Chinanshu uses a variety of materials to craft her jewelry. Banana fibre, linoleum are a few that caught my eye. What makes it interesting is the way she combines and improvises these unique materials, to create her jewelry.
A resident of Bangalore, Chinanshu Sharma got into design, after many years in banking and media. A course in designing, fabrication and metalsmithing, from the Indian Institute of Gem & Jewelry, Jaipur, a couple of years ago, provided the ideal steppingstone to launching Paarisha. Chinanshu hasn’t looked back since.
She meets me one afternoon in Bangalore, to discuss what she does. One thing is certain: the happy vibe she exudes is evident in her jewelry too.
Her mantra from the start has been experimentation with different materials. For instance, she has worked with recycled motor parts. Another time, she worked with a glass artist in Chennai to design jewelry. Other materials that find a way into her designs are paper, grass, linen, seeds, silver and denims. Next on the agenda is a line inspired by Ikat.
Her jewelry line focuses on anklets and bracelets, but what I really like are the neckpieces. I love the way she works with silk yarn to make interesting neckpieces. She often borrows from different weaving techniques to keep her designs fresh. For instance, she recently learnt the art of sister basket weaving, from an aboriginal artist of Australia. Her love for weaving also means a love for baskets, which she collects and treasures.
Her most recent line is the boho weave collection, which like the name suggests has a bohemian feel to it. This vibrant range will see a lot more products in the new future.
Chinanshu draws inspiration from several artists. Some of her favorites are Suhani Pittie (India), Gustav Reyes (Chicago, US) and Kiff Slemmons (Chicago, US).
Chinanshu does well in ensuring her jewelry isn’t too traditional. Perhaps something that will work well as she sells to a global audience. To know more about Paarisha and buy from her collection, check out her website: http://www.paarisha.com
She has been generous to sponsor one neckpiece from her collection. To win, please post a comment, like our Facebook page and email us at [email protected], on colours that you would like to see in her jewelry.
{Photos by Bangalore based photographer Pratap J, model: Divya Nichani}
Payal says
July 15, 2014 at 2:27 pmLove the way you showcase someone’s work in words. Products you chose to write on are so beautiful and unique. You really have an eye for good things.
preetikhicha says
July 15, 2014 at 4:32 pmThanks Payal!
Poonam says
July 16, 2014 at 7:59 amI have seen her jewellery before and the pieces simply gorgeous. The photos here make them really come to life. 🙂
Lalena j says
July 17, 2014 at 5:44 amThese necklaces are so gorgeous, there’s so much love that you can see in making them which mean so much more than your average piece of jewelry.
Vandana Sridhar says
July 18, 2014 at 5:54 amwud like co ordinated earnings.. and thats the control freak in me
and the gypsy side of me wants a little flexibility in mixing and matching the colored yarns … would it be possible to provide a clip and go colored yarn to suit ur attire (like watches provide different straps for the different hues in you) … this will keep me coming back looking for more colored yarns … not sure if I was clear …
mitchell says
July 18, 2014 at 6:47 amlovely work.. made with so much of love and passion
swati says
July 18, 2014 at 6:55 amHi,
Lovