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Perhaps it comes from Esshitha Guna\u2019s time spent studying law in the UK and gemmology from GIA in New York. Her initial collections \u2013 gem-laden eternity rings, diamond-studded link bracelets, signet rings, and more for men \u2013 all focused on timeless designs with quality gemstones.<\/p>\n
With her latest Spiral collection, Guna comes into her own as she brings a sense of playfulness and deeper symbolism to her jewellery. The design hints at the adventure of life woven with the highs and lows, subtly brings a pop of colour through gemstones to represent all the beautiful parts of life \u2013 love, magic and full of wonder!<\/p>\n
In \u00a0this free-wheeling interview,\u00a0 Guna talks about falling in love with gems, designing for Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth, and her plans to retail internationally.<\/p>\n How and when did you decide to start your own jewellery brand?<\/strong><\/p>\n The story of how we began is a special one. My father is a first-generation jeweller in our family, and not once did he push my sister or me to join him in his company. It so happened that during Covid, I was back home from law school (in the UK). I started spending my days at my father\u2019s showroom observing the daily business and his interaction with clients with so much passion. Subconsciously, there was a part of me that loved the detailing and the quality conscious aspect. I wanted to learn more, and was fortunate enough to go study gemmology at GIA in New York.<\/p>\n It was life-changing and one of the best times of my life. A whole new world opened up, and that glow was all over me. I came back to India to resume working at my father\u2019s store and that’s where the story took a new turn.\u00a0He suggested that I start my own jewellery company and do things my way. At first, I wasn\u2019t too happy to work separately from his company, however there was also a curiosity that took the lead, and here we are!<\/p>\n What made you switch over from being a lawyer to starting your own jewellery brand?<\/strong><\/p>\n Law is still a part of me, I do, from time to time, find myself working in the legal areas of my father\u2019s and my companies. I enjoyed my experience at law school and was called a natural while representing in a mock court, however, the jewellery world opened up for me, and I cannot think of anything else that excites me this much!<\/p>\n How do you leverage your family\u2019s jewellery background in your current brand?<\/strong><\/p>\n Starting off at Gunaas as an employee under my dad\u2019s guidance was the biggest masterclass one could get. I consider myself extremely lucky to be able to watch him work up-close. He\u2019s definitely my idol, and I look up to him for his principles and his knack for quality jewellery. His goodwill has been a huge advantage for me in the market, which is dominated by senior karigars and gemmologists.<\/p>\n Why did you choose the name Andal?<\/strong><\/p>\n Andal is the name of my late paternal grandmother. Initially, I went through a lot of name options before we launched, most having to do with colour (since we are gemstone-focused) in different languages, and so on. However, nothing fit. I wanted the name to have a strong presence with a fun vibe. Then it occurred to me: my grandmother was a woman of strength and character. Her name felt just right! The brand name is a tribute to her.<\/p>\n How has the response been since you started your brand?<\/strong><\/p>\n It has been unreal. We\u2019ve been blessed with such wonderful clients. I can\u2019t even begin to explain. I am grateful for them every day. The response has been overwhelming and we\u2019re driven to make the best for them.<\/p>\n Tell us about your latest spiral collection. What inspired this collection?<\/strong><\/p>\n The Spiral is a take on the ever-evolving nature of life. The design is a subtle hint at each one\u2019s adventure, with a peek-a-boo of colour that represents all the beautiful parts: love, magic and wonder!<\/p>\n You also have a separate collection for men. Tell us about the current jewellery market for men. <\/strong><\/p>\n Men have been opting for everyday and evening fine jewellery and styling it so freshly! Signet rings and link bracelets are definitely their first pick.<\/p>\n For me, the best part is working on engagement rings. In Andal\u2019s co-creative process of designing engagement rings, the way men have been involved is just heart-warming. They are so well-versed with the different designs and come prepared with their research on the 4cs. It makes the ring all the more special with their love-filled efforts.<\/p>\n You recently designed engagement rings for Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth. Could you tell us how it came to be?<\/strong><\/p>\n It was an experience that I\u2019ll cherish forever. The whole experience, although it went on for months, feels like a quick magical episode. Both of them are so wonderful and kind and had beautiful insights on how they wanted the rings to be.<\/p>\n For Aditi, we made an iconic Toi Et Moi ring with a double solitaire that exudes elegance and romance. She\u2019s one of the very few brides in India to have chosen this style of ring, and we could not have been happier to be the ones\u00a0making it for her.<\/p>\n For Siddharth, we crafted one of Andal’s most challenging pieces yet: a ring with a story to tell. This ring embodied his love for cinema, showcasing the primary colours of light through three prominent gemstones, all set on a brushed matte gold band adorned with diamonds.<\/p>\n Where is your jewellery available?<\/strong><\/p>\n We\u2019re available exclusively inside Gunaas on Road No.45, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.<\/p>\n What are your future plans for the brand? Do you plan to sell internationally?<\/strong><\/p>\n We\u2019re onto our next and final collection for the year 2024.\u00a0Our vision is global. We want to reach all the clients seeking our jewellery and will do so soon!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Aditi Rao Hydari\u2019s Toi et Moi solitaire engagement rings made quite the headlines when she and Siddharth announced their engagement on Instagram a few months ago. While her ring style and choice of diamonds were talked about, there was little mention of the designer. Enter Esshitha Guna, a young law graduate turned jewellery designer, who…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":26551,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[99,104],"tags":[],"thb-sponsors":[],"class_list":["post-26550","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-design","category-features"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gjepc.org\/solitaire\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pendants-760x1000.jpg\")
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