Creating Omani jewellery designs is her forte and it feels like yesterday for Kinnary Parikh, a leading designer in Muscat, to retrace her humble beginnings.
What started as a hobby, gradually developed with constant innovation in designs.
A gifted entrepreneur, she enjoys name making adorable jewellery designs in rings, earrings, pendants, bangles, bracelets and necklaces both in silver and gold for Omanis and friends. Her jewellery designs, stone types and pearls used are one of its kind in the Sultanate.
Most of her Omani clients love her designs ranging from necklaces, earrings, pendant sets with Swarovski pearls or rubies.
Omani customers have a liking for long necklaces or traditional pendants with silver or semi-precious Agate stones with silver designs. Her designs are made of different stones which are real silver or semi-precious, brass metal or freshwater pearls and beads.
Raw materials are mainly sourced from the Indian cities of Jaipur, Kolkata and from Nizwa in the Sultanate.
When she launched her first exhibition in 2006, little did the Gujarati lady know that her designs would have a wider appeal and acceptance among Omani womenfolk.
The customers are always more fond of the yellow metal than silver and to wean them towards silver was a bit difficult. I modernised my collection in keeping with the present trends and changing lifestyles in the market.
“I loved making jewellery for my family and friends and they suggested I start a business of my own. I used to attend exhibitions in the Sultanate, India and Thailand which boosted and helped streamline my work,” said Kinnary.
Since 2017, she has branched her work into semi-precious stones, silver jewellery, pearls and handmade jewellery which have a good demand among the locals.
With new competitors in the markets, it was difficult to break even as she mentions, “The customers are always more fond of the yellow metal than silver and to wean them towards silver was a bit difficult. I modernised my collection in keeping with the present trends and changing lifestyles in the market.”
Kinnary always visualises herself as a customer understanding their needs. She then chooses the beads, colours and theme for her customers who usually prefer long bracelets and rings.
According to her, Arabic designs portray Muslim culture while Kundan depict the historic culture of Rajasthan, India. Semi-precious designs are all-natural stones giving them more weightage.
She researched different types of gemstones, trying innovative designs in pure and Omani silver as people were very much fascinated.
A learner throughout, Kinnary was inspired by Purnima Balasubramaniam from India, who taught her the nuances of the art. She launched her first exhibition at the Qurum Commercial Centre in 2006. From thereon, she continued to take part in various exhibitions held at Souq es Sabt at Al Mouj Muscat, Indian Social Club, Axis Events and international schools namely ABA, TAISM.
She now comes out with about six new designs in a month for her clients.
Says Habibaji, a regular Omani customer: “Her jewellery designs are unique and artistic. She creates both traditional and authentic pieces, as well as chic and stylish ones. She has lovely combinations in silver and semi-precious stones. With excellent workmanship, she has versatility and possesses a reasonably priced collection.”
Kinnary realised her dreams with the opening of her boutique, ‘Anan Boutique’ in 2017 at Al Araimi Complex, Qurum. The boutique moved to online sales due to the pandemic with several designs in Arabic, Kudan sets, Jadau, semi-precious stones, silver jewellery and handicrafts.
Social media played a vital role during the pandemic as her customers relied on digital marketing which helped push sales. For the future, she plans to improve her business and devise new designs. She plans to open at least five outlets in the Sultanate soon and her top priority is to stand out by being the first choice of buyers.
Instagram @anan_k_boutique.
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