The vault: Reama Malik

CEO of GOLD, a jewellery business centred around bespoke, shares the special pieces she keeps inside her vault

Reama Malik, the CEO of GOLD, a jewellery business centred around bespoke, high-end jewellery, shares the special pieces she keeps inside her vault

How/when did you get interested in jewellery?

I started GOLD in 1987 in the United States. My work started as a hobby, making jewellery for family and friends. Gradually I became more involved with my work and began to educate myself about the technical aspects of jewellery making. Once I moved back to Pakistan, I saw the potential in the business and started my own label.

What are your favourite pieces of jewellery (precious
or costume)?

One of my favourite pieces is an amethyst pendant on a pearl necklace. Not many people understand real gemstones, let alone wanting to buy them. We see a lot of synthetic glass being used instead of real emeralds, rubies and sapphires. I do not agree with this, because I believe it destroys the very essence of the piece.

Is there any piece you are emotionally attached to and why?

A 20-carat Columbian emerald is my most sought-after piece. It’s not that it is priceless, it’s just hard to replace. I have been offered a lot of money for it, but I cannot bring myself to part with it.



Share a story with us about how you acquired one of your favourite pieces?

Well, that concerns an antique polki bracelet that a friend’s grandmother was selling. It was a battle to get it because everyone wanted it. I finally got it in the end with a little bit of emotional blackmail! It is an acquired taste to go for older, hand-crafted pieces such as this one, which is 200 years old. I have tried to replicate it many times and have come close, but mine will never be like the original. This piece will eventually go to my daughter and then hers.

Is there anything on your radar that you want to get in the future?

The way I set up my business is centred around bespoke one-of-a-kind pieces. I have been doing this for the past 12 years. In the future, I would like to expand into a slightly larger business. People often ask me to, but I am usually too busy with my orders to oblige. One day, I hope to have smaller pieces ready to pick up for gift purposes, in addition to my high-end jewellery.