Deepak Sankit of Deen Dayal R. Jewellers is an award-winning master craftsman of meenakari who has learnt the art from his family of master craftsmen. He talks about bringing his art to IIJS Premiere 2021 better understanding of the painstaking detailing that goes into the creation of timeless pieces.
Tell us about your brand. I am a master craftsman of meenakari, the extraordinary enamel craft closely associated with the Pink City of Jaipur. The art has been passed down from generation to generation. I come from the family of Late Raj Kumar Sankit who was a master craftsman. Other members of my family are also trained in the art. We have a store Emporia DR in Civil Lines, Jaipur.
Can you tell us a little more about your jewellery collections?
Meenakari is a painstaking, traditional process that can take months to finish. I am inspired the artistic beauty of the Jaipur City Palace. My jewellery inventory encompasses buttons, cufflinks, rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings exquisitely hand painted with birds, animals and floral motifs using the art of meenakari.
Can you tell us a little more about the art form?
Meenakari is an age-old unique jewellery art form that employs hot enamelling and gold foiling techniques to create beautiful imagery in vivid colours. The technique involves engraving the gold before applying the enamel, in order for the glass colour or meena to shimmer like precious stones.
You are a master craftsman of repute. Could you share some of your accomplishments with us?
I won a National Merit Award in 2003 for excellence in meenakari. I have been honoured by Her Highness Raj Mata Padimani Devi of Jaipur for my work. The Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum Trust has recognised my contribution to the art of meenakari and my effort to pursue, refine and further this traditional craft in contemporary context by giving me the Raja Bhagwant Das Award 2018 For Excellence in Traditional Crafts of Jaipur.
I have also received the World Crafts Council (WCC) Award of Excellence for Handicrafts, 2018 – South Asia Subregion for an exquisite meenakari photo frame that I made.
I have given live demonstrations in New York (USA), Budapest, Australia, Switzerland, Italy, and neighbouring Asian countries. I recently represented India to promote the art form in Honolulu (Hawaii) and Lipoint Gallery in Vancouver,Canada.
I have also held workshops at several design institutes such as Arch College of Design & Business, Pearl Academy, IICD, IIGJ, Manipal University, etc.
What will you showcase at IIJS Premiere 2021?
I am bringing new collections in gold with kundan meenakari work along with special nizam setting jewellery which is a huge trend at the moment. My USP is a collection of meenakari cufflinks and polki jewellery.
What are your expectations from the show?
For me, IIJS is the best place to understand new trends of the jewellery industry post pandemic. We hope to have a successful show.
our unique bridal creations.
What prompted you to participate in IIJS?
I participated in IIJS Signature 2020 and got an amazing response to my earlier collection, A Tribute to Kashi. When I got an opportunity to participate in IIJS Premiere as a Women Entrepreneur, I was thrilled. I am extremely thankful and grateful for this wonderful initiative by the Council. I look forward to meeting fellow industry members and seeing new and exciting concepts.