Mother, sister, daughter and wife— these are the most common roles that women are associated with. But, not so long ago women started being in step with the men and stretched their boundaries from being home makers to bread winners. Take any field for example, information technology, doctors, scientisists, pilots or presidents, women today have become a super power and carving a niche for themselves in almost every field. But, when it comes to Indian jewellery industry, what we imagine is a traditional, close-minded, male-dominated trade atmosphere where women have no place. But, with the ever-evolving times and gender equality rearing its pretty head up, it is not uncommon to see that women too have made a way through and are here to stay. And, why not? Jewellery is a business of beauty, adornment, embellishment and style, all things that women adore and who better to understand their needs and desires than women themselves. Women jewellery designers are slowly and steadily becoming the ‘style gurus’ of the Indian jewellery industry. Garnering more business and loyal patrons than their male counterparts, women jewellery designers are creating a storm, reportsPriyanka Desai. %% Stepping out of their homes and setting higher benchmarks, women today are taking over the world. There is no profession left where women aren’t in step with men whether it be boxing, wrestling, flying an aircraft or leading company. India’s former president, Pratibha Patil, Pepsi Co’s Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi, Congress Head Sonia Gandhi, Late Kalpana Chawla, the astronaut and many more have been the path breakers. Closer to our industry are the celebrated women jewellery designers who are reining the Indian jewellery scene. Be it, the classic and ethnic jewellery to modern and contemporary jewellery, female jewellery designers are dominating the panaroma. %% Is it the better understanding of women’s psyche that has helped them to achieve greater heights or is it their own love for jewellery? We spoke to few of the top female jewellery designers to know what they think is their secret to success being a female jewellery designer in the male dominated gems and jewellery industry. Bunty Bajaj, a name that echoes style and mystical appeal is a favourite amongst the India’s elite. We asked Bunty what does she think is the reason behind the huge popularity of female jewellery designers in India? “To begin with, jewellery in India is mostly adorned only by women. Thus, this is an art form that requires delicate feminine sensibilities, which are obviously inherent in every woman. Also women in general pay more attention to the details and jewellery designing is all about capturing every nuance to perfection. So jewellery designing as an art form itself leans a little bit more in favour of the woman designer. Having said that there are several fabulous male designers as well. I guess at the end of the day it boils down to talent and creativity.”%% We asked the ace designer Varuna D Jaani for her insights and she concurred with Bunty, adding, “Jewellery designing is all about perseverance, patience and most importantly adaptability. Women are more adaptable than men and can adjust to any given situation far more easily than men. A woman constantly adapts her life and it is a known fact that women are emotionally stronger.”%%

Delhi-based celebrated jewellery designer Mira Gulati, owner of the Mirari boutique also agrees to the Bunty and Varuna. She says, “Elements of feminine charm have always been synonymous with jewellery making in India. The delicate creativity and intuition of the feminine essence manifests itself in the art of jewellery making. That natural flair and instinct is the reason behind the huge popularity of female jewellery designers in India.”%% The female intuition and understanding sensibilities seemed liked the most natural advantage for women designers. As Bunty rightly puts it, “The father of psychology Sigmund Freud died asking one question, ‘what do women want?’ So if history's greatest psychologist couldn't answer this question I would think it is rather tough for any other man to know. I think our (women designers) biggest advantage is that only a woman knows what a woman wants. As I said earlier, it is our inherent feminine sensibilities that are our natural advantage.” %% Mira opines, “A creative mind, whether it belongs to a man or a woman, conjures masterpieces that cherish aestheticism. However, a woman's imagination and creativity surpasses beyond tangible expressions in creating jewellery and adds emotions that reflect the wearer's personality, thereby enhancing the overall aura of the wearer.” %% There is a shift in the way of life in India and women are equivalent to men in all professions. This phenomenon has been seen over the last decade. We asked our esteemed speakers if Indian female jewellery designers were already making their mark in the Indian gem and jewellery industry even before the last decade? To which, Mira answers, “Jewellery making have always been a woman's domain. Our history is witness to the fact that Indian women have always bestowed detailed attention to creating exquisite jewellery that narrates the rich heritage of India. While Kundan jewellery became the preferred style in Northern India, experiments with gold gained popularity in Southern India. Ancient men and women adorned it with graceful elegance.” %% Bunty has a different opinion and shares, “It's only recently in the past few decades that it has become acceptable for women to enter the work force. That's why you see more and more prominent women in the business world today. I would presume that there were always great women designers and they dabbled in the art in their own way in the earlier times. It is just that societal conditions are now conducive to them being able to portray their talent in its full glory and flourish.” %%

