In both business and personal life, I've always found that travel inspires me more than anything else I do. Evidence of the languages, cultures, scenery, food, and design sensibilities that I discover all over the world can be found in every piece of my jewellery.
-Ivanka Trump
Jewellery reflects who you are and Bharathi Raviprakash has loved jewellery right from the time she can remember. In the process she has managed to make fashionistas sit back and take notice of her work. We caught up with the successful jewellery designer who was in the city recently to display her latest collection- 'The Colorato Collection'. Bharathi says, “Since the collection is inspired by colours, we have used a variety of stones. We have used stones like kunzite (pink in color), rutilated quartz, multi-coloured sapphires, aquamarines, blue topaz, tanzanites and a lot more. Each and every stone that we have used has an individual description behind it.”
Bharathi studied at the Gemological Institute of America (in London).“It was a phenomenal experience to study under the world renowned masters about the nature of diamonds, precious stones and design elements including the philosophy of design and business of jewellery,” she says of her stint at the reputed institute. Though she believes qualification is imperative, she says, “One needs to learn, qualify, experience and know at the end that its all about the client.” With a clientele which boasts mostly of A-listers in the corporate world, there is not a single person or a celebrity she dreams of adorning her jewellery with. She adds, “I'd love to see it on anybody, especially any woman who walks into my store.” Just like her designs, she likes to keep it simple. When we ask her about her personal style statement, she says, “I love all jewellery, but not overcrowding. I would prefer one dramatic piece or a few simple pieces that are well co-ordinated.”
Keeping in mind the ethical issues pertaining to sourcing of gem stones, the designer uses 'conflict-free' diamonds and gemstones sourced from reputed trading houses.
While its not easy to mix craft with commerce, Bharati does it with elan. She considers herself a designer with a business acumen and doesn't take the credit. “We have qualified professionals in responsible positions to meet customer requirements. The design plays a dominant part as it our USP and we have highly skilled craftsmen who translate our designs to excellent finished products.”
She derives her inspiration from nature and people. However, for her the most inspiring factor are the 'stones themselves'. Bharati travels to different countries, attends seminars as well as jewellery trade fairs to keep herself constantly updated on the evolving techniques in the field. Bharati once created an entire line inspired by chillies, after her return from Turkey. Pendants and earrings with a single or a cluster of red chillies was a big hit with youngsters.
On being asked about her future plans, she signs off, “To continue making splendid jewellery.”
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