Ladyspeak: A golden art

Nita Rai is a jewellery designer, Bangalore

IT'S been oft said 'necessity is the mother of invention'; this saying holds good for me. After completing my studies and post- graduate diploma in interior design, I was in search of a career in fine arts, since I always had an aptitude for it. A couple of years after marriage, I went through a course in jewelry designing from the JD Institute of Fashion Technology.

What started as a mere hobby eventually turned into a full- fledged vocation. I have been designing for over 6 years now. I started it when my daughter was around 9 years old and my son was 5 ; ages when they are most adaptable and eager to explore. My husband, though a very busy executive, has always been supportive (more by being non-interfering!). He believes that every individual, especially women, must pursue their areas of interest in life to be able to have a sense of accomplishment. There is definitely more to life than just bringing up children well. Having been a good planner and time manager, I am able to mix and match and juggle the various activities of home running and my work without difficulty.

Jewellery designing is an upcoming segment and the trend is shifting from the purely traditional to a more contemporary genre, though I must admit that I have taken inspiration from the traditional style. I still do so.

I firmly believe that with the spurt in designing, one needs to focus on design realisation. The design on paper should appear good but the realised jewellery product should look fascinating. Keeping the latest trends and the discerning Indian women in mind, I work with pearls, gold / gold plated silver, rubies, emeralds and other precious stones. I also do a lot of re- designing for my clients. I have a few but very good craftsmen in Delhi and Bangalore, who are able to translate my requirements very efficiently.

There is an increasing demand for fashion jewellery designers, as both men and women and not just youngsters, want to wear trendy and unique designs. My pieces are priced between Rs. 500 to Rs. 20,000 and many are one of a kind.

I usually hold exhibitions at home but I have also done shows with Air France, Lufthansa and British Airways.

As told to MALINI SURYANARAYANAN.