Anointed after a thoughtful amalgamation of the names of their younger ones: Ishaan, Armaan and Arya, Mumbai-based Gauri Tandon and California-based Radhika Tandon decided to transform their personal camaraderie into a professional one in 2004 with their jewellery label Isharya (the two are sister-in-laws). On the occasion of their launch on our website, they take us behind-the-scenes of their co-founded passion project. Ahead, we discuss everything from their favourite Bollywood muses to their brand story and more… How did it all begin? How and why did you start Isharya? Both of us had a passion for jewellery and we regularly custom created our own designs for family and friends on the side. So, we set out to create jewellery we wanted to wear because we personally struggled with finding pieces that really caught our eye in the market. We sought high quality jewellery that was traditionally inspired but designed for modern women and when we realized there was a void in the market for this, we started making it ourselves. After being featured in various magazines, getting celebrity attention and being stocked by prestigious global retailers like Net-a-Porter, we knew we had to dedicate ourselves to Isharya full time. Our collective brand vision and the fact that we are family make it easy to defer to each other’s judgment and rely on each other completely. ISHARYA has grown from our initial two sisters-in-law team to one that today boasts over 75 full and part-time members. What is it that sets your brand apart? Our products are luxurious and we pay a lot of attention to detail. The Isharya team consistently strives to create innovative designs that appeal to women around the world. They not only want the collections to be in line with current fashion trends, but they also aim to create pieces that will be relevant years from now. From where do you draw inspirations for your collections? We are inspired by nature, architecture; global travel and India’s rich heritage. We also love to take age old jewellery making techniques and apply them in new and interesting ways. For example, we frequently use mirror glass to mimic Indian polki, also known as rose cut diamonds. We use Indian style enamel as a way to infuse colour to our pieces and take inspiration from exotic gemstones and their natural beauty. Women who appreciate beauty cannot help but be attracted to India’s diverse and colourful heritage. Isharya is constantly challenged to present a fresh perspective and communicate its interpretation of India’s aesthetics in a modern, high quality way that appeal to global trendsetters. This dedication is what keeps us ahead in India’s costume jewellery movement. Take us through the process of making your jewellery The journey starts with a mood board and lots of research and development before we ever get to designing and sampling. We are always pushing the boundaries and innovating with new techniques and materials. After designing and sampling, we QC test and then go into production. Name some celebrities you have you enjoyed watching the most in your designs We’ve loved accessorizing Sophia Vergera, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton, to name a few. They all have a confident personal style and are not afraid to experiment. We also love seeing our baubles on the leading ladies of Bollywood – from Priyanka Chopra, to Allia Bhatt to Kareena Kapoor – it is very difficult to choose our favourite. They are all so fabulous and look amazing in Isharya! Lastly, what would you say are some of your personal favourites from the collection on Nykaa Fashion and how do you recommend styling them? We love the Demi Goddess mirror cluster stud earrings – they are geometric, statement, yet lightweight and easy to wear.
Earrings with gift box – 5,399 These are a go to pair of earrings and can be styled with a crisp white shirt, anything ethnic or even comfy lounge wear and make max impact on the video calls too! Click here to shop Isharya’s full collection! Follow @NykaaFashion on Instagram for more!