JOIN USJewellery designer Sharon Sara Idiculla’s tryst with beads began in 2004 when her sister presented her a fascinating book on beadwork. “I always had a penchant for jewellery and got trained in the traditional methods of making and designing at the Jewellery Design and Technology Institute, Noida. However, it is beads that truly enchanted me and inspired me to give wings to my creativity,” she says.
Sharon works with silver and semi-precious beads (that aren’t set stones) to create necklaces, earrings and bracelets under her label ‘Ssara Designs’. Her portfolio comprises elegant pieces in both traditional and contemporary styles, which she says, are simple yet sophisticated. “I started with basic stringing around eight years back and keep experimenting with different techniques. Presently, I am focusing on two methods– ‘bead weaving’ wherein beads are woven together to form different patterns and designs and ‘wire work’ where I shape the silver wire by hand and combine it with beads to come up with jewellery,” she elaborates.
An assortment of beads like garnets, red, green and black onyx, turquoise, lapis lazuli, carnelians, labradorite, silver, pearls and swarovski crystals lend charm to her creations and are sourced from Jaipur as well as the USA. “During my travels too, I make it a point to pick up anything interesting that catches my eye,” she states.
Sharon works from home and also does custom work. “There are people who have beads collected over the years, either as gifts or from their travels while some simply want to get old pieces redesigned. I make something completely new for them from these. A lady once gave me pearls and I came up with a black pearl necklace that she really appreciated!” says the entrepreneur adding, “I also cater to those who want matching jewellery with their clothes, especially for some special occasion. An enthusiastic bride wanted jewellery for her bridesmaids according to the colour scheme and I designed necklaces and earrings to go with that.”
There are a couple of signature pieces that make her stand out as a designer. “There is this green onyx and silver woven necklace, a formal piece which looks like an Egyptian collar and the lacy effect renders a delicate touch to it. Another one of my favourites is a set of labradorite and silver wire earrings and necklace which is very unique and classy. Then there are these hammered silver earrings that are simple in design yet look quite different.”
Her USP, Sharon feels, is that her pieces are very wearable on a daily basis and one doesn’t have to wait for special occasions to take them out. As she puts it,
“One can enjoy jewellery everyday and make a chic style statement.”
Her label has received a good response in the City and most of her clients include working women as well as ladies in their 50s and 60s. She has held exhibitions and sales individually and also showcased her work at various events like the Overseas Women’s Club Christmas Bazaar, CSB Santhe (organised by Community Service of Bangalore) and Highstreet 66 Flea Market. But the 36-year-old has her priorities clear for she says, “I don’t want to own a big jewellery store or anything like that. I make all the jewellery myself and would just like to be known as a niche designer.”