Arabic Calligraphy Styles in Jewellery: Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, Kufi
Calligraphy
Most Arabic name jewellery follows one of five calligraphy styles. Naskh is the clearest to read, Thuluth and Diwani are the most decorative, Kufi is angular and geometric, and Ruqah is simple and compact. If the name should be easy to read for anyone who knows Arabic, lean towards Naskh or Ruqah; if the piece is mainly about shape, Diwani or Thuluth give the most flow. Lana Al Kamal shapes names with its own golden-bubbles technique in 18K gold, shown in the Arabic Calligraphy collection.
Shop the Arabic Name Necklace18K gold · Free delivery in the UAE · Pay in instalments with Tabby or Tamara (UAE and KSA) · Help on WhatsApp
By Lana Al Kamal
Founder and jewellery designer, GIA-trained, Dubai · Updated 12 November 2026
As featured in
Harper's Bazaar ArabiaEmirates WomanGrazia ArabiaJdeed MagazineIn this guide
The five styles compared
| Style | Look | Ease of reading | Feel in a pendant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naskh (النسخ) | Rounded, even strokes | Easiest; the basis of most printed Arabic | Clean and classic |
| Thuluth (الثلث) | Tall letters, deep curves | Harder; letters can stack and overlap | Grand, formal |
| Diwani (الديواني) | Flowing, slanted, interlaced | Harder for casual readers | Ornate, romantic |
| Kufi (الكوفي) | Angular, straight lines | Varies by design; some forms are very geometric | Modern, graphic |
| Ruqah (الرقعة) | Short, simple strokes | Easy; common everyday handwriting | Understated, personal |
Pieces in this guide
Arabic Name NecklaceFrom AED 4,250Shop now
Arabic Letter NecklaceAED 3,200Shop now
Love NecklaceAED 3,800Shop now
What each style is known for
Kufi is one of the oldest Arabic scripts, with straight, angular strokes; it suits bold, geometric jewellery. Naskh is rounded and clear, and most printed Arabic text today is based on it, so a Naskh name reads at a glance. Thuluth is a large, curving display script seen in architectural inscriptions; it looks majestic but needs space. Diwani developed in the Ottoman chancery and is known for its flowing, tightly joined letters, which is why it is popular for decorative name pieces. Ruqah is the plain, quick style many people write by hand.
How to choose a style for a name necklace
Start with the reader. A gift for someone whose family reads Arabic can carry a decorative style; a piece meant to be recognised by everyone is safer in a clear one. Then think about length: short names such as نور or ريم leave room for flourishes, while long names such as عبدالرحمن read better in a compact style. Finally, look at the dots. Many Arabic letters are told apart only by dots, and in the Lana Al Kamal Arabic Name Necklace those dots are VS diamonds. For size, gold colour and chain, see our guide to Arabic name pendant designs.
What to buyArabic Name Necklace, from AED 4,250What if I want a single letter?
A single letter shows the shape of the script without the length of a name. The Arabic Letter Necklace offers all 28 letters in 18K gold with a VS diamond, about 10 x 14 mm, at AED 3,200 (November 2026).
Frequently asked questions
Which Arabic calligraphy style is best for a name necklace?
For easy reading, Naskh or Ruqah. For a decorative look, Diwani or Thuluth. For a modern, geometric look, Kufi.
What is Diwani script?
A flowing, slanted Arabic script developed in the Ottoman chancery, known for tightly joined letters. It is popular for decorative name jewellery.
What is the easiest Arabic script to read?
Naskh, because most printed Arabic text today is based on it. Ruqah, the common handwriting style, is also easy to read.
What is Kufi script?
One of the oldest Arabic scripts, with straight, angular strokes. It gives jewellery a bold, geometric look.
What style does Lana Al Kamal use?
Lana Al Kamal shapes Arabic names with its own golden-bubbles technique in 18K gold, with VS diamond dots on dotted letters.
Browse the Arabic Calligraphy collection
Not sure which one?
Send our team a photo or a question on WhatsApp and we will help you choose.
WhatsApp our teamKeep reading
Arabic Name Pendant Designs: Size, Style and ChainHow to Write Your Name in Arabic for a NecklaceArabic Name Necklace in 18K Gold: The Complete Guide
About Lana Al Kamal
Lana Al Kamal is an architect and jewellery designer who founded her Dubai-based fine jewellery brand in 2018. She studied at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and is a member of the Dubai Chamber jewellery designers group. Most pieces are made in 18K gold.
