Gursimran is a graduate from the University of Bradford with a bachelor degree in Accounting and Finance and is a certified gemologist from the prestigious GIA School in the U.S.A. After returning from the U.S.A., Gursimran started working with one of the biggest diamond manufacturing companies in Mumbai. After a year of gaining relevant experience, he started his own label, “Jagat Jewels” in the year 2010. After taking part in exhibitions in Ludhiana, Chandigarh and Delhi, etc., and getting overwhelming response for the label, Gursimran opened his first boutique in the heart of New Delhi in 2012.
The designer in Gursimran Chadha can be seen in his delicately crafted jewelry, which reveals a unique flair for blending the ethnic and contemporary styles, thus adding an element of timelessness to each piece. Subtle yet gorgeous, the focus at Jagat Jewels has always been on simplicity and timeless appeal, from delicate to bold and intricate on geometrical lines.
Here, in an interview with Rough&Polished, Gursimran opens up his mind as an astute businessman and sometimes as a creative designer as well...
You studied accounting first and then became a certified GIA-Gemologist from the U.S.A. before becoming a ‘Designer’. When did the designing bug bite you? And was the idea to become an entrepreneur an impulsive decision or was it a nascent passion waiting for an opportunity?
While I was studying accounting, I was also working with my dad who was into an export business of gold jewellery to Dubai. I used to travel to Dubai a lot and I used to visit Gold Souk, which is the jewellery hub of Dubai. I was very fascinated by looking at the designer jewellery displayed at various shops. The designs and the craftsmanship were very fascinating and then I decided that I would get into the trade of diamonds.
Did your initial days in business throw up challenges or was it smooth sailing? Can you recall any interesting episodes?
I had to face challenges initially as to set up everything was hard. I had to face challenges regarding finishing of the products, finding a supplier for coloured stones, etc. But slowly as I got more and more involved with my work I learnt the tricks of the trade.
Do you outsource the manufacturing of your jewellery pieces or have your own units with ‘karigars’ (goldsmiths)?
We have our own manufacturing units.
How did the GIA course train or qualify you in your jewellery business?
GIA course gave me the knowledge for diamonds and coloured stones, which has come of great help in the business.
Having opened your first boutique in Delhi, what is your typical client profile? Do you have plans to open more outlets pan India?
Yes, our first boutique is in the heart of New Delhi that is Pusa Road. We are a niche in our self. We focus on designer jewellery, quality and affordable prices. We also do bespoke jewellery and customization. Yes, we plan to open 1-2 more boutiques in the next 5 years.
What is your signature style? Is it possible for a jewellery connoisseur recognize a ‘Jagat Jewels’ piece from its unique characteristics?
Most of our designs are very geometric and bold. Our jewellery is for the woman of today who loves to wear colours. Using a lot of coloured stone combinations in jewellery is our unique characteristic.
Besides precious colour stones, pearls, etc., how important is the diamond content in your jewellery pieces? What quality / size / shape of diamonds are more in demand with your Delhi clientele?
Diamond is the most important content in our jewellery. The cutting and the quality of the diamond is very important. If the quality of diamonds is not good then the jewellery will lose its appeal. Delhi is a big market where customers look for all types of qualities.
You offer readymade pieces only or can they be customized too? Which is in more demand in Delhi, traditional designs or contemporary?
We do offer customized jewellery depending on the client’s needs, budget, taste, etc. People usually prefer to pick up ready pieces due to shortage of time or maybe they are not able to properly visualize the final piece.
Beautiful jewellery seems to be flooding the market these days. What’s your take on couture jewellery in India at present? Given the changing tastes of jewellery connoisseurs, is there possibility to experiment more in the ‘design and finishing’ aspects?
The jewellery market is growing at a decent rate. You need to keep experimenting with the ‘designs and the finishing’, and keeping up with the markets. Customers expect to come and explore something new every time they visit a jewellery store.
What is your advice to new entrepreneurs, with the retail jewellery scenario already crowded? Also, do you think it is essential for a creative person to get trained technically before taking ‘jewelry designing’ as a career?
It is very important for a creative person to be trained technically before he starts designing. You need to be very confidant of your products, the quality you using, your target audience, etc. You need to be sure of what you are offering and at what price.
Aruna Gaitonde, Rough&Polished, India
