A trained jewellery designer and gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Mira Gulati created the brand ‘Mirari’ to cater to India’s growing demand for luxury jewellery with a contemporary edge, as well as the international market’s craving for aesthetic of the Indian classic treasures. Even before embarking on this journey, Mira worked at several jewellery stores in California to develop her skills in sales, operations, security and dealing with clients. Armed with education and experience, Mira ventured confidently into the business of her dreams.
Mira is a proud recipient of numerous Awards. Her collection is fresh and innovative, and you know it’s a ‘Mirari’ when you see one. Here, Mira speaks with Rough & Polished about her work and her aspirations.
Can you tell us more about your new boutique which you recently launched at DLF Emporio, Delhi. Is this your first boutique in Delhi?
We have re-launched at DLF Emporio. We have been present in Delhi for the last 8 years.
This boutique is spread over an area of 520 square feet. Inspired from architecture of the International luxury standards, the interiors highlight a wooden finish in teak and is elegant and luxurious, in line with brand’s signature style, creating a refined ambience.
For how long have you been in the jewellery business? When and how did you decide to enter jewellery business as well as do designing? Have any family background in jewellery business?
I was mesmerized by antique jewellery, which was part of my family heritage. Soon it transformed from a simple fascination into a vision to design and manufacture world-class jewels for an international audience. Determined to acquire the necessary training to turn this dream into reality, I trained at the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, California, where I gained expertise in gemology and jewellery design.
I decided to channelize this passion into my profession and launched my brand Mirari in the year 2007. With no family background in jewellery business, it’s my determination and interest that helped me to give ‘birth’ to the brand.
Can you give us an overview of the type of jewellery you offer? Are they readymade pieces only or can they be customised too?
To see my jewellery worn socially is always rewarding. It gives me a real sense of accomplishment. My customers are often edgy trendsetters. They are well-versed with the top international luxury brands, such as Bulgari, Chanel or Prada, and yet choose a piece from Mirari over other brands, because it’s a closer match for their sensibilities. On these women, you see Mirari’s fresh and confident attitude sitting comfortably close to the skin in a truly contemporary style statement. And that is definitely in keeping with what Mirari is about: stylish contemporary Indian classics.
We also specialize in jewellery redesigning; basically breathing new life and design in an existing piece. Any piece can be customized at Mirari.
Did you face any hurdles/challenges during your initial days in business? How did you manage to overcome them?
Entrepreneurship is all about survival. It nurtures creative thinking. So be creative, learn from your experiences, reinvent yourself and lastly but most importantly...Enjoy the journey.
The ‘brand’ is constantly working towards innovation in design, complemented with superior experience and yet attempting to retain the simple and eternal values of quality and transparency.
We attempt to represent our inspirations and create contemporary jewellery that has a story to tell, accentuated with powerful details and craft.
Are you trained in the ‘designing’ aspect of jewellery? Where does your inspiration stem from, especially for your contemporary designs?
Yes, I trained at the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, California, where I gained expertise in gemology and jewellery design.
At Mirari we create living jewels that speak to our clients and hence you will see my jewels inspired from a myriad of stories from the ‘rich Indian history’ to ‘nature’. We do a thorough research as each piece derives inspiration from a theme (craft) or bears influences from heritage. We try to portray the inspiration through our design and craft skills. Research helps us retain the essence of the craft or period and to add our unique style and interpretations to it, which is another reason why Mirari stands out from the rest.
Is it only Delhi that you cater to or do you have stores located elsewhere in India? What is your typical client profile? And what’s the fashion scene in Delhi currently, in terms of diamond jewellery?
Currently, we have a boutique at DLF Emporio in Delhi. We soon plan to re – launch our Mumbai boutique as well.
Our clientele is well travelled and informed. The Indians I design for define themselves beyond the boundaries of India. They have international tastes and attitudes and find that Mirari speaks to them of contemporary style that goes well beyond borders.
In Delhi, people have become more open for diamond jewellery in terms of forms, designs techniques and Pricing. As they are well travelled and knowledgeable, and their expectations have been raised to match diamond jewellery with international standards.
What is your Signature style? Can a jewellery connoisseur recognize a ‘Mirari’ piece from its unique characteristics?
Yes definitely!
Our jewellery reflect an extremely unique design sensibility. All the jewels we create are hand crafted as I make limited editions and use unique and rare stones.
Does the diamond content play a major part in your pieces? And, what quality, size, shape of diamonds studded jewellery are more in demand with your clientele?
Diamond percentage in an ornament is totally dependent on the inspiration taken for the particular piece. We at Mirari, have a variety from 100 percent diamond to 10 percent, or sometimes fully coloured gemstone ornaments. These days I get mostly demands of VVS quality, bold, big, round or emerald cut diamonds.
With Delhi being the fashion capital of the country, is colour diamond studded jewellery popular? What, in your opinion, is the fastest moving jewellery type at present?
Yes, with time, the taste and demand of coloured gemstones has increased. Coloured diamonds have been also in demand in classic look. In my opinion, the fastest moving jewels are chandelier earrings, Bold Bracelets and cocktail rings.
With beautiful jewellery flooding the market, what’s your take on the jewellery market in India at present? Do you see a possibility to experiment more in the ‘design and finishing’ aspects, given the changing tastes of jewellery connoisseurs?
The scenario has changed from the last 5 years. In fact it is ever-evolving. Earlier jewellery was considered as an investment but slowly and steadily, with customers being well travelled, it is now also a trend and fashion statement. People are more design and quality conscious now, instead of just price. Nowadays people acknowledge rare gemstones and quality products.
Any plans to enter the international markets in the future?
We do not have international presence at the moment but surely aim to target one.
Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Indian Bureau, Rough&Polished
