Karni Jewellers of Hyderabad have long mastered the art of captivating their clientele with one-off pieces that are modern-day heirlooms. The finely crafted pieces, made from a delicate mesh of gold, feature a smooth finish, both the front and back, enhanced by the understated lustre of rose cut diamonds and the luminosity of pearls and gemstones – old-world charm presented in a refreshing design language.
BHARAT VERMA, Managing Partner of the firm, discusses the unique selling proposition of his manufacturing firm, which upholds the ancient jewellery-making crafts of Jaipur and Hyderabad, while adding value through finely finished, artful pieces. Without losing their grip on their artistry and design DNA, Karni Jewellers is set to embrace a contemporary approach, focusing on clean, understated designs that resonate with young connoisseurs who view jewellery as wearable art. “We continue to blend the richness of our heritage with a modern perspective to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving jewellery trade,” says Verma.
Could you share the journey of Karni Jewellers from its inception?
Karni Jewellers, an uber luxury wholesaler and manufacturer of fine jewellery, began in 1961 when late Ganesh Lal Verma, migrated from Deshnoke, Rajasthan, to Hyderabad in pursuit of better opportunities.
My visionary father Kundanlal Verma, Director of the firm, laid the foundation of the business along with his two younger brothers – Hanuman and Kanaiyalal Verma.
Our business is built on a deep reverence for craftsmanship, innovation in jewellery design and lot of hard work.
For over 60 years, Karni Jewellers has catered to the needs of both traditional and contemporary jewellery buyers, creating timeless heirlooms for respected jewellers worldwide.
We specialise in Indo-Russian and gold Victorian jewellery, which is studded with precious gemstones and rose cut diamonds. We also deal in jadau masterpieces laying great emphasis on design and craftmanship. We are also known for our large idols crafted intricately in precious metals and studded with gemstones.
How big is your manufacturing firm? Since all your jewellery is handcrafted, what types of traditional crafts do you employ to keep them alive?
Our manufacturing setup is vertically integrated, ensuring complete control over every stage of production, from sourcing raw materials to crafting of jewellery to the final quality checks.
We employ over 150 highly skilled artisans who specialise in various traditional crafts that are specific to Hyderabad and Jaipur.
Our artisans are well-versed in age-old techniques such as complex filigree (jali) work, gemstone-cutting, and Persian goldsmithing methods. These crafts are passed down through generations, allowing us to keep these traditions alive. Each signature piece of jewellery is created with exceptional detail, often taking months to perfect, ensuring that the art of handcrafting remains central to our identity.
What sets Karni Jewellers apart in terms of design philosophy and the emotions you aim to evoke through your handcrafted jewellery collections?
At Karni Jewellers, we believe that jewellery is more than just an accessory; it’s a personal expression of one’s heritage, emotion, and style.
Our design philosophy is rooted in blending timeless elegance with innovative craftsmanship.
We take inspiration from different eras and cultures, whether it’s the grandeur of Victorian jewels or the rich traditions of Indian temple jewellery or usage of flora and fauna. We love to depict elephants and parrots, and these motifs are featured artistically in most of our jewellery.
Our aim is to evoke a sense of royalty, sophistication, and personal connection in every piece, turning them into heirlooms that transcend generations.
Given your focus on high-end diamond jewellery, how have record high gold prices influenced buying patterns?
High gold prices certainly have an impact on the market. However, for high-end jewellery, where the intrinsic value often lies more in the workmanship, finesse, precious gemstones, and artistic design, we haven’t seen a significant downturn in interest.
In fact, many of our clients view our jewellery as timeless pieces that go beyond mere monetary value, making them attractive even in times of high gold prices.
Our clients continue to seek unique and statement pieces that serve as both emotional and financial investments.
Tell us about your views on how the cut on gold duty will impact the outlook of the industry.
A reduction in gold duty plays a pivotal role in boosting consumer demand. Lower prices will likely attract more buyers, making gold more accessible while also stimulating exports.
For the industry, this means a more vibrant marketplace with increased sales and production. At Karni Jewellers, we view this as an opportunity to further expand our offerings and cater to a wider range of clients.
Which are your main domestic and international markets?
Hyderabad and Jaipur remain our primary hubs, but we have a strong presence across major Indian cities due to our reputation for quality and craftsmanship. We supply to some reputed jewellers in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Agra and Chandigarh.
Internationally, we’ve built strong ties with clients in the Middle East, Italy, France, and the US. Each of these regions appreciates the unique blend of traditional Indian jewellery styles with contemporary design elements, which has made our collections popular worldwide.
To meet diverse preferences, we create collections that blend regional styles with global trends.
For instance, our Indo-Russian collection is particularly favoured in Europe, where the revival of Victorian and Russian imperial styles resonates deeply.
Meanwhile, in the Middle East, clients are drawn to our Royal and Raj collections, which evoke the grandeur and opulence of Indian royalty.
Can you share any upcoming collections that Karni Jewellers is excited about?
We are currently working on an exciting new collection that draws inspiration from both India’s rich cultural heritage and modern minimalism.
This collection will feature pieces that blend intricate craftsmanship with simpler, linear designs, catering to younger generations who appreciate the balance between tradition and modernity.
Our upcoming ‘Pious’ collection will also be reimagined with fresh designs to further celebrate the union of global aesthetics with Indian craftsmanship.
These new projects reflect our ongoing journey to merge the old with the new, while keeping our family legacy at the heart of every creation.
What are the current market trends and what consumer preferences, and price points are gaining popularity?
In the domestic market, we are observing a growing preference for personalised and mid-weight jewellery, especially among younger buyers.
Consumers today are looking for versatile pieces that reflect their individuality and lifestyle.
The demand for unique designs with high-quality craftsmanship has seen significant growth, while traditional, statement pieces continue to hold a strong appeal, especially during wedding seasons.
Mid-range and high-end pieces are gaining popularity as customers are willing to invest in timeless, heirloom-quality jewellery that offers both aesthetic and value for money.
Karni’s strength also lies in crafting idols and artefacts in gold, diamonds, and gemstones. What is the response for it in today’s market scenario?
This category of our business continues to thrive. The market response to our idols and artefacts, both in gold and silver, has been very positive. We’re witnessing good demand for trunks, boxes, idols and wall hangings – especially templates of Dasavatharam, Radha Krishna Leela and Lord Balaji.
There is a renewed interest in handcrafted religious and cultural artefacts, as more consumers are drawn to pieces that hold both aesthetic and sentimental value. There are also seen as symbols of devotion, heritage, and prestige.