A love necklace in white gold is one of my favourite designs, says jewellery designer Meenu Subbiah. “A fusion of heart shaped designs runs through the necklace. It looks like solitaire but it isn’t. A simple design, yet so classic,” she says. Subbiah, the founding partner of Meenu Subbiah Diamonds (MSD), is one of the earliest women gemmologists from South India. And Coimbatore will see her line of contemporary diamond jewellery that are hand crafted in rose gold at her newly-launched showroom. “The rose gold jewellery collection is unique. It is lightweight, has smart designs that complement both Indian and Western wear.”
Subbiah says that Rose gold suits the Indian skin tone and she has brought an array of pendants and earrings for the working woman. “I am inspired by the flora and fauna, and sometimes geometrical shapes. I also try to mix and match those, especially on pendants. I also have jewellery in a combination of both rose and white gold.”
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A diamonds graduate from Gemological Institute of America, Meenu Subbiah also has a Masters in Gemmology from the U.K. “It was during my Masters, that I learnt every single stone has a unique colour and purity. I have fused these coloured stones with the diamonds. The coloured stones make the diamonds stand out.”
The gemmologist is particular that her jewellery should be comfortable to wear. “It has to go with the personality of the wearer. Even if it’s a single necklace, every single detail has to be looked into.”
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MSD has their flagship showroom in North Usman Road, T Nagar. As the group enters its 25th year, Subbiah recalls that she entered the industry at a time when professional education in diamond grading was rare. “When I applied for my visa for my graduate course, even the officials were intrigued as no one has applied before for such a course. And, no women certainly, especially from South India.” subbiah has a natural flair for gemstones as she says her ancestors have been trading in gemstones and diamonds.
Talking about her profession subbiah says how unorganised the manufacturing segment was not too many years ago. “Today, it is with pride that I say that we have the state-of-the-art factory where the craftspeople work in a centralised AC environment. We have elevated the aasaris to the next level. They are our biggest strength. And, they create the design exactly the way I visualise them.”
The stones are closely inspected, graded and certified as per their quality. Only then are they set in gold. They follow stringent quality control, says Subbiah.
MSD jewellery has travelled to international jewellery shows in Switzerland, Las Vegas, Bangkok and Hong Kong. “Participating internationally helps me keep abreast with latest trends,” she says. Sometimes, she says, she takes a few flavours from there, but essentially her jewellery is rooted in Indianness. “Every single piece is one of a kind. Nothing is mass produce. For me each piece of jewellery is a new creation.”
Know more
Exhibition is on August 19 & 20, 9. 30 am to 7.30 pm
@ Meenu Subbiah Diamonds, 13-15, Appasamy Layout, Race Course, (Opposite Nirmala College for Women).
Ph: +91 82200 09889 and +91 422 438 9889.
Price: Rs.3,000 onwards
There will also be a line of heritage jewellery inspired by the ‘Nakashu’ technique of the Chola dynasty. And, a special collection made with a combination of diamonds and precious and semi-precious beads.
There are bracelets and rings for men too. Belt buckles in diamonds are made to order.