{"id":22900,"date":"2023-09-21T15:12:06","date_gmt":"2023-09-21T09:42:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gjepc.org\/solitaire\/?p=22900"},"modified":"2023-09-26T15:44:54","modified_gmt":"2023-09-26T10:14:54","slug":"arundhati-de-sheths-expert-curation-elevating-jewellery-to-art","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gjepc.org\/solitaire\/arundhati-de-sheths-expert-curation-elevating-jewellery-to-art\/","title":{"rendered":"Arundhati De-Sheth’s Expert Curation: Elevating Jewellery to Art"},"content":{"rendered":"

Renowned jewellery specialist <\/em>ARUNDHATI DE-SHETH<\/strong> nurtures an unwavering passion for jewellery, inspired by her illustrious mother, Shobha De, and her special jewellery collections. \u00a0Arundhati\u2019s appreciation for bejewelled treasures has honed her into an expert connoisseur, acclaimed for her exceptional aesthetic sensibilities. Her overarching mission centers on igniting a passion for jewellery among countless women, encouraging them to embrace and cherish pieces that resonate with their individuality. She advises her clients to refrain from fixating on jewellery trends, instead advocating for the cultivation of a personal style that enhances their unique individuality. <\/em><\/p>\n

In a candid conversation with Solitaire International, Arundhati talks about the success of the recently concluded 6th<\/sup> edition of The Gilded Age, a high-end jewellery boutique show she organises for discerning customers. The exclusive event showcased a diverse array of jewellery collections by a handful of India\u2019s avant-garde jewellery designers and esteemed brands, with each and every piece personally handpicked by Arundhati for the event. Now, let\u2019s hear from Arundhati \u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

Tell us about your early days … and the reason why a career in high-end jewellery was one of your options.<\/strong><\/p>\n

I was always an incredibly curious child with a love for sports, games and the outdoors. As one of the younger members of a large family \u2013 I am one of 6 children \u2013 I got to observe a lot of things, earlier than my peers.<\/p>\n

I was inclined to real jewellery from the time I was little and love to raid my mum\u2019s collection of tribal silver and fine jewellery. I was the only child who took an avid interest in what jewellery she had and what I could wear on special occasions. Simultaneously, this obsession got me into plenty of trouble with her as well \u2013 when she couldn\u2019t find a piece of jewellery or when I broke some of her pieces by mistake.<\/p>\n

When I enrolled at ESSEC Business School in Paris in 2007 to pursue my MBA, my intent was to complete my degree with a specialisation and to work with an international European leather goods or fashion brand entering the Indian retail market. \u00a0But soon after my coursework started, I took up an internship opportunity with Cartier in Dubai in 2008. I took a natural turn towards it, and there has been no looking back since.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Arundhati De-Sheth with a customer at the sixth edition of the Gilded Age event in Mumbai.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You have interned with prestigious global brands \u2013 LVMH, Cartier, A Jaffe, each embodying a distinct design and branding philosophy. We invite you to share some takeaways from the rich experience gathered over the years.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Working professionally from a young age instills certain key qualities and characteristics in a person that they may not acquire if they start their own business or work in a local establishment. With renowned houses like Cartier or Louis Vuitton I learned about legacy, history, precision and pride. These \u2018maisons\u2019 instill a sense of pride in all their workers and interns alike. And it is important to feel passionate about what you\u2019re doing, so you can contribute with equal zest.<\/p>\n

Further, working with global companies, you learn that quality is never compromised, and a perfectly finished product is of paramount importance. Not to mention the amount of time and attention they spend on \u201ccustomer delight\u201d.<\/p>\n

Tell us about the turning point \u2013 when did you decide to become a bespoke jewellery consultant?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Honestly, I think the turning point is now! I am feeling all sorts of changes internally and externally on the professional front.<\/p>\n

I formally started my bespoke agency in August 2018\u2026I had just got married and had a baby in short succession. My life had changed very quickly! And I began to feel torn with the idea of resuming a proper desk \/ office job that would keep me away from my new, little family for so long.<\/p>\n

At the same time, I never wanted to resent being a mother and having to choose between spending time with my baby and working and keeping myself engaged; it was just this simple reason that was the catalyst behind working for myself.<\/p>\n

When I began, I had no idea what exactly I was doing \u2013 consulting or personal shopping or simply learning. It was a wonderful blur. I have taken the journey slowly and built a solid foundation. And I’m hopeful to take my aspirations to the next level now.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Model wearing jewellery from the Gilded Age show.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Your mother, celebrated author and columnist Shobha De, is known for her eclectic jewellery collection. Were you influenced by her?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Of course, my mother remains a strong inspiration for me. Thanks to her, I got to see such a variety of Indian jewellery from the time I was little. My sisters and I were always encouraged to wear her jewellery for all the festivals and celebrations. She marked our birthdays with a small piece of jewellery as well.<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t inherit any jewellery, so what she has now is completely built from scratch by herself. From her, I learned to buy jewellery instinctively. She bought eclectic pieces from people who she liked and trusted. She wouldn\u2019t bargain endlessly, nor would she break down the material cost into itty-bitty details. She\u2019d buy a piece if she loved it and knew that she would wear it often.<\/p>\n

And, in turn, that\u2019s how I view and buy jewellery myself. And that\u2019s how I want others to appreciate and buy jewellery for themselves. Enough with \u2018the cost break-ups\u2019!<\/p>\n

What kind of jewellery are you inspired by? Your personal favourites\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

To be honest, I love all kinds of jewellery \u2026 particularly jewellery from all our princely states in the pre-Independence era, the incredible depth of jewellery from the Mughal Era \u2026 It\u2019s wow!<\/p>\n

And today, I love jewellery which is wearable (value aside), has great movement in it, jewellery that exhibits great gold smithing and lapidary; and jewellery that has neat clasps and technical details. For the past few years, I have been loving retro yellow gold and gem-set jewellery a lot.<\/p>\n

Since how long have you been holding curated jewellery shows? What are your parameters when selecting a piece or a jewellery designer? How did the sixth edition of The Gilded Age fare?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I put together my first show in 2018, and The Gilded Age is my sixth show.<\/p>\n

It is not a regular jewellery exhibition \u2013 this show is entirely put together by me. From the selection of the exhibitors to every single piece, to working on its pricing, to designing every aspect of digital communication and digital marketing of the show, to designing the gallery space, creating the display and finally inviting the clients and selling the pieces — it\u2019s all me!<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t think of myself as merely a curator – that term is overused. I do like to believe that I\u2019m a fine jewellery specialist presenting a wonderful selection of jewellery for sale at my annual show.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m glad I have a small but mighty group of jewellery artists and esteemed houses who put faith in this show each year. I get a lot of new companies reaching out to me to participate, but I am disappointed by the generic nature of the work that largely exists in our market.<\/p>\n

\"\"
The Gilded Age show.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tell us about the five top contemporary jewellery designers whose styles resonate with your aesthetics?<\/strong><\/p>\n

All the brands I work with align with my aesthetics. I don\u2019t put even one piece in the show that is very out of line with what I personally love.<\/p>\n

How do you go about matching a customer\u2019s need\/personality with jewellery? What challenges do you face in putting together a jewellery collection for a client? Define the role of a bespoke jewellery consultant and what it takes to be one of the best, as you do?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The basic challenge of being a jewellery sales consultant in India is that there is very low value for providing consultation or advice.<\/p>\n

With jewellery, the buying behaviour is so specific that people want all the ideas but at the lowest cost, without paying for the service element behind it.<\/p>\n

For me, I have strived to keep the integrity of every bespoke project (big or small) in the hands of the client who has reached out to me. I don\u2019t ever try to push something just to conclude a sale. I am very thoughtful about the brief the client has left me with.<\/p>\n

I think being an \u201coutsider\u201d in the gems and jewellery trade has served me well. I am someone with no generational baggage upon me, and I have a fresh attitude to the way a consumer should buy and wear jewellery.<\/p>\n

\"\"
On model: Jewels from the Gilded Age show.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sustainability and provenance of gems is one of the key factors in determining the sales of avant-garde pieces. Do Indian consumers seek clarity on fair-trade mining and traceability of the origin of gems?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Indian and international customers are curious about the origin of gems. Some of the questions I get asked often are \u2018Where is this emerald from?\u2019, \u2018What origin rubies are these?\u2019, \u2018Tell us about your view on lab-grown diamonds\u2019 \u2026 But that\u2019s about it!<\/p>\n

What is today\u2019s customer looking at in terms of design?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Today, customers seek jewellery designs that resonate with their personality. When the jewel is worn, it conveys something about the wearer, in as much as it’s a beautiful object.<\/p>\n

Do you like diamonds or coloured gems?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I love diamonds! I love coloured stones! Cannot choose either.<\/p>\n

Five jewellery must-haves that any woman should possess\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n