The vault: Anam Sheikh
Jewellery design graduate of Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design and owner of the brand, Asavir, talks to us
Anam Sheikh, a jewellery design graduate of Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design and owner of the brand, Asavir, talks to us about her creative pieces of gold jewellery
How/when did you get interested in jewellery?
I grew up watching my mother collecting exceptional and unique jewellery. It was her passion for jewels, which left a strong impression on me during my formative years. It’s also the reason my gold collection is a fusion of Arabic and Mughal designs. While studying jewellery at fashion school, I got the opportunity to travel where I was exposed to the diversity and versatility of the jewellery industry.
What are your favourite pieces of jewellery?
My most favourite is an exuberant 22-karat, pure gold, brick chain set, embedded with sapphires. The best thing about it is that it can be worn with Western ensembles as well as traditional ones. Another favourite are these ruby and polki earrings, which pay tribute to our rich heritage as they are inspired by the turbans of Mughal emperors.
Where did you get it?
My mind is a jungle of ideas, and an idea strikes every other minute, therefore I can’t help but design my own jewellery.
Is there any piece you are emotionally attached to and why?
My mother’s gold, mesh cuff inspired by Arab architecture. Whenever she would wear it with a sari, she would call me to help her out with its screw closure. Whenever I hold them, it reminds me of the warmth of her hands.
Share a story with us about how you acquired one of your favourite pieces:
I never imagined that I would step into the great responsibility of crafting diamond jewellery. As a client’s demand came in for me to design their wedding ring, I carefully handpicked each diamond for its inimitable beauty and set them into a contemporary design. This first diamond ring I made was an amalgamation of two of my favourite cuts: princess cut and baguette sides.
Is there anything on your radar that you want to get in the future?
In jewellery exhibitions abroad, it’s disheartening not to see any Pakistani brand’s, despite the fact that it’s a mineral rich country. Since our gemmology department is not too developed, we are unable to pick valuable gems and bring them to the market. Hence, I always look forward to getting my hands on precious emeralds and rubies for my diamond collections.
How/when did you get interested in jewellery?
I grew up watching my mother collecting exceptional and unique jewellery. It was her passion for jewels, which left a strong impression on me during my formative years. It’s also the reason my gold collection is a fusion of Arabic and Mughal designs. While studying jewellery at fashion school, I got the opportunity to travel where I was exposed to the diversity and versatility of the jewellery industry.
What are your favourite pieces of jewellery?
My most favourite is an exuberant 22-karat, pure gold, brick chain set, embedded with sapphires. The best thing about it is that it can be worn with Western ensembles as well as traditional ones. Another favourite are these ruby and polki earrings, which pay tribute to our rich heritage as they are inspired by the turbans of Mughal emperors.
Where did you get it?
My mind is a jungle of ideas, and an idea strikes every other minute, therefore I can’t help but design my own jewellery.
Is there any piece you are emotionally attached to and why?
My mother’s gold, mesh cuff inspired by Arab architecture. Whenever she would wear it with a sari, she would call me to help her out with its screw closure. Whenever I hold them, it reminds me of the warmth of her hands.
Share a story with us about how you acquired one of your favourite pieces:
I never imagined that I would step into the great responsibility of crafting diamond jewellery. As a client’s demand came in for me to design their wedding ring, I carefully handpicked each diamond for its inimitable beauty and set them into a contemporary design. This first diamond ring I made was an amalgamation of two of my favourite cuts: princess cut and baguette sides.
Is there anything on your radar that you want to get in the future?
In jewellery exhibitions abroad, it’s disheartening not to see any Pakistani brand’s, despite the fact that it’s a mineral rich country. Since our gemmology department is not too developed, we are unable to pick valuable gems and bring them to the market. Hence, I always look forward to getting my hands on precious emeralds and rubies for my diamond collections.