The vault: Sameen Kasuri
Sameen Kasuri unlocks her vault and shares some of her favourite contemporary and heirloom jewellery pieces
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!
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!