"My father was a craftsman of precious stones… [designing] was not difficult for me, since I knew a great deal about gems and their settings. I think it was in my blood."
Latest Update “When I started with NOVICA back in 2006, I used to have only five artisans working with me. Now I have...Latest Update
“When I started with NOVICA back in 2006, I used to have only five artisans working with me. Now I have around 35-40 artisans working for me, and I have also expanded my workshop. Working with Novica has impacted me a lot. When I joined Novica, I was at my initial stage of designing silver jewelry. Novica has helped me to grow. There’s a certainty of business through regular sales. The personal lives of my artisans have also improved. Working with me has given them employment and a stable life. Now I am in a position to provide funds for their children’s education and healthcare.
“On a scale of 0 to 10, I have attained 5 in my progress with Novica, considering that my expectations are big. I wish to grow more with each passing day as a jewelry designer and create a name for myself. Milestones are yet to be achieved—my expectations are as big as Novica’s mission and vision.
“I want to keep on designing new styles while experimenting with new stones. To keep pace with modern trends and customer requirements is very challenging. But at the same time, I wish to preserve the traditional Indian style of jewelry and continue creating traditional jewelry styles with a contemporary look. Since these days quality stone manufacturers have decreased, stone availability is a major setback. At times they are not available as per my requirements. This is really challenging!
“I have taught jewelry designing to my wife, who is also very much interested in jewelry design, among many others whom I have taught. She is my partner in my life as well as my business. She is my constant support.
“We are looking forward to creating a new category of gemstone figurines for Novica customers which we are working on at present. I would like to thank all my Novica customers for appreciating my jewelry designs and workmanship. I’ll always ensure the best quality and newest of designs for my customers, demonstrating Jaipur’s essence, the place where I belong.”
Original Artist Story
"I come from the enthralling city of Jaipur where I was born and brought up. I was raised by a single parent, since I lost my father when I was barely two and half years old. He died in an accident. Since then, my mother worked so hard to bring us up.
After my schooling, I received a bachelor's degree in commerce and also did a short term course in the French language.
"Jewelry crafting is our family tradition, dating back to the ancient time when Jaipur was brought to its present structure by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. During that time, my ancestors were jewelers in the kingdom of Jaipur. Since then, the tradition and art have been handed down from generation to generation.
"My father was a craftsman of precious stones. I grew up observing the colors and exquisiteness of jewelry so I was inclined to do something different within the same field. I started selling stones when I was only 16. But it turned out to be not very interesting, so I started designing jewelry. It was not difficult for me, since I knew a great deal about gems and their settings. I think it was in my blood. My designs were appreciated in the market and this motivated me to become a professional. Eventually, I opened my own workshop.
"My designs feature gold with precious stones and sterling silver. I use both traditional and modern techniques, according to the requirement of my design. Five artisans assist me. My designs were exhibited in Paris in 2003 and 2004 and received an overwhelming response. I'd welcome your comments too."