Muskaan Parikh,Founder, Muskaan Exquisite Jewels

Exclusive Jewellery

Adornment and jewellery go hand in hand with the discerning customer. Muskaan Parikh is the entrepreneur behind the venture Muskaan Exquisite Jewels. She explained how she is bringing in a new era of creativity and exclusive customization into the world of jewellery to Yourstory.

Please tell our readers more about Muskaan Exquisite Jewels and its products.

Muskaan Exquisite Jewels specializes in exclusive diamond and colored stone jewellery.  Founded in 2010 in Mumbai by Muskaan Parikh,the company endeavors to create one of a kind designs that are classic yet contemporary.  It caters to both the ready to wear as well as customized market so that every client finds a shape, color, shade and material that suit her personal taste.  Be it in timeless style or modern day chic, each piece is handcrafted with impeccable workmanship and every detail of design receives meticulous attention. Each gemstone is carefully handpicked keeping a particular design in mind.

Are you breaking new ground in the jewellery business?

Traditional jewellery will stay exactly where it is, in the jewellery boxes our grandmothers gave us.  Though I may borrow on these traditions, I like to reinterpret them and fashion them into something that fits in better today.I think what the brand has to offer is very unique in terms of changing styles around us.  Our forte lies in understanding and creating exquisite designs and delivering them with flawless craftsmanship.What are you doing to get your business more visibility and growth?

For starters, I plan to scale up the business by having exhibitions in some of the key cities of the country to give the brand more visibility and exposure.  The next step would be to participate in the important jewellery trade shows that take place internationally.

What has been the most difficult thing to accomplish at Muskaan Exquisite Jewels?

Coming from a non-jewellery background, I had to figure out everything from scratch.  I had to equip myself from learning to grade diamonds and identifying gemstones to understanding the principles of designing and their practical application. For this, I trained at the prestigious Gemological Institute of America. Having done that, the uphill task was to build a network of suppliers and craftsmen and sifting through the complications of setting up a business.  Breaking in as a new entrant in any field has its own share of challenges.  Jewellery, especially gold and diamond jewellery, has a lot to do with trust.  Most Indian families have their own family jewelers who they have been going to for years.  So people are not always very open to someone new.  They prefer to stick with the tried and tested.  But this mindset is slowly changing as people realize that their old family jewelers can never match the fresh and unique ideas of the new breed of designers.  This is where innovation and creativity wins.

What does entrepreneurship give you that makes it all worthwhile?

My freedom and space, and living life on my own terms and not someone else’s. At the end of the day, it feels great to create something of your own.

Are you better at being an entrepreneur than a normal employee?

The idea of a regular 9 to 5 job seems very boring and monotonous to me.  I constantly need challenges in order to motivate myself.  Being an entrepreneur and having my own business keeps me driven at all times. It gives one a separate and unique identity of their own. It’s also the scope for experiment and creativity and knowing that each day is going to be different.

What are the goals you wish to accomplish by 2012?

It is a young company and there has been a steady growth in its clientele and reputation.  Few years down the line, I wish to see it as a brand people reckon with when they think of unique and innovative jewellery with no compromise on quality. I want Muskaan Exquisite Jewels to be a sought after jewellery brand in India and if all goes well, then maybe even internationally.

The most prestigious award you have received? And the awards which meant the most to you?

Winning the best design award from over 300 designs in a design competition held at the Gemological Institute of America.

Yourstory wishes the talented and entrepreneurially gifted Muskaan good fortune in all her dealings and hopes to see her work adorn many an Indian lady…