Style Spy: Bright spark

Shaheen Abbas
37, Shaheen Abbas Fine Jewellery

“I like experimenting with my looks – one day I wake up thinking I’m a rock star, and the next, I’m channeling boho-chic. Personally, I love spikes and studs – the whole punk rock look. I am obsessed with hand jewellery, like bracelets, cuffs and watches; they’re great to stack and layer.

Rekha and the way she wore her jewellery influenced me when I was growing up; I don’t necessarily share her aesthetics but still love the whole OTT look.

Travel plays a major part in my designs. My last collection, The Magic of the Mashrabiyas, was based on my Hajj Aur Umrah experience – the architecture turned into filigree diamond cuffs and earrings.”

Georgette dress, Alexander Wang at Le Mill. Leather heels, Saint Laurent. White gold and diamond cuff, diamond-encrusted gold ring; both Shaheen Abbas for Gehna Jewellers

Photographs: Farzan Randelia; Styling: Neha Salvi; Make-up and hair: Vidhi Salecha

Payal Shah
24, L’Dezen

“My style depends on my day; when I’m at the desk, I prefer a pant-suit and if I have a trunk show planned, then I change things up with a dress with cool heels (my favourite pair are my lipstick Prada heels).

The jewellery I design walks the fine line between sophisticated and avant-garde. The bold yet lightweight designs are modern but anchored in time-tested techniques. The use of sliced diamonds is key to my designs – an idea I inherited from my father. These diamonds have a unique characteristic of playing with light, which makes them great to switch from day to night.

There’s nothing more exciting than to see our designs being embraced far and wide – Carrie Underwood wore our jewellery to the 2014 Billboard Music Awards!”

Silk dress, suede block heels; both Gucci. Gold and diamond earrings, ring; both L’Dezen

Photographs: Neville Sukhia; Styling: Akanksha Kamath; Make-up and hair: Arti Nayar

Sagar Mukim
34, SANNU.in

“My personal style could be described as minimalist. I love stocking up on shirt dresses, well-fitted high-waist trousers and casual tees from my favourite luxury labels.

With decidedly western ensembles, I prefer to add a touch of east with my jewellery – a perfect blend of the two worlds.

The jewellery I design at SANNU.in aims to make fine jewellery accessible for daily wear. Choose beaten gold that has an organic feel or add Indian flair through delicate meenakari earrings with a pair of jeans and sneakers. It’s all about finding new ways to work with timeless pieces.”

Cotton shirt dress, Dolce & Gabbana. Leather block heels, Stuart Weitzman. Meenakari gold and diamond earrings, agate necklace; both SANNU.in

Photographs: Neville Sukhia; Styling: Akanksha Kamath; Make-up and hair: Vidhi Salecha

Priyanka Rakyan
37, Rakyan’s Fine Jewellery

“I like to change up my personal style depending on my mood and the occasion. I’m not swayed by trends but in terms of my personal jewellery collection, my favourites are my rings, which are made of large Colombian emeralds, fine rubies and quirky animal designs.

I like timelessness in my designs as well, and a lot of my inspiration comes from my clients. But Coco Chanel is my ultimate icon; her famous quote, “A girl should be two things – classy and fabulous,” has always been my style motto.

To me, the wearability of jewellery is hugely important; we’re particular about making our pieces detachable – and versatile – for our clients.”

Silk dress, Carven at Moon River. Diamond drop earrings, diamond bracelets; both Rakyan’s Fine Jewellery

Photographs: Hormis Antony Tharakan; Styling: Arushi Parakh; Make-up and hair: Sonam Kapoor

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