Shaill Jhaveri Couture
A graduate of the Parsons School of Design in New York, Shaill Jhaveri founded his signature line of precious jewellery, Shaill, in 2000. Working primarily with precious stones and 18k gold, Jhaveri’s pieces are inventive, drawing on sources as varied as traditional Indian inlay work and vintage French design. Effectively balancing delicacy and refinement with a bold contemporary look and feel, Jhaveri’s collection is diverse and original. Apart from his own line, Jhaveri has collaborated with several other designers and jewellery houses. In 2009, he will launch ‘Shaill Jhaveri Couture’, a line of one-of-a-kind pieces that meld traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics. Amongst his honours are a scholarship from Tiffany and Company, two DeBeers Diamond Today awards, and the Intergold Award from the World Gold Council. A native of India, Jhaveri lives and works in New York.
Pooja
Born in Bangalore, India, Pooja is a graduate gemologist from the Gemological Association of Great Britain and is trained in diamond grading from International Gemmological Institute in Antwerp. A citizen of Singapore, she is contributing editor and columnist to several top global fashion, watch and jewellery magazines. In Milan, Pooja studied the intricacies and sensitivities of jewellery design from master Italian craftsmen of internationally recognised fine jewellery houses. Pooja continues to frequent Italy, as a gem and jewelry advisor. Her keen eye for design and search for excellence has taken her to places as diverse as Moscow, Venice, Istanbul, St. Petersburg, and Paris.
Harshad Ajoomal
Harshad Ajoomal has been designing and manufacturing fine hand crafted jewelry since 1990. Well traveled and exposed, he draws inspiration from different cultures, adapting global trends in his designs and creating non-conventional, versatile collections. Before successfully launching his private label H. Ajoomal in 2006, he was partner and promoter for the wholesale and export brand, Sama Jewllery, actively heading its creative department. Taking a step further, Ajoomal collaborated on and jointly launched the high end jewelry brand ‘Farah Khan Fine Jewels’ with the designer Farah Khan. At his recently inaugurated atelier in Mumbai, Harshad works with clients one-on-one to create customized avant-garde jewelry, which combines local highly skilled craftsmanship with contemporary design.
Mona Mehta
Born and brought up in Mumbai, Mona Mehta is passionate about designing and creating pieces of jewelry using different mediums. Although she is inspired by ancient Indian jewelry, her pieces are modeled using modern techniques. Most of her designs reflect traditional aesthetics and opulence, reflecting her deep study of several collections of Indian jewelry that have been documented and preserved over generations. Presently, Mona is Creative Director at Orra, the retail arm of Rosy Blue, a diamond company and DeBeers sight holder. Once a year, Mona Mehta showcases an exclusive and eagerly anticipated collection, each with a unique theme and concept, offering collectors pieces of subtle indulgence and decorative flamboyance that incorporate the finest diamonds, rubies, emeralds and natural pearls.
Biren Vaidya
In addition to being a master craftsman and entrepreneur, Biren Vaidya is a dreamer and innovator. Amongst his honours are a 1998 commission from the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India to create a bejeweled Ashoka Pillar for the President of the country, the 2001 Man of the Year Award from Tradepost watch magazine, and a 2002 Design Award from Elle-Décor. His professionalism and foresight has been recognized by his contemporaries, and Vaidya has served as convenor and co-convenor of the Exhibition Committee of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India four times. Under his leadership and vision, the Rose Group has expanded from its core business of jewelry to watches, fashion and retail, and become one of the subcontinent’s leading organizations in these fields.