When Kundan Jewelry gives you a vintage, yet new age feel, you know you gotta have it!
For y’all jewellery lovers! Always up for a classic jewelry collection to flaunt before everyone & wanna stand out in parties?
Here’s what we discovered! A young business grad decided to launch a business called ‘Filigree’ to bring you heritage collection classics yet traditional jewelry, crafted by experts! (You’re gonna love it)
‘Filigree’ – Throwing light On A Quintessential Jewelry brand
Go for the Kundan to celebrate the traditional, but don’t leave the stones behind!
My partners and I launched Filigree in the summer of 2018. We realized there was a niche for semi-precious jewelry at the time and wanted to provide something that is unique yet timeless. We worked to create a one-of-a-kind heritage collection using the best quality Kundan Belur and master craftsmen, who normally work on fine jewelry.
Our initial designs were mostly traditional and rooted in antique methods of production, where most of our pieces had elaborate designs at the back of the frame. This was done using different coloured enamels – a process famously known as Meenakari. Another one is Thewa, which we use for our cufflinks; it refers to the process of carving into a thin gold sheet. This also happens to be a unique craft, native to Pratapgarh in Rajasthan.
Do you have any previous educational/ work experience in the design/handicraft field?
Being a business graduate, I mainly handle the marketing and PR for Filigree but from time to time I like to give my input on design based on my knowledge and experience in fashion. The production is handled by my partner Kiran (a certified jewelry designer). Together we bring the best of both worlds (classic and trendy) and that is what makes our brand unique.
Traditional And Aesthetically Unique Designs Are Dazzling Us!
Your pieces seem to amalgamate the concept of traditionalism & modernism. Where did you get the inspiration for this from?
At Filigree, we believe in blending heritage with modern designs.
Since my partners belong to aristocratic Rajput families, they have their own karigars from Bikaner and Shekhawati who have been creating precious jewels for their families for generations. Hence, both my partners possess great knowledge of the unique techniques used by artisans in Jaipur. This really sparked our interest and we thought why not utilize their knowledge to produce a low cost version of the real jewelry, using brass silver and semi-precious stones.
I was able to integrate their ideas with my fashion knowledge to curate designs that are versatile. As a stylist, I understood which pieces would stand out in the market so we constantly worked on our designs to achieve the perfect mix of traditionalism and modernism.
A Journey behind the scenes
It begins with a rough sketch that Kiran visualizes or a stone that we are currently obsessing over. We then get samples made to check the size, comfort, and how well the piece fits around the neck or ear. Then we source the stones and give them to our Karigars to begin the process. To ensure premium quality, we QC each piece after production and before handing it over to our customer.
The stones you love to work with
Mother of Pearl, Rose Quartz and pink Chalcedony are some of our favourites.
A Statement piece to step out in?
A pair of statement earrings!
Not without challenges
It is disheartening to see that people often prefer to buy quantity over quality. There definitely needs to be more awareness about quality products and craft. We try to source the best kind of semi-precious stones and kundan from Jaipur since it’s the hub of Jadau jewellery and gemstones, and combine it with the finest metals in Pakistan like pure brass and silver. We are constantly trying to combine the best of both worlds to provide our clients with the greatest product.
We Are Loving The Jewelry Startup, Here Are More Questions!
Personal favourite, you ask us? Go for the kundan and pearl inlays, says the vintage girl in us – perfect for any occasion, modern for the young at heart and vintage enough for the spirit!
One jewellery-outfit combo that always works!
Layering traditional necklaces. Chokers, collars and maalas, I love elevating a simple outfit with accessories.
Advice for aspiring jewelry designers
Never stop learning and trying out new things. As a team, we are constantly taking courses relevant to our fields, and trying out new techniques to create products which are not only fashionable but also durable.
Why is this kind of jewelry not made in Pakistan?
We have tried making some products here but it has proven extremely challenging as the industry itself is not that developed. Due to a plethora of machine-made products, local craftsmen resort to other means livelihood which further results in the lack of good craftsmanship. However, we actually do make a few of our products in Pakistan but have to source the raw materials from elsewhere as their quality is superior, especially when it comes to stones such as Kundan Belur.
Advice for budding entrepreneurs
Educate yourself in all aspects of your business. We are blessed to have a competitive founding team at Filigree, where every partner is an expert in their respective field.
The future of jewelry design in Pakistan
It’s great to see many home-grown brands coming in with unique jewellery concepts and designs. There is a lot of potential and it’s great to see many people venturing in this field.
Would you ever think of starting school or classes for this?
I think with a full time styling career and managing all media engagements for Filigree, education is something I have never considered. I would, however, like to create more awareness and promote craft and quality. Buy less, but better.
Filigree, a unique brand must now be on everyone’s list! inspiring young & skillful entrepreneurs to step out of their comfort zone and portray their passion and art in something unique and creative. Filigree has successfully done that. Now it’s your turn to show case your talent.
So what’s on your mind? Feeling tempted to buy a prime collection statement piece to look incredibly divine?
I like it whenever people come together and share thoughts.Great website,
continue the good work!