GIA alumni show off designs at India’s IIJW
MUMBAI, India, August 2, 2011 – Four GIA alumni showed off their designs in a glittering catwalk spectacle during India International Jewellery Week (IIJW).
Muskaan Parikh’s designs are classic yet contemporary.
“A combination of timeless style and modern day shape rolled into one,” Muskaan said of her designs in a promotional video beamed to a high-society audience crammed into a large hall in the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai, to see the catwalk event.
Designer Niyati Mehta and model (in black), on catwalk at IIJW 2011
Having honed her skills at GIA, her brand Muskaan Exquisite Jewels offers a range from ready to wear creations to customized designs.
The designs of Niyati Mehta, a third generation member of the gems and jewellery industry, draw inspiration from many directions – nature, architecture, moments with loved ones, and just from within.
“My training at GIA taught me to convert my vision into something beautiful,” Niyati said.
Jaya Bhandari aims to depict the inherent beauty and opulence of nature through her intricate and highly ornate designs.
“Nothing gives me greater happiness than to see my imagination take shape in the form of precious metals and stones,” Jaya said.
Nehal Shah, a graduate gemologist from GIA in the United States, operates through her signature line “NEHAL SHAH” specialising in diamond and handmade polki and jadtar jewellery.
Nehal seeks to reinvent traditional designs for the modern Indian woman or the modern international woman, she said.
India International Jewellery Week (IIJW), which blends fashion with the latest jewellery designs, runs from July 31 to August 4.
