Teasing out and chiselling an alluring and classy piece of jewellery from a piece of wood can be a challenge as it can be difficult to manipulate it to get the desired result. Wood is organic and is expressive, according to RAZIA KUNJ, the creative founder of the eponymous label that she founded two years ago. Her handmade jewellery collections with colourful Indian motifs have a playful, quirky edge and are infused with a feisty spirit. Blending the natural character of wood with her artistic brilliance, Razia’s collections are earthy yet contemporary in form.
After graduating in Applied Arts from Sophia College, how long did you work as an art director in ad agencies?
I worked for about eight years and then took a break for three years when I delivered my baby. Then again I got back as a consultant for two years before starting Thought Blurb, a 360-degree branding and communication agency with my husband Vinod Kunj, eleven years ago.
The making of a neckpiece for your daughter’s dandiya (Gujarati folk dance) performance in school proved to be a turning point for you to switch to jewellery designing. Tell us more about it.
The day before my daughter’s dandiya in school I had forgotten to buy appropriate fashion jewellery, and I couldn’t find anything suitable for a six-year-old from my jewellery box. There was some carpentry work going on in my house; so I strung together a few wooden pieces, painted them, added some beads and sequins and ta-da! The jewellery was set. I took about three to four hours to complete the necklace. It was then that I realised that working with a smaller canvas is what I would like to do in the future.
Post this experience, did you take up any jewellery courses?
Subsequently, I designed a few pieces as gifts for friends and some for myself. By then I was busy balancing between the demands of a growing child and pressures of a growing business, our agency Thought Blurb. However, I did do a short-term course on jewellery manufacturing last year from the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ), Mumbai. It was important for me to understand and empower myself with the basic skills, tools and techniques.
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designing for a better world
uk-based designer jasmine alexander’s works mirror life’s bitter-sweet truths in a highly individualistic way. slivers of her personality shine through in the form of a poet, an unpretentious thinker, an avant-garde jewellery designer, and a fearless crusader of the environment. the sentient designer recently partnered with the renowned ‘sea shepherd’ conservation society, a marine preservation organisation which uses direct action, to create the sea shepherd x jasmine alexander collection of limited edition pieces in 18-karat gold, stainless steel and argentium silver (nontarnish silver). jasmine alexander is an officially appointed ambassador of british jewellery, and an official advisory board member of sea shepherd uk.
Pallavi Foley's Take On Jewellery Trends
STYLE EXPERT PALLAVI FOLEY, celebrity jewellery designer, in an exclusive interview highlights the current jewellery trends, the rising popularity of body ornaments and the fast-changing tastes of consumers. Pallavi, who is acknowledged as India’s Elsa Peretti (of Tiffany fame) by the World Gold Council, is known for her biomorphic and sculptural designs in gold and silver. The awardwinning designer takes cues from nature, life, emotions, and other abstract concepts and interlaces a story around the pieces. Her collections are luxurious and have an unexpected element of incredulity. The avant-garde designer offers jewellery styling tips for today’s confident woman.
The Rising Star
Disha Patani, the new actor on the block, has wowed all with her million-dollar smile and has won over critics with her acting chops. Wrapped in diamonds set in contemporary gold silhouettes, Disha looks stunning in metallic ensembles teamed with silk, leather and lace. In a fashion flashback to the '80s, Disha plays the part of a seductive, glamorous gal from the golden era to perfection!
Desi With a Difference
Human rights-lawyer- turned jewellery designer PRIYANKA MURTHY’S designs spell modern minimalism to the tee. Just one look at her jewellery is enough for you to know that despite its simplistic clean lines, there is an unmistakable wow factor in every piece. The designs are extremely fresh and unique and tailored for the independent working woman.
Toranj Kayvon - Born Star
Little did we know that when we first met fashion photographer Toranj way back in 2013 for an editorial shoot that she would one day be gracing the cover herself. We immediately fell in love with her vivacious spirit, positive energy and prodigious talent. She is among the best when it comes to capturing the facets, sparkle and glitter of diamondsâevident from the fact that she has shot five covers for ADORN in these years. Toranj has also blossomed into a fine actor; she was seen in Manmarziyaan (2018) and will now appear in the upcoming film Kesari (2019), in which she has pivotal role. We chose this rising star in our midst for the March-April cover, and she once again worked her magic with diamonds â only this time, in front of the lens.
Keeping It Simple
Synaâs success can not only be attributed to their over a decade-long existence in the industry, but also their strong and clear aesthetic that hinges on âkeeping it simpleâ. The creative force of Syna â Namrata and Dharmesh Kothari â are always stripping the design to its core to imbue their jewellery with a refreshing take. âWe want to show the heart out instantly, and in its purest form, without losing its inherent character,â says Dharmesh. Each of Synaâs pieces has a little story, a little fragment of historical design and culture â all modernised to work timelessly.Dharmesh Kothari talks about their love for coloured stones, travels and design philosophy.
Siren Song
Italian maestro of erotica MILO MANARA has helmed ten illustrations, depicting an underwater rendezvous between a beautiful, alluring mermaid and a woman, for watchmaker Ulysse Nardin. The series was unveiled for the first time at the SIHH in Geneva in January 2019.
âRarity & Authenticity Distinguish Orevermark Diamonds'
SACHIN JAIN, president, Forevermark India, speaks to ADORN about the growing popularity of jewellery set with hand-picked, rare diamonds that are as unique as each wearer.
Summer Splash
The Mood Is Classy Chic This Summer Season. An Enticing Clash Of Glamorous Ingredients Are Seen In These Audaciously Bold Jewels. Designed By Harshad Ajoomal Of H. Ajoomal Fine Jewellery, The In Vogue Jewels Highlight Unique Pairings Of Colour Gemstones And Diamonds.
Butani's Ingenious Wonders
Exquisite elements make for organic creations that bring Butani’s craftsmanship and artistry to the fore. The brand’s distinctive style and creative harmony tie together the jeweller’s Indian heritage and Asian aesthetics.The Hong Kong-based haute joaillerie brand recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. A capsule collection – unveiled at Basel world earlier this year to mark the forty-year milestone – featured nine exquisitely handcrafted pieces that boldly embrace the brilliance of diamonds, while highlighting the subtle flowing lines and gentle drops. Among the show-stealers were opulent pieces that brilliantly distilled the beauty of fancy yellow diamonds.
