The vault: Mohammad Mohsin

The talented owner and jeweller behind Mirza Mohammad Suleman Jewellers unlocks his intriguing vault

The talented owner and jeweller behind Mirza Mohammad Suleman Jewellers — since 1947, unlocks his intriguing vault. Learn more about his antique fine jewellery pieces and some of his artistic favourites!

How and when did you get interested in jewellery?

I have been interested in design ever since I was a child. I enjoyed art and jewellery design, and luckily for me, we have a family jewellery business. It’s been 70 years since my family started the jewellery business — I’m the fourth generation! I grew up watching my grandfather and father working in the industry, which is how my interest grew. While I was in school, whenever I would be off for summer break, I would come into the shop and learn jewellery making. I would sit with the karighaar’s, and learn moti perona. My father believed that I had to learn every aspect of jewellery and the  making of it to be in the business, and I enjoyed every step of it.



What are your favourite pieces of jewellery?

I enjoy all kinds of jewellery, both classic and unique. My interest is in precious pieces as we basically deal in diamonds, polki and other precious coloured stones such as rubies, emeralds and pearls.

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

I am extremely attached to these two bangles from my mother’s jewellery collection. My dadi gave them to her on her moo dekhai, and told her to give one to my wife, and one to my brother’s wife. These bangles have been passed down through the generations and are about 100 years old. My par dadi gave it to my dadi, and my dadi gave it to my mother because she was the first daughter-in-law in the house. They are plain gold, with large polki pieces in them.



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

I’ll share the story behind my diamond pinky ring. It’s set in a very simple design. It has four 30-pointer diamonds in it. Even though I am in the business, I was never allowed to take anything for free; I had to work for everything. So I first saved up money to buy each diamond myself by working very hard for two years. Finally, years later, I got the ring made. I have worn that ring quite a bit, and would like to pass it down to my daughter on her wedding.

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

Filigree work is having its moment right now, and I want to design more jewellery in that style. I have always believed in fine craftsmanship and I look forward to working on more delicately handcrafted designs.