Vinita Michael reflects on the personal significance of jewelry, fostering curiosity about the artisans behind these crafts amid retail challenges, and emphasizing the importance of preserving their tradition and legacy.
Years ago, an interaction with an energy healer reshaped my understanding of nourishment. She introduced me to “Ghar ka khaana” or home-cooked meals, a cherished tradition in Indian culture. This tradition is about more than just eating; it’s about consuming food prepared with the finest ingredients and warmth and love, blending nutrition, energy, and spirituality to nourish both the body and the soul.
This revelation made me think about the significance of other personal elements, especially the jewelry that adorns us. I began to view my late grandmother’s bangles not merely as ornaments but as precious carriers of my family’s history and my own story. They offer a tangible link to my childhood, filled with laughter and love, and evoke a deep sense of warmth and belonging.
It was there and then that I found myself wondering, who made my jewelry?
This curiosity extended to the artisans behind these pieces, their thoughts, and the rich cultural stories they embed in their work. However, the esteemed tradition of jewelry making, as old as civilization, faces challenges in today’s retail environment. Promotions proclaiming “0% labor charge” miss acknowledging the intricate effort and skill involved, creating a worrying disconnect from the actual value of the artisans’ labor. This not only devalues the craft but also puts at risk the future of jewelry making as a meaningful and sustainable career, gradually diminishing the number of artisans willing to pass on their skills to future generations.
In this context, Manish Bhagwanji’s story, a third-generation jeweler who launched Trezora in Dubai, stands out as a source of hope. His initiative to empower emerging designers through the Trezora incubator speaks to the adaptability and resilience of this ancient craft. Bhagwanji’s dedication to marrying tradition with innovation paves the way for a future where luxury, responsibility, and ethical practices flourish together.
The shift of jewelry from valued family heirlooms to mere commodities urges us to reflect on our consumption habits and the values we hold dear. It underlines the importance of collaboration among designers, craftsmen, retailers, and consumers in preserving the art of jewelry making. Together, we embark on a mission to maintain the aesthetic and material worth of jewelry and protect its essence — the stories, traditions, and human connections it carries.
As we adorn ourselves with these creations, let’s cherish the stories they tell and the hands that crafted them. By doing so, we honor the legacy of jewelry making, ensuring that this art continues to inspire and connect us through the ages. This journey, rich in heritage and heart, invites us to appreciate the true essence of beauty — a beauty that resonates with our spirits and keeps the warmth of our shared histories alive.
Credits:
Photography IRA SHAMBARY
Make-up and Hair ANNA VASILEVA
Producer ALEXEY BOGDANOV
Production MIXTAPE
Models ANNA GALTSEVA AND ANGELIKA V
DOP ALEXEY VOITOVICH
Line Producer SERGEI FOMIN
Location www.trezorathefactory.com
