Oh, colored gemstones, we adore you so. Nay, we NEED you so. And that's why we have been big fans of Houston/Mumbai-based Sutra since the second we laid eyes on their boldly colored and designed statement jewelry. File these pieces under 'major' for the lady who is on board with the "more is more" sentiment that we seem to live our lives by. Pariaba tourmalines! Opals! Tanzanite! Emeralds! Whatever shade of the rainbow strikes your fancy, we know you're gonna find it here and then figure out some sort of formal event to attend so you can wear it. Steering this ship is the lovely Arpita Navlakha, who, born into a family of jewelers, has this sort of thing in her blood. We want to have all of the things in our jewelry box. Get ready for some serious colored stone envy, coming right up...
“A ring. I made it with my father when I started working in his factory. I saved to buy it but he gave it to me as a gift in the end.”
Let’s have dinner at your favorite neighborhood restaurant. Where do we go and what do we eat?
In Bombay I love Thai Pavillion & Yautcha. If you ever visit you must try them!
What's your go–to cocktail?
An Amaretto Sour. I usually have one after we finish a trade show.
The gemstone you’re currently lusting after is . . .
Emeralds and paraibas, always. They are forever my favorites.
What's your favorite holiday and why?
Diwali, it is our Indian new year! It's my favorite because everyone is in the holiday spirit. Best of all it's a great time with family and good food.
What’s your favorite piece that you made in the last year and why?
My tanzanite cabochon and sapphire rose cut winged bangle. It's a truly special piece. It took countless of hours to finish and is made up of hundreds of stones.
You have 30 minutes to work out – what do you do?
Squash, it's a game similar to racket ball. It offers a total body workout and can get really competitive, which I like.
What was the first piece of jewelry you bought for yourself?
A ring. I made it with my father when I started working in his factory. I saved to buy it but he gave it to me as a gift in the end. It was a single stone diamond ring in yellow gold.
What's the most sentimental piece of jewelry you own and tell us the back story.
My diamond engagement ring. It's a 2 carat emerald cut in white gold. Every time I look at it I think of my family.
Mountains, sea or city? Why?
The sea. It has always been my favorite vacation spot.
Top bands in your playlist - go!
Coldplay
Calvin Harris
A.R. Rahman
U2
You’re having guests for the weekend. What’s your signature dish that you cook?
I don't cook! I'm too busy making jewelry but I love anything vegetarian, spicy and homemade.
If you could only carry one handbag for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A small Chanel cross body in black with gold chain. It goes with everything and is simple and chic.
If you could sit front row at any fashion show, which would it be and why?
A Valentino or Alice & Olivia show. I love both of those brands and they each represent two different sides of my style.
Tell us your beauty secrets (think: can’t-live-without makeup and skincare).
Truth is I can live without make up. I believe less is more and I rarely apply it. I'm a mom so I keep it simple with just eyeliner and lipstick when I do wear it.
If you could be anything other than a jewelry designer, what would it be?
There is no other job for me. I was born to do this.
Shop Sutra at London Jewelers and Mann's Jewelers. And don't forget to send us something!
xxFFR