The Vault

Afroz Javeri unlocks her safe and shares her timeless jewellery pieces that she has collected and designed over years

Jewellery designer Afroz Javeri unlocks her safe and shares her timeless jewellery pieces that she has collected and designed over the years

How/when did you get interested in jewellery?

My husband Ali was running a jewellery business when I married him.  It was like a dream come true – I married into a jeweller’s family! I was never into it as a profession and I never helped Ali with his business. Rather, I would design items for my personal use but, if he liked them, he would just copy my designs later. After some time I decided to get into designing professionally, even though I did not have proper training. I have always had a passion for jewellery.

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

I like diamonds and polki a lot. I like to set them with semi-precious stones, which not only adds colour, but also makes each combination unique and easy on the eye.



Where did you get these from?

The stones and the material are sourced from Karachi. There are karkhanas within the city where the jewellery is assembled by various karighars or jewellery-makers. Some of them are originally from Jaipur, which is known for its polki setting.

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

The pieces gifted by my parents and my loved ones are very special to me. There are quite a lot of these, but if I have to describe one, it would be this very old and sentimental piece, a pure gold necklace gifted by my mother-in-law. Not only is it precious, the workmanship is also beautiful.

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

About 25 years ago, I came across this design of earrings that I fell in love with. They were shaped like seahorses and set in diamond and rubies — unique and very contemporary. When I described it to my husband, it turned out he had already made them for none other than Madam Noor Jehan. Ali then got the design from her and made a pair for me.

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

There are many things; jewellery is one thing that you can never have enough of! I love amethyst and rubies, as well as emeralds. Also, a good amethyst or turquoise set are great finds and require excellent settings. I especially like pink tourmaline.