Sparkling with sustainability: The foray of Gujarat Jewellery brands onto the Road of being eco-friendly

From jewellery that starts conversations around beliefs to adornments that become a second skin, these Gujarat-based jewellery brands are bringing fashionable eco-conscious jewellery to life.

Jewellery that stays safely locked away in your jewellery box for decades is a thing of the past. Modern minimalistic jewellery leans toward trinkets that you’ll wear and cherish like a second skin. These aren’t pieces you invest in to grow your money but to fill in gaps and become an extension of your personality. These jewels have stories and strong values of social and environmental responsibility weaved into them that become conversation starters when you meet people or better, an inseparable part of your identity. Envision that one friend who wears chunky silver nose studs and earrings, and whenever you see something similar it reminds you of her. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find out that the jewellery you just saw is from the same brand she wears. It shows that each sustainable jewellery brand crafts bespoke jewellery identifiable from miles away. If you browse through modern sustainable jewellery, you’ll come across brands with the same core values of crafting socially and environmentally sustainable jewellery that also speaks to the fashion-conscious, but with bespoke designs that strongly embody the brand’s distinct identity with each collection.

From a brand that honours cultural sustainability to one that experiments with textures to bring beautiful brass jewellery to life, or jewellery that keeps traditional handicrafts alive while also giving livelihood to women of an expansive rural region or makes sustainable fine jewellery a reality, here’s your edit of sustainable jewellery brands based out of Gujarat, that you can shop for and love from anywhere across the globe.

Baka

Baka goes by the tagline- We go beyond designing sustainable jewellery to designing a better world through good design. Inspired by traditions from across the world and designed to speak to contemporary style, Baka’s trend-agnostic jewellery is a sight to witness. Their jewellery also pays an ode to cultural sustainability through their Avani collection, which features faux tiger claws, an ode to our tradition of the past and a remembrance of flawed practices. The name Avani comes from the name of the tigress and cubs who were shot in Gujarat. Sejal is another striking collection featuring modern face jewellery that rebels against the idea of face jewellery being just gothic.

Image Source: Baka Jewellery

Okhai

The Okhamandal region in Gujarat is popular for its rich tribal and handicraft culture. Though the vast arid region has a colourful heritage of clothes and jewellery a sustained income stream was largely absent. This is when Okhai came into the picture. The brand provides the women artisans with livelihood and thus empowers them. The jewellery is sustainably made with traditional handicraft practices and has wearable, contemporary designs. The materials are responsibly sourced and lightweight, ideal for everyday wear.

Aarjavee

Founded by Aarjavee Shah, the Ahmedabad-based eponymous label was designed to prioritise comfort, functionality and longevity with eccentric jewellery that takes inspiration from the elements all around us. As per their website, their jewels are specially designed for strong, independent women of simplicity. Their Aabha ring from their Chaand collection is beautifully made from brass, a highly sustainable metal, through an awe-inspiring play of textures and forms. The minimalistic versatile jewellery is a statement piece that takes your look a notch higher.

Image Source: Okhai

Raw High

Crafted sustainably from parts of vintage timepieces, when you think Raw High think elegance weaved into mechanical gears and show-stopping punk jewellery that can be paired with your everyday wear and takes centre stage in any outfit. Crafting symbols of profound transformations, the brand believes in saving scraps and crafting something marvellous out of it. Handcrafted by women, the brand has a core focus on social and environmental sustainability.

Image Source: Raw High Instagram

Narania- Gaatha

Slow jewellery handcrafted with ceramic baked on high heat to make it last for a long time, is what sets Narania apart from other jewellery brands. The brand’s core identity is to bring about appreciation and recognition for faceless artisans across the country. Chic, stunning pieces with motifs like paisleys, and earthy tones that go with a versatile set of ensembles, are at the heart of Narania’s brand identity.

Image Source: Narania:Gaatha

AuTiC

This Surat-based sustainable jewellery brand has its roots in Surat and is gearing up to spread its wings to New York. Crafting jewels with titanium and lab-grown diamonds, a never-seen-before combination of sustainable elements, AuTiC is leading the way to reimagining fine jewellery. With their new Starlight Collection, the brand is blending handcrafted recycled gold inlay with new-age sustainable elements, a first in the industry. This luxe jewellery brand is essentially crafted for Gen-C, the wave of conscious consumers who have fashion-forward sustainability at the core of their style. The contemporary classic pieces surpass trends and have the potential to become a second skin.

Jewellery that cares for the environment and the people is the norm of the day. At the same time, these pieces need to be something that’s fashion-forward and wearable. With skill, inventive ideas, and a strong brand identity, these brands are reimagining what it means to be eco-conscious.