Pavit Gujral’s journey from Chandigarh to Dubai wasn’t just a geographic transition—it was an exploration of cultures, colours, and a deep-rooted passion for the art of jewellery making. As an award-winning jewellery designer, Pavit has carved a niche for herself by creating statement-making designs that don’t merely follow trends but set them. Her creations have graced the red carpets of major events, worn by celebrities like the iconic Preity Zinta, Miss Universe Latvia 2023 Kate Alexeeva, and Urvashi Rautela, among others.
Recently, Pavit also collaborated with renowned designer Hessa Falasi for a special Ramadan 2024 collection. The collaboration, features the exquisite Jellyfish Earrings, set in 18K Gold and adorned with over 2000 Pink Sapphires, Mother-of-Pearl, Pink Tourmaline, and Diamonds. Drawing inspiration from the majestic spirit of the marine world, these earrings symbolize attributes such as balance, flexibility, survival, and defense, perfectly encapsulating the ethos of both designers.
If you had to describe Pavit Gujral‘s creations in a few words, they would be bold, unapologetic, and deeply personal. Each piece is a testament to her journey as an aspiring ‘pop-star’ of the jewellery world, reflecting the diverse cultural influences that have shaped her unique design philosophy.
Growing up in India, surrounded by the richness of its art and architecture, the designer was always drawn to the intricate details that define beauty. This early fascination blossomed into a passion for gemstones and led her to the prestigious Gemological Institute of America, where she honed her craft. Today, her collections, like the award-winning “Dancing Fish Collection” and the mesmerising “Crab Earrings,” are worn by a global clientele not just for their beauty but for the stories they tell.
In an exclusive interview, Pavit opens up about her cross-cultural experiences, her love for rare gemstones, and the stories behind her most cherished creations.
Read Below:
Your journey from India to Dubai has influenced your design aesthetics. How do these diverse cultural experiences manifest in your jewellery collections?
My journey from India to Dubai has profoundly shaped my design aesthetics, merging India’s vibrant heritage with Dubai’s modern, cosmopolitan flair. Growing up in a country rich in culture and art fueled my passion for design. Although I initially aimed to design shoes, my love for gemstones and color led me to jewelry, and I pursued a Graduate Gemmologist degree at the esteemed Gemmological Institute of America in New York. My strong bond with nature and animals has greatly influenced my designs, which are characterized by their uniqueness and trendsetting qualities. Each piece is bold, inspired, and bespoke, reflecting my commitment to creating exceptional and inspired designs.
Pavit Gujral Designs is known for its bold and bespoke pieces. Can you tell us about the philosophy behind your brand and what sets it apart in the industry?
Pavit Gujral Designs is driven by a philosophy of fearless creativity and personalized luxury. My brand is dedicated to crafting bold, bespoke and statement pieces that push the boundaries of traditional jewellery design, combining intricate craftsmanship with unconventional elements. What sets us apart is our commitment to bespoke creations, where each piece is tailored to reflect the unique personality and style of our clients. By blending innovation with meticulous attention to detail, I create jewellery that is not only visually striking but also deeply meaningful, making each piece a true work of art.
Is there something that no one knows and should know about Pavit Gujral as a designer?
As a designer, not many people know that I find inspiration in nature and the feelings it brings. My designs are bold and bespoke, yet deeply connected to the natural world. I see beauty in nature’s patterns, colours, and shapes, and I aim to reflect that in my jewellery. This connection to nature subtly but strongly influences my work, shaping the natural flow and unique character of each piece I create.
What was the inspiration behind your award-winning ‘Crab Earrings’, and what do you think makes them stand out?
The inspiration behind my award-winning “Crab Earrings” came from a deep fascination with marine life, particularly the intricate beauty and unique form of crabs. I was captivated by the idea of transforming the delicate yet bold structure of crabs into a wearable piece of art.
The use of vibrant gemstones and intricate detailing captures the texture and movement of a crab, making the earrings not just a piece of jewellery but a conversation starter. The boldness of the design, paired with its connection to the natural world, makes the “Crab Earrings” truly unique and memorable.
These award-winning earrings are set in 18K gold and feature over 800 orange, pink, and yellow sapphires, as well as rubies arranged to create a stunning ombre effect. They are completed with deep blue heart-shaped Tanzanites and round brilliant diamonds. The dynamic design of the earrings, achieved through a special setting technique, allows for beautiful movement. The crabs appear to be balancing tanzanite hearts with their claws, adding to their charm.
In February 2023, the ‘Crab’ Earrings won the prestigious “High Jewellery of the Year” award at the INHORGENTA AWARD 2023 in Munich, Europe’s most esteemed jewellery competition.
How do you balance innovation with tradition in your designs, especially when working with ancient jewellery-making techniques and modern aesthetics?
Balancing innovation with tradition in my designs involves a thoughtful fusion of ancient jewellery-making techniques with contemporary aesthetics. I start by deeply respecting and understanding traditional craftsmanship, which provides a strong foundation for my work. Techniques like intricate filigree or gemstone setting are timeless, and I ensure these are preserved in their purest form.
To bring innovation into the mix, I reimagine these traditional methods by introducing modern elements—whether it’s through bold, unconventional shapes, vibrant colour combinations, or the use of cutting-edge materials. This approach allows me to honour the legacy of ancient craftsmanship while pushing the boundaries of design, creating pieces that are both rooted in history and reflective of modern tastes.
Your work often draws inspiration from nature and animals. Is there a specific element of nature or a particular animal that consistently inspires you?
I love to incorporate five key design elements that help me create unique and eye-catching pieces. I draw inspiration from the beauty of nature, the randomness in shapes, a unique colour mix that nature has to offer and the expressions and emotions of the animals.
Being an animal lover, I am drawn to many animal species when I travel. The most recent experience was hugging the Alpaca’s in Peru during my trip to Machu Pichu! I already have some design ideas in my mind inspired from the region and its terrain and animals.
I believe a piece is truly finished when it is able to share the story behind my inspiration.
You’ve mentioned that your jewellery pieces tell stories. Can you share a favourite story behind one of your most cherished designs?
That would be my “Dancing Fish Collection” that took almost 6 months to complete, and it was awarded first position in the ‘Jewelry Collection’ category at the SAUL BELL DESIGN AWARD 2020. This competition was organized by @riogrande in the US. Being a certified scuba diver, I found inspiration from the graceful and beautiful Betta Fish. As they move in the water, they seem to be dancing with elegance. This collection was crafted in 18K Gold with over 4,000 gemstones, featuring Rubies grading into Pink Sapphires and finally merging into Diamonds with the pear brilliant Tanzanite depicting the deep blue ocean.
As an aspiring ‘pop-star’ of the jewellery industry, what trends do you see emerging in high jewellery, and how do you plan to stay ahead of the curve?
The jewelry design industry has grown rapidly in the past few years. Currently, larger and bolder pieces are making a comeback with unique colour combinations. Men’s jewellery and accessories are also gaining popularity each year. Brands are experimenting with newer metals like titanium, which make the jewellery pieces much lighter and more wearable. Additionally, titanium allows for plating the metal in vibrant colours!
To me, staying ahead of the curve means more than just creating unique, trendsetting pieces. I also aim to educate people about the diverse world of gemstones, helping them understand the beauty and stories behind each piece. This two-pronged approach enables me to push the boundaries of design while enhancing the client’s experience.
Looking forward, what are your dreams and goals for Pavit Gujral Designs in the next five to ten years, and what new projects can we expect to see from you?
In the next five to ten years, my dreams and goals for Pavit Gujral Designs include expanding the brand’s global presence. I also aim to push the boundaries of design innovation. I plan to establish flagship design studios in key luxury markets, enabling more people to experience the unique blend of bold creativity and meticulous craftsmanship that defines my work.
Additionally, I am currently working on a new collection and I’m excited about collaborating with other artists and exploring new mediums.
