Romancing the stone: Amrita Ghosh

Lovely readers, hello, how are you? Are you ready to step off the wheel and take a breather? Then come join me and we can go visit a very talented young lady in Bangalore. In addition to her day job in telecommunications, she is a trained dancer, she can churn out the most compelling prose, she composes poetry--lovely thought-provoking haiku, captures beautiful photographs, and designs jewelry! It is in her capacity as a jewelry designer that I would like to introduce her to you today, though I would highly recommend that you visit her blog to get to know her better...

Some of you may have already met Amrita Ghosh via Aparna's blog; though I'm sure you wouldn't mind visiting her again, would you? :) As always I do have a a little interview lined up....

GB: Was this your career of choice (did you train to be a jewelry designer?) if not, what inspired you to take the leap of faith?


AG: It wasn't a career of choice. It was like a happy accident, a leap of faith, you can say. Growing up, I had a natural inclination towards art. For example, I am a trained dancer and I love dabbling in poetry. I often designed my own clothes, bags, and, jewellery. I would design for friends and family, on a one off basis. I had a natural eye for cut, color and clarity. It was more like a hobby, art for passion. Then, last year, I was taking a break from work, and, as if by some internal compulsion, I started working on some designs. Before I knew it, I had a full-fledged line of custom, hand-made jewellery, and, Ambrosia was born. So, no, I have no formal training in this field; I romance the stone as I like it. Since then, I have gone back to pursuing a full time career in Telecom & Technology, however, designing custom, hand-made jewellery is a passion that I am dedicated to following. Unlike before, when it was very random, I now try and devote some disciplined time to designing on a regular basis.

GB: All your pieces have a distinctive "feel" to them...do you design in "collections" or is it more instinctive for you?

AG: It's a mix of both. I usually make only one of each piece. However, sometimes, they fall into a broad set of collections like 'Shells', 'Silver Wire Work', etc. and, sometimes, I am guided only by the unusualness of a stone, or, perhaps, there's a story behind a particular piece I picked up, like a Lava stone, or a shocking green Turquoise, or a fossil. It depends entirely on my mood and, sometimes, also the season, which is a fairly standard practice in the designing world.

GB: Where does the inspiration come from?

AG: From everywhere! To narrow it down though, mostly from nature, art, and, random ideas in my head. Inspiration often comes in fits and bursts; you can't force it. And, then once that happens, I get restless till I have the ideas translated into actual pieces.

GB: What next, you'd mentioned plans of setting up an online store...when is it going to make a debut? because after seeing these droolicious pieces, I'm sure everyone will want to know how to get hold of them...... :)

AG: As of now, I have only been selling, by word of mouth. However, I do have plans to launch an online store, primarily to reach a bigger audience overseas. I have also been in discussions with some retail outlets, and, actively considering testing the bigger domestic market via that route. However, I'd love to get feedback; and, if people want to know more about my jewellery, prices, how to buy them, etc, they can email me or reach out to me via my blog.
 

Tempted? good...go drop in and say hi, I'm sure Amrita would like to get to know you better as well.

Amrita, thank you so much for sharing a facet (pun unintended) of your personality here. I have a feeling we'll be hearing OF you more often in the coming years. Best of luck in all your endeavors....... :)