Modernist At Heart

Diverse interests make HARSHAD AJOOMAL a fascinating jewellery artist. Known for his ultramodern aesthetics, Harshad dives deep into his hobbies and learns new art forms to hone his artistic skills. Being by the sea inspires and energises him no end. But that is not all – he meditates, is an avid scuba-diver and a swimmer, and has begun to recently learn sculpting and organic farming. A seasoned globe-trotter, Harshad loves to visit museums around the world, and is fascinated by architecture and history. He has also written some children’s adventure books, which hopefully he will publish some day. Colour plays a very important role in Harshad’s avant-garde designs that lean towards abstract influences. Paying utmost importance to form and function, the talented artist has an impressive body of modern designs that transcend timeline barriers.

- Shanoo Bijlani

You are known as for introducing fashion-forward fine jewellery in the industry. How did you steer towards it? When did you establish your brand H. Ajoomal?

It’s been a long journey of learning, a trial to reach where I am today. The process actually starts when you begin to expose yourself to various forms of design aesthetics and culture. That’s when your brain gets trained to observe and absorb different mediums and art forms. I love history, art, fashion, and new and old architecture. With time, your own style emerges but this journey doesn’t end; it’s lifelong. I have recently started learning sculpture and organic farming.

What was the trigger to join the jewellery industry? Where did you study gemmology and jewellery making?

I was 19, and came from a business background. I was studying Commerce at HR College and to beat boredom during one summer vacation, my father suggested I take up a gemmology course at the Gemmological Institute of India (GII) where my cousin, Navin Jashnani, was a professor. So, I joined the programme and had a blast. I fell in love with diamonds and gemstones and since then there was no looking back. Navin wanted to get into the jewellery business and suggested I join him. Since there were no schools to learn goldsmithing skills in India at that time I worked as an apprentice at a jewellery factory in the master making department. It was very hard work for a year or so but I look back and realise I understand or think in 3D because of what I learnt on the bench. I always knew I had a creative side to me; my mother tells me I used to love making things when I was younger and was very good at sketching. I guess this line of work made perfect sense. As a designer, I get a creative outlet, I love product development and manufacturing, and above all, my Sindhi business acumen is put to good use.