ANANYA
1. HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE JEWELRY INDUSTRY?
During my foundation year at Central Saint Martins (CSM) in London, I took a jewelry module, which had never been my plan. I was instantly mesmerized and the idea of creating and crafting, struck a chord with me. I went on to secure my GIA qualifications and began to study the concept of gemstones' spiritual and healing qualities, which resulted in me enrolling in a stone healing course in my spare time. My grandparents are very spiritual and thus it was interesting for me to approach the gemstones from a spiritual angle as opposed to just the science of them.
2. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT JEWELRY?
Jewelry, and more specifically the process of sketching three-dimensional structures, has always allowed me to communicate concepts in my mind which are, perhaps, too complex to communicate in other forms. I find jewelry to be the most personal and meaningful medium. The representation of color through gemstones and the combination of all the elements is so alchemical.
3. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START YOUR COMPANY?
Having completed a number of internships and my final graduate collection, I had the opportunity to study the history behind jewelry and was exposed to the current industry, specifically in India. I came to realize that having carried such cultural and spiritual significance once upon a time, jewelry had, and has, become incredibly commercial. It felt cold and impersonal. My aim with ANANYA is to guide wearers back to their roots and allow them to connect with the beauty and significance of jewelry, like they once did. It is for this reason that ANANYA has such a deep spiritual connection.
4. WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
I travel a lot however my home is South Kensington in London.
5. WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I was born in Chennai, India.
6. ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR JEWELRY.
Spiritual.
7. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE STONE?
Emerald – it is my lucky stone.
8. WHAT’S THE FIRST PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH?
One of my ancestral family pieces – it is a necklace made with Basra pearls and old cut diamonds. I have recently redesigned these pearl strings into a choker that I wore for my sister's wedding ceremony.
9. WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL?
Leopard.
10. WHO IS YOUR JEWELRY ICON?
Victorie de Castellane. I admire her use of materials. She's always been ahead of her time and during my studies at CSM, I found her use of colour and materials so different and intriguing.
11. DO YOU HAVE A PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY YOU WEAR EVERY DAY AND IF SO, WHY?
An emerald ring – it’s my lucky, protective stone and I have it regularly cleansed and activated.
I wear a rainbow moonstone Chakra bracelet. Moonstones are extremely powerful healing gemstones especially for Women.
And from a personal style, I like to stack the Chakra tennis bracelets.
12. ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE.
Timeless.
13. LAST PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU BOUGHT AND LOVED?
I recently created a colored diamond necklace for myself. I love pastel colored diamonds. It took me some time to collect the right shades and design - it is a bit more classic than what I am used to designing.
14. THE BEST GIFT YOU’VE RECEIVED RECENTLY?
A sound healing class at Re:Mind Studio in London. You must try it!
15. THE THING YOU ARE COVETING NEXT?
DYNE by my incredibly talented and long term friend, Sarah Ysabel Narici. She is currently designing beautiful anniversary rings for my husband and I. I can't wait to have our very own customised Loverglyphs.
16. FAVORITE FOOD?
Anything fish, Japanese!
17. LEAST FAVORITE FOOD?
Indian. A little ironic…
18. WINE OR CHEESE?
Wine.
19. COFFEE OR TEA?
Both, although I have a big tea obsession - I have always collected teas. One day I hope to have my very own tea library.
20. YOGA OR BOXING?
Boxing and yoga! It’s all about balance!
21. FAVORITE SEASON?
Winter.
22. FAVORITE CITY?
Istanbul.
23. SUPERPOWER OF CHOICE?
The power of foresight.
24. SECRET SKILL?
I am a big weight training enthusiast.
25. WHEN DO YOU FEEL HAPPIEST?
Early morning whilst doing my meditation and my walk.
26. WHEN DO YOU FEEL STRONGEST?
When I am deep in my design process. I like to do this alone and undisturbed.
27. YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Failure.
28. HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF UP FROM A LOW DAY?
I shift my focus to within and go from there with the help of meditation or outdoor walks. This helps me clear my head and refocus. Weight training also gives me small goals to accomplish. I feel like I can take this energy and use it to pick myself up.
29. WHAT PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY MAKES YOU FEEL HAPPIEST?
My wedding ring.
30. WHAT PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY MAKES YOU FEEL STRONGEST?
My emerald.
31. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
To have more patience and conviction.
32. WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
I’m quite talkative – I come across shy but when I get to know someone, they see that I can be very outgoing.
33. WHAT DOES ‘JOY’ MEAN TO YOU?
Joy to me is truly living in the moments that you never want to take for granted.