Varuna is of the same opinion and adds, “The Indian jewellery industry is 99 per cent male dominated and till a decade ago career was no secondary option for females. It was just her home and her family that were her priorities. It is in the past decade that the women have started exploring new avenues and career opportunities. The present generation is more open to exploration and women now are exploring their passion, be it jewellery design, fashion or entertainment.” %% Our next question to our designers was if they think it is easier for women from a jeweller's family to be a renowned jewellery designer rather than a first generation jewellery designer? Bunty has a straightforward answer and exclaims, “A woman from a jeweller's family does definitely have several advantages. Jewellery making is quite a technical field. We have to make designs that can actually be brought to life. On paper anything can be drawn, but many a times the where with all just doesn't exist to actually manufacture those designs. Women who have been brought up in jewellery families have seen jewellery been made in front of their eyes since childhood, they have seen and subconsciously studied all sorts of diamonds and other precious stones. Their experience with jewellery is far more vast than someone who is not from a jewellery background. So they definitely have several advantages, but at the end of the day if you're talented, hard working and have God's blessings then you will be successful as well.” %% Mira ads to this by saying, “I come from a non-jewellery family background, but I have been passionate about jewellery and gemstones ever since I was 13 years old. I used to often wear my mother’s jewellery, and it was this love for jewellery that helped me successfully convert my passion into my profession. I trained for two years as a jewellery designer and gemologist at the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad. Since I had no background in jewellery, I did every course available at the institute. It is the finesse exuded in the creation of a jewel that dictates the success of a designer. While, family lineage bears prominence in generating brand awareness, the loyal patrons to the matchless creation confer actual success. Hence, the creativity of the designer largely paves the way to success.” %% Varuna comes from an illustrious jeweller’s family and her point of view on the same was eagerly awaited. She gives a direct reply and shares, “You definitely need a Godfather in the industry. But, even if you come from a jeweller’s family, the integrity of the jewellery designer has to be maintained. Right most of the designers are fighting the price-game instead of the design-game. Here, the spotlight is not on the competition between the male and female jewellery designers but between the jewellery designers and the retailers. A jewellery designer whether coming from a jeweller’s family background or is a first-generation jeweller, he/she has to be very price-conscious in India. We as a fraternity of designers need to help each other and make this industry more design oriented than price oriented. I have started a jewellery designing academy to help and guide aspiring young jewellery deisgners and have special scholarships for girl students.” %%

We wondered if female jewellery designer's friend circle helps her cultivate her art of designing? To which Mira articulated, “Like minded individuals form the circle of life and friendship to a person. Hence, a jewellery designer's friends are an interesting mix of distinct personalities and each individual inspires the creator to inculcate diverse cultures and values in the ultimate art of jewellery making. I personally am attracted to individualism, which is probably the reason for a more creative and diverse range that I make.” %% Bunty too had an intriguing viewpoint that we all can concur with. She opined, “As a designer you take inspiration from anything and everything around you. Your friend circle is a very prominent part of your life so they do have quite an influence on a designer's sensibility. For example, if I have a friend who buys jewellery from all over the world and I constantly see her wearing it, I get exposed to different styles of jewellery that I can later incorporate into my designs to give my jewellery a new look. As a designer who have to be very open to learning and exploring and who better to learn from than the company you