Studio Renn’s creations are experimental and thought-provoking and the Mumbai-based jewellery design “practice” is coming to Calcutta with [Prime]al at Richa Kanoi’s Bombaim. They have had showcases at Bergdorf Goodman and Sotheby’s and this is the collection’s debut in Calcutta. t2 chatted with co-founders Rahul and Roshni Jhaveri.
Rahul and Roshni Jhaveri of Studio Renn
How old is the brand and how did it start?
We found the practice in 2018. Rahul is a third-generation diamantaire and used to design for friends and family, and the studio was a formalization of that practice. We are getting our recent body of work [Prime]al to our showcase at Bombaim, Calcutta.
The pieces have an element of geometry and architecture. What is the inspiration?
The inspiration for the current body of work comes from our study of indigenous art. It was a study to understand what was being communicated through these various art forms and how. And we realised that very complex ideas were being communicated through simple forms. We have adapted that same approach to [Prime]al, where we are communicating complex ideas of protection, fertility, cyclicity, and abundance through simple abstracted forms.
Who do you design your pieces for?
Our works are made for collectors who have a creative bent of mind towards art and design, who are open to experimentation and looking for innovative forms to express themselves.
Your jewellery is statement and at the same time minimal. How do you blend the two?
It is not our intent for our jewellery to be statement or minimal, these classifications are subjective to the collectors. Our intent is to have a contemporary design language that is our own and for our collectors to interpret and make it their own.
What are your personal favourites when it comes to jewellery?
Cacti and Puffball Voids are our personal favourites from the collection. These pieces push the boundaries of innovation and design and make for very versatile pieces to have in your collection.
How do you see perception towards jewellery changing with time?
Jewellery is no longer viewed as a sum of its parts, but there is increasing focus and appreciation for design in it as well.
Is the concept of heirlooms also changing?
Yes, while the emotional attachment to the heirlooms remains, it is starting to be adapted to express the individuals a lot more. For example, the focus is not just on the solitaire, but also on the design, form and functionality of these pieces.
What is heirloom for you?
Heirloom for us is an antique-cut diamond or even a coloured gemstone, one which is difficult to find a second of, one which is special in its colour and cutting style, but is set in a contemporary setting, and such that it can be effortlessly worn every day.