The enchanting world of silver

One day exhibition showcased three collections by jewellery designer Sukaina Abbas.

KARACHI:

Intricate pieces of jewellery where presented at an exhibition that took place at Café Forty4 on Saturday afternoon. A one-day exhibition by Enchante, a brand that delves in jewellery and accessories, was brought forward by 34-year-old mother of three, Sukaina Abbas.

Abbas launched her brand Enchante in October last year. She designs silver jewellery out of sheer passion; and believes she could have acquired this habit of collecting semi-precious and precious stones from a paternal grandfather, who was a geologist by profession. For Abbas herself, this is certainly not a business model, but simply an appetite for things, precisely jewels, that she likes to adorn herself with.

While talking to The Express Tribune, Abbas said, “There were primarily two reasons as to why I hopped on the bandwagon of designing sterling silver jewellery pieces. Firstly, living in Karachi it is very unsafe to wear gold jewellery, and secondly, I never wanted a 9 to 5 job, hence I thought now, since my boys have grown, up I could channel my energy into creative things.”

Abbas, whose designs showcased on Saturday evening consisted of three collections namely Diva collection, Heritage and Zircon Glamour collection. A variety of jewels were on display, from bracelets, to rings and earrings.

Abbas believes whatever she displays has a sign of “originality and genuine quality attached to it.” Though she loves more traditional jewellery, her clientele usually calls out for contemporary pieces.

About the three-range collection, she says, “The Diva collection talks about our past divas, from Audrey Hepburn to Elizabeth Taylor, to our very own Noor Jehan. Whatever they wore became a relatively new fashion statement. Even if they wore simple studs, their fashion choices spoke volumes of their unique style. The Heritage collection relies on the nani and dadi tradition, and devotes a small part of our sub-continental culture to it, the prominent being shown in the form of Chaand Bali. In the Zircon Glamour collection I have relied heavily on using the zircons, for I believe we have always underestimated their lustre, which is purely brilliant.”

Abbas’s target audience remains anyone who can earnestly appreciate her designs.

On a final note she says, “I’d like any girl to wear my collection and would love to see her wear it. It is certainly meant for all those who can appreciate my design aesthetics.”

Price of Sukaina Abbas’s three collections ranges from

Rs1,100 to Rs14,000

Published in The Express Tribune, February 10^th, 2014.

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