keep.” %% “A female jewellery designer has a vast friend circle of women. And as we know, women love to talk about fashion and jewellery. When a designer is exposed to such talks and perceptions of other women, it is easier to understand their needs and desires which then can easily be incorporated into a jewellery design. Being with a group of female friends is like a study session for a jewellery designer,” chuckles Varuna. %% The biggest disadvantage the male jewellery designers have is that they cannot adorn the female jewellery designed by them whereas women esigners can flaunt the pieces designed by them in parties and get together and add to the marketing strategy of their brand. Id enquired if what we thought was right and Bunty agreed. She explained, “I always wear my pieces to a party or a wedding. It is definitely the best form of marketing because while I design my jewellery I also envision how it could be worn. So when I wear it myself I am also portraying how I would wear my own jewellery. On many occasions I've had people come and compliment what I'm wearing and several of those people became clients from then on. In fact I have had a friend make me take off a necklace I was wearing at a party and bought it from me immediately.” %% Mira too points out, “My creations are an extension of my personality and it complements my style by enhancing my couture. The uniqueness and rarity of each creation imparts an aspirational value that motivates others to possess a legacy called Mirari.” %% Varuna agrees to Bunty and Mira while adding, “Female jewellery designers who adorn their self designed jewellery with confidence, makes a huge difference and is a very good form of marketing.” %% To conclude this topic of competition between male and female jewellery designers, we asked each of the ladies to advice the young girls who aspire to become a renowned jewellery designer some day. Mira suggests, “Follow your dreams and transform your visions to make this world a beautiful place with your imagination and creativity. Beauty and women are synonymous. Your inherent ability to spread beauty and joy can be honed for a promising future in jewellery designing.” %% Varuna shares, “Women are scared to voice their opinions and stand for them selves which is wrong. Females, today need to opine and make their voices heard. They need to protect themselves and their identities. After all, jewellery design is all about self expression and only if they learn to express themselves will they be true to their designing skills.” %%

“The most important thing for a designer is to try and think out of the box and always try making something exclusive that not available in the market. It is also equally important for a designer to strike a balance and know their audience. There are pieces that I create to satisfy my creative hunger and I know that there is a very niche customer base for these kinds of pieces so it will be a little more difficult to sell. Then there are pieces that I create knowing the larger customer base that I cater to and create along those lines, while still retaining my creative touch. So I would suggest for any new designer to definitely maintain their style thats exclusive to them but also create a balance so that they have long lasting careers. Simply put, I don't make jewellery to make money, I make money to make more jewellery. That's my motto in life that I would share with everyone,” concludes Bunty Bajaj. %%

Mother, sister, daughter and wife— these are the most common roles that women are associated with. But, not so long ago women started being in step with the men and stretched their boundaries from being home makers to bread winners. Take any field for example, information technology, doctors, scientisists, pilots or presidents, women today have become a super power and carving a niche for themselves in almost every field. But, when it comes to Indian jewellery industry, what we imagine is a traditional, close-minded, male-dominated trade atmosphere where women have no place. But, with the ever-evolving times and gender equality rearing its pretty head up, it is not uncommon to see that women too have made a way through and are here to stay. And, why not? Jewellery is a business of beauty, adornment, embellishment and style, all things that women adore and who better to understand their needs and desires than women themselves. Women jewellery designers are slowly and steadily becoming the ‘style gurus’ of the Indian jewellery industry. Garnering more business and loyal patrons than their male counterparts, women jewellery designers are creating a storm, reportsPriyanka Desai. %% Stepping out of their homes and setting higher benchmarks, women today are taking over the world. There is no profession left where women aren’t in step with men whether it be boxing, wrestling, flying an aircraft or leading company. India’s former president, Pratibha Patil, Pepsi Co’s Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi, Congress Head Sonia Gandhi, Late Kalpana Chawla, the astronaut and many more have been the path breakers. Closer to our industry are the celebrated women jewellery designers who are reining the Indian jewellery scene. Be it, the classic and ethnic jewellery to modern and contemporary jewellery, female jewellery designers are dominating the panaroma. %% Is it the better understanding of women’s psyche that has helped them to achieve greater heights or is it their own love for jewellery? We spoke to few of the top female jewellery designers to know what they think is their secret to success being a female jewellery designer in the male dominated gems and jewellery industry. Bunty Bajaj, a name that echoes style and mystical appeal is a favourite amongst the India’s elite. We asked Bunty what does she think is the reason behind the huge popularity of female jewellery designers in India? “To begin with, jewellery in India is mostly adorned only by women. Thus, this is an art form that requires delicate feminine sensibilities, which are obviously inherent in every woman. Also women in general pay more attention to the details and jewellery designing is all about capturing every nuance to perfection. So jewellery designing as an art form itself leans a little bit more in favour of the woman designer. Having said that there are several fabulous male designers as well. I guess at the end of the day it boils down to talent and creativity.”%% We asked the ace designer Varuna D Jaani for her insights and she concurred with Bunty, adding, “Jewellery designing is all about perseverance, patience and most importantly adaptability. Women are more adaptable than men and can adjust to any given situation far more easily than men. A woman constantly adapts her life and it is a known fact that women are emotionally stronger.”%%

Delhi-based celebrated jewellery designer Mira Gulati, owner of the Mirari boutique also agrees to the Bunty and Varuna. She says, “Elements of feminine charm have always been synonymous with jewellery making in India. The delicate creativity and intuition of the feminine essence manifests itself in the art of jewellery making. That natural flair and instinct is the reason behind the huge popularity of female jewellery designers in India.”%% The female intuition and understanding sensibilities seemed liked the most natural advantage for women designers. As Bunty rightly puts it, “The father of psychology Sigmund Freud died asking one question, ‘what do women want?’ So if history's greatest psychologist couldn't answer this question I would think it is rather tough for any other man to know. I think our (women designers) biggest advantage is that only a woman knows what a woman wants. As I said earlier, it is our inherent feminine sensibilities that are our natural advantage.” %% Mira opines, “A creative mind, whether it belongs to a man or a woman, conjures masterpieces that cherish aestheticism. However, a woman's imagination and creativity surpasses beyond tangible expressions in creating jewellery and adds emotions that reflect the wearer's personality, thereby enhancing the overall aura of the wearer.” %% There is a shift in the way of life in India and women are equivalent to men in all professions. This phenomenon has been seen over the last decade. We asked our esteemed speakers if Indian female jewellery designers were already making their mark in the Indian gem and jewellery industry even before the last decade? To which, Mira answers, “Jewellery making have always been a woman's domain. Our history is witness to the fact that Indian women have always bestowed detailed attention to creating exquisite jewellery that narrates the rich heritage of India. While Kundan jewellery became the preferred style in Northern India, experiments with gold gained popularity in Southern India. Ancient men and women adorned it with graceful elegance.” %% Bunty has a different opinion and shares, “It's only recently in the past few decades that it has become acceptable for women to enter the work force. That's why you see more and more prominent women in the business world today. I would presume that there were always great women designers and they dabbled in the art in their own way in the earlier times. It is just that societal conditions are now conducive to them being able to portray their talent in its full glory and flourish.” %%

Varuna is of the same opinion and adds, “The Indian jewellery industry is 99 per cent male dominated and till a decade ago career was no secondary option for females. It was just her home and her family that were her priorities. It is in the past decade that the women have started exploring new avenues and career opportunities. The present generation is more open to exploration and women now are exploring their passion, be it jewellery design, fashion or entertainment.” %% Our next question to our designers was if they think it is easier for women from a jeweller's family to be a renowned jewellery designer rather than a first generation jewellery designer? Bunty has a straightforward answer and exclaims, “A woman from a jeweller's family does definitely have several advantages. Jewellery making is quite a technical field. We have to make designs that can actually be brought to life. On paper anything can be drawn, but many a times the where with all just doesn't exist to actually manufacture those designs. Women who have been brought up in jewellery families have seen jewellery been made in front of their eyes since childhood, they have seen and subconsciously studied all sorts of diamonds and other precious stones. Their experience with jewellery is far more vast than someone who is not from a jewellery background. So they definitely have several advantages, but at the end of the day if you're talented, hard working and have God's blessings then you will be successful as well.” %% Mira ads to this by saying, “I come from a non-jewellery family background, but I have been passionate about jewellery and gemstones ever since I was 13 years old. I used to often wear my mother’s jewellery, and it was this love for jewellery that helped me successfully convert my passion into my profession. I trained for two years as a jewellery designer and gemologist at the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad. Since I had no background in jewellery, I did every course available at the institute. It is the finesse exuded in the creation of a jewel that dictates the success of a designer. While, family lineage bears prominence in generating brand awareness, the loyal patrons to the matchless creation confer actual success. Hence, the creativity of the designer largely paves the way to success.” %% Varuna comes from an illustrious jeweller’s family and her point of view on the same was eagerly awaited. She gives a direct reply and shares, “You definitely need a Godfather in the industry. But, even if you come from a jeweller’s family, the integrity of the jewellery designer has to be maintained. Right most of the designers are fighting the price-game instead of the design-game. Here, the spotlight is not on the competition between the male and female jewellery designers but between the jewellery designers and the retailers. A jewellery designer whether coming from a jeweller’s family background or is a first-generation jeweller, he/she has to be very price-conscious in India. We as a fraternity of designers need to help each other and make this industry more design oriented than price oriented. I have started a jewellery designing academy to help and guide aspiring young jewellery deisgners and have special scholarships for girl students.” %%

We wondered if female jewellery designer's friend circle helps her cultivate her art of designing? To which Mira articulated, “Like minded individuals form the circle of life and friendship to a person. Hence, a jewellery designer's friends are an interesting mix of distinct personalities and each individual inspires the creator to inculcate diverse cultures and values in the ultimate art of jewellery making. I personally am attracted to individualism, which is probably the reason for a more creative and diverse range that I make.” %% Bunty too had an intriguing viewpoint that we all can concur with. She opined, “As a designer you take inspiration from anything and everything around you. Your friend circle is a very prominent part of your life so they do have quite an influence on a designer's sensibility. For example, if I have a friend who buys jewellery from all over the world and I constantly see her wearing it, I get exposed to different styles of jewellery that I can later incorporate into my designs to give my jewellery a new look. As a designer who have to be very open to learning and exploring and who better to learn from than the company you keep.” %% “A female jewellery designer has a vast friend circle of women. And as we know, women love to talk about fashion and jewellery. When a designer is exposed to such talks and perceptions of other women, it is easier to understand their needs and desires which then can easily be incorporated into a jewellery design. Being with a group of female friends is like a study session for a jewellery designer,” chuckles Varuna. %% The biggest disadvantage the male jewellery designers have is that they cannot adorn the female jewellery designed by them whereas women esigners can flaunt the pieces designed by them in parties and get together and add to the marketing strategy of their brand. Id enquired if what we thought was right and Bunty agreed. She explained, “I always wear my pieces to a party or a wedding. It is definitely the best form of marketing because while I design my jewellery I also envision how it could be worn. So when I wear it myself I am also portraying how I would wear my own jewellery. On many occasions I've had people come and compliment what I'm wearing and several of those people became clients from then on. In fact I have had a friend make me take off a necklace I was wearing at a party and bought it from me immediately.” %% Mira too points out, “My creations are an extension of my personality and it complements my style by enhancing my couture. The uniqueness and rarity of each creation imparts an aspirational value that motivates others to possess a legacy called Mirari.” %% Varuna agrees to Bunty and Mira while adding, “Female jewellery designers who adorn their self designed jewellery with confidence, makes a huge difference and is a very good form of marketing.” %% To conclude this topic of competition between male and female jewellery designers, we asked each of the ladies to advice the young girls who aspire to become a renowned jewellery designer some day. Mira suggests, “Follow your dreams and transform your visions to make this world a beautiful place with your imagination and creativity. Beauty and women are synonymous. Your inherent ability to spread beauty and joy can be honed for a promising future in jewellery designing.” %% Varuna shares, “Women are scared to voice their opinions and stand for them selves which is wrong. Females, today need to opine and make their voices heard. They need to protect themselves and their identities. After all, jewellery design is all about self expression and only if they learn to express themselves will they be true to their designing skills.” %%

“The most important thing for a designer is to try and think out of the box and always try making something exclusive that not available in the market. It is also equally important for a designer to strike a balance and know their audience. There are pieces that I create to satisfy my creative hunger and I know that there is a very niche customer base for these kinds of pieces so it will be a little more difficult to sell. Then there are pieces that I create knowing the larger customer base that I cater to and create along those lines, while still retaining my creative touch. So I would suggest for any new designer to definitely maintain their style thats exclusive to them but also create a balance so that they have long lasting careers. Simply put, I don't make jewellery to make money, I make money to make more jewellery. That's my motto in life that I would share with everyone,” concludes Bunty Bajaj. %%

Mother, sister, daughter and wife— these are the most common roles that women are associated with. But, not so long ago women started being in step with the men and stretched their boundaries from being home makers to bread winners. Take any field for example, information technology, doctors, scientisists, pilots or presidents, women today have become a super power and carving a niche for themselves in almost every field. But, when it comes to Indian jewellery industry, what we imagine is a traditional, close-minded, male-dominated trade atmosphere where women have no place. But, with the ever-evolving times and gender equality rearing its pretty head up, it is not uncommon to see that women too have made a way through and are here to stay. And, why not? Jewellery is a business of beauty, adornment, embellishment and style, all things that women adore and who better to understand their needs and desires than women themselves. Women jewellery designers are slowly and steadily becoming the ‘style gurus’ of the Indian jewellery industry. Garnering more business and loyal patrons than their male counterparts, women jewellery designers are creating a storm, reportsPriyanka Desai. %% Stepping out of their homes and setting higher benchmarks, women today are taking over the world. There is no profession left where women aren’t in step with men whether it be boxing, wrestling, flying an aircraft or leading company. India’s former president, Pratibha Patil, Pepsi Co’s Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi, Congress Head Sonia Gandhi, Late Kalpana Chawla, the astronaut and many more have been the path breakers. Closer to our industry are the celebrated women jewellery designers who are reining the Indian jewellery scene. Be it, the classic and ethnic jewellery to modern and contemporary jewellery, female jewellery designers are dominating the panaroma. %% Is it the better understanding of women’s psyche that has helped them to achieve greater heights or is it their own love for jewellery? We spoke to few of the top female jewellery designers to know what they think is their secret to success being a female jewellery designer in the male dominated gems and jewellery industry. Bunty Bajaj, a name that echoes style and mystical appeal is a favourite amongst the India’s elite. We asked Bunty what does she think is the reason behind the huge popularity of female jewellery designers in India? “To begin with, jewellery in India is mostly adorned only by women. Thus, this is an art form that requires delicate feminine sensibilities, which are obviously inherent in every woman. Also women in general pay more attention to the details and jewellery designing is all about capturing every nuance to perfection. So jewellery designing as an art form itself leans a little bit more in favour of the woman designer. Having said that there are several fabulous male designers as well. I guess at the end of the day it boils down to talent and creativity.”%% We asked the ace designer Varuna D Jaani for her insights and she concurred with Bunty, adding, “Jewellery designing is all about perseverance, patience and most importantly adaptability. Women are more adaptable than men and can adjust to any given situation far more easily than men. A woman constantly adapts her life and it is a known fact that women are emotionally stronger.”%%

Delhi-based celebrated jewellery designer Mira Gulati, owner of the Mirari boutique also agrees to the Bunty and Varuna. She says, “Elements of feminine charm have always been synonymous with jewellery making in India. The delicate creativity and intuition of the feminine essence manifests itself in the art of jewellery making. That natural flair and instinct is the reason behind the huge popularity of female jewellery designers in India.”%% The female intuition and understanding sensibilities seemed liked the most natural advantage for women designers. As Bunty rightly puts it, “The father of psychology Sigmund Freud died asking one question, ‘what do women want?’ So if history's greatest psychologist couldn't answer this question I would think it is rather tough for any other man to know. I think our (women designers) biggest advantage is that only a woman knows what a woman wants. As I said earlier, it is our inherent feminine sensibilities that are our natural advantage.” %% Mira opines, “A creative mind, whether it belongs to a man or a woman, conjures masterpieces that cherish aestheticism. However, a woman's imagination and creativity surpasses beyond tangible expressions in creating jewellery and adds emotions that reflect the wearer's personality, thereby enhancing the overall aura of the wearer.” %% There is a shift in the way of life in India and women are equivalent to men in all professions. This phenomenon has been seen over the last decade. We asked our esteemed speakers if Indian female jewellery designers were already making their mark in the Indian gem and jewellery industry even before the last decade? To which, Mira answers, “Jewellery making have always been a woman's domain. Our history is witness to the fact that Indian women have always bestowed detailed attention to creating exquisite jewellery that narrates the rich heritage of India. While Kundan jewellery became the preferred style in Northern India, experiments with gold gained popularity in Southern India. Ancient men and women adorned it with graceful elegance.” %% Bunty has a different opinion and shares, “It's only recently in the past few decades that it has become acceptable for women to enter the work force. That's why you see more and more prominent women in the business world today. I would presume that there were always great women designers and they dabbled in the art in their own way in the earlier times. It is just that societal conditions are now conducive to them being able to portray their talent in its full glory and flourish.” %%

Varuna is of the same opinion and adds, “The Indian jewellery industry is 99 per cent male dominated and till a decade ago career was no secondary option for females. It was just her home and her family that were her priorities. It is in the past decade that the women have started exploring new avenues and career opportunities. The present generation is more open to exploration and women now are exploring their passion, be it jewellery design, fashion or entertainment.” %% Our next question to our designers was if they think it is easier for women from a jeweller's family to be a renowned jewellery designer rather than a first generation jewellery designer? Bunty has a straightforward answer and exclaims, “A woman from a jeweller's family does definitely have several advantages. Jewellery making is quite a technical field. We have to make designs that can actually be brought to life. On paper anything can be drawn, but many a times the where with all just doesn't exist to actually manufacture those designs. Women who have been brought up in jewellery families have seen jewellery been made in front of their eyes since childhood, they have seen and subconsciously studied all sorts of diamonds and other precious stones. Their experience with jewellery is far more vast than someone who is not from a jewellery background. So they definitely have several advantages, but at the end of the day if you're talented, hard working and have God's blessings then you will be successful as well.” %% Mira ads to this by saying, “I come from a non-jewellery family background, but I have been passionate about jewellery and gemstones ever since I was 13 years old. I used to often wear my mother’s jewellery, and it was this love for jewellery that helped me successfully convert my passion into my profession. I trained for two years as a jewellery designer and gemologist at the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad. Since I had no background in jewellery, I did every course available at the institute. It is the finesse exuded in the creation of a jewel that dictates the success of a designer. While, family lineage bears prominence in generating brand awareness, the loyal patrons to the matchless creation confer actual success. Hence, the creativity of the designer largely paves the way to success.” %% Varuna comes from an illustrious jeweller’s family and her point of view on the same was eagerly awaited. She gives a direct reply and shares, “You definitely need a Godfather in the industry. But, even if you come from a jeweller’s family, the integrity of the jewellery designer has to be maintained. Right most of the designers are fighting the price-game instead of the design-game. Here, the spotlight is not on the competition between the male and female jewellery designers but between the jewellery designers and the retailers. A jewellery designer whether coming from a jeweller’s family background or is a first-generation jeweller, he/she has to be very price-conscious in India. We as a fraternity of designers need to help each other and make this industry more design oriented than price oriented. I have started a jewellery designing academy to help and guide aspiring young jewellery deisgners and have special scholarships for girl students.” %%

We wondered if female jewellery designer's friend circle helps her cultivate her art of designing? To which Mira articulated, “Like minded individuals form the circle of life and friendship to a person. Hence, a jewellery designer's friends are an interesting mix of distinct personalities and each individual inspires the creator to inculcate diverse cultures and values in the ultimate art of jewellery making. I personally am attracted to individualism, which is probably the reason for a more creative and diverse range that I make.” %% Bunty too had an intriguing viewpoint that we all can concur with. She opined, “As a designer you take inspiration from anything and everything around you. Your friend circle is a very prominent part of your life so they do have quite an influence on a designer's sensibility. For example, if I have a friend who buys jewellery from all over the world and I constantly see her wearing it, I get exposed to different styles of jewellery that I can later incorporate into my designs to give my jewellery a new look. As a designer who have to be very open to learning and exploring and who better to learn from than the company you keep.” %% “A female jewellery designer has a vast friend circle of women. And as we know, women love to talk about fashion and jewellery. When a designer is exposed to such talks and perceptions of other women, it is easier to understand their needs and desires which then can easily be incorporated into a jewellery design. Being with a group of female friends is like a study session for a jewellery designer,” chuckles Varuna. %% The biggest disadvantage the male jewellery designers have is that they cannot adorn the female jewellery designed by them whereas women esigners can flaunt the pieces designed by them in parties and get together and add to the marketing strategy of their brand. Id enquired if what we thought was right and Bunty agreed. She explained, “I always wear my pieces to a party or a wedding. It is definitely the best form of marketing because while I design my jewellery I also envision how it could be worn. So when I wear it myself I am also portraying how I would wear my own jewellery. On many occasions I've had people come and compliment what I'm wearing and several of those people became clients from then on. In fact I have had a friend make me take off a necklace I was wearing at a party and bought it from me immediately.” %% Mira too points out, “My creations are an extension of my personality and it complements my style by enhancing my couture. The uniqueness and rarity of each creation imparts an aspirational value that motivates others to possess a legacy called Mirari.” %% Varuna agrees to Bunty and Mira while adding, “Female jewellery designers who adorn their self designed jewellery with confidence, makes a huge difference and is a very good form of marketing.” %% To conclude this topic of competition between male and female jewellery designers, we asked each of the ladies to advice the young girls who aspire to become a renowned jewellery designer some day. Mira suggests, “Follow your dreams and transform your visions to make this world a beautiful place with your imagination and creativity. Beauty and women are synonymous. Your inherent ability to spread beauty and joy can be honed for a promising future in jewellery designing.” %% Varuna shares, “Women are scared to voice their opinions and stand for them selves which is wrong. Females, today need to opine and make their voices heard. They need to protect themselves and their identities. After all, jewellery design is all about self expression and only if they learn to express themselves will they be true to their designing skills.” %%

“The most important thing for a designer is to try and think out of the box and always try making something exclusive that not available in the market. It is also equally important for a designer to strike a balance and know their audience. There are pieces that I create to satisfy my creative hunger and I know that there is a very niche customer base for these kinds of pieces so it will be a little more difficult to sell. Then there are pieces that I create knowing the larger customer base that I cater to and create along those lines, while still retaining my creative touch. So I would suggest for any new designer to definitely maintain their style thats exclusive to them but also create a balance so that they have long lasting careers. Simply put, I don't make jewellery to make money, I make money to make more jewellery. That's my motto in life that I would share with everyone,” concludes Bunty Bajaj. %%