The vault: Sameen Kasuri

Fashion designer, Sameen Kasuri unlocks her vault and shares some of her favourite contemporary and heirloom jewellery pieces

How/when did you get interested in jewellery?

I think I’ve always been passionate about jewellery; as a little girl I remember dressing up and wearing my mother’s jewellery. I would even wear my rings, earrings and watch to bed! However, after having children I stopped wearing much jewellery but my earrings are still the first thing that I wear in the morning — big or small, I’m rarely seen without my studs.

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

I have a number of favourite pieces that I have collected over a period of time, precious and semi-precious. I’m a huge fan of traditional jewellery such as jhumkas and chaand balis. I also tend to be attracted to chunky jewels, carved stones and unconventional designs. My mother says, “If I were you, I wouldn’t have bought that,” but I’m a compulsive buyer — if I get stuck on something I really like, I make sure it goes home with me!



Where did you buy/get them from?

I have acquired most of my jewellery pieces from India. They have a phenomenal range of designs, with extraordinary variety of gemstones. In fact at times it gets difficult to make a decision. Most of my pieces are predominantly diamonds with carved stones and pearls bought from different places in India. Recently I purchased a chunky necklace from Outhouse, which is quite a statement piece, and I love wearing it. Also another favourite is a recent buy from Rema. I love the 3D flower and bird details on it, it’s like a piece of art.

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

I love my stone bangles that were passed on to my mother by my nani when she got married and were later divided amongst my sister and I. They hold a very special place in my heart. Another piece that I’m emotionally attached to is a necklace that I designed when my first child was born. My mother had it made from Iqbal sahab, an iconic jeweller at the time.

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

I remember going to India for my cousin’s wedding jewellery shopping. We had some time to kill in Amritsar before our flight to Delhi, so we ended up stopping at a jeweller whom we had heard of, with no intentions of buying anything as we had lined up our appointments with a number of jewellers in Delhi. As we sat down and they started to open their magic boxes, we got sucked in deeper and deeper, almost missing our flight to Delhi! I ended up getting a stunning diamond and pearl necklace that I wear a lot and always get compliments for.

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

Since I haven’t been to India for a while there is nothing as such at the moment. I’m planning a trip soon though, and I’m sure I will find a thing or two to accompany me back home!