Everything shiny: Handcrafted jewellery, a money-minting business

Entrepreneur talks about the lucrative gemstone market.

FAISALABAD: For Anam Sehar, who believes in innovation, a soaring demand for jewellery made of precious stones has opened up an entrepreneurial opportunity.

Four years ago when Sehar was studying at a graduate school, she started her handmade jewellery business. At that time, she was selling her products from the school, but now she has expanded the business network and is directly dealing with fashion jewellery shops around the city.



“Jewellery is considered one of the most valuable belongings of women,” said Sehar while talking to The Express Tribune. “In my experience, Pakistan has proved to be holding countless opportunities for female entrepreneurs.”

Since the beginning, she has received an overwhelming response from the customers and has pressed on with her work despite the fact that it is very difficult to pursue studies and engage in business at the same time.

Initially, Sehar propped up the business with the help of her friends, but later hired independent designers to come up with creative designs in an effort to attract customers.

“I had only a few thousand customers when I started my business. Within a span of four years, the business expanded. Now, I can easily earn a net profit of Rs50,000 to Rs70,000 per month.”

According to Sehar, the price of handmade jewellery products ranges from Rs500 to Rs8,000 depending on the design, gemstones and the number of pieces.

Women preferred to wear handmade jewellery because of its uniqueness and most importantly its affordable prices, said Sehar, whose main customers are students of colleges and universities.

Additionally, the fashion industry provides a lucrative market for gemstones and jewellery as models and actresses adorn themselves with such precious products.

“Earlier, I was selling lockets and bangles for university parties and wedding ceremonies, but later I started offering them to boutiques and jewellery displays,” added Sehar. “By collaborating with professional designers in the city, I have expanded my footprints.”

Responding to a question, she said fashion jewellery had a huge recognition in wedding parties and Eid celebrations. Sales of items like necklaces, bangles, bracelets and ornaments also get a boost around Valentine Day and New Year.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 23^rd, 2014.

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