44 and Shops at Prickly Pear Paper

Designer Cassy Saba’s obsession with black diamonds can be seen in her current collection of stackable rings and bangles. As she works to source the finest stones available for her pieces, she has also developed a sizable following in the process. She splits her time between her design space in New York’s jewelry district and her native Arizona, hosting trunk shows and meeting with private clients to create exquisite custom pieces. During a recent chat, the jewelry maven shared with us her must-visit spots when in town.

View From the Top
“I go to Steak 44 (5101 N. 44th St., Phoenix, 602.271.4400) with my parents whenever I’m in town. Everything chef Robert Watson prepares is amazing, especially the seafood tower. Their private dining suites give the restaurant such a great energy and the crispy s’mores in a jar is a must-try!”

Signed and Sealed
“Prickly Pear Paper (3000 E. Ray Road, Ste. 6, Gilbert) has the best selection of gifts and handmade paper items. I’m a sentimental person and have always gravitated toward beautiful cards and stationery. To me, sending notes the old-fashioned way is connected to meaningful relationships.”

Hotel Heaven
“I met one of my favorite clients in the ladies’ room at the Royal Palms (5200 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix)! I’ve always loved it there. It’s so romantic and has a serene quality about it. I was wearing my custom pearl cross pendant. While washing my hands, a woman noticed it and had to know where I got it. Of course, I told her it was my design. Today she still comes to all of my trunk shows!”

Family Ties
“I’m Lebanese and have a huge extended family. One of our favorite gathering places is Boyce Thompson Arboretum (37615 E. Arboretum Way, Superior). We bring Lebanese food, hike and enjoy all of the nature and beautiful surroundings. It’s an easy drive, only about an hour from Phoenix, but it feels like you’re really getting away.”

Universal Language
“I’ve always loved music. The collection at the Musical Instrument Museum (4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix) is inspiring. Growing up, I played piano, and I sang in Phoenix Children’s Chorus. We traveled all over the world, to New York, France, Germany and Amsterdam. When I went to college, I had to decide between music and jewelry, so I chose jewelry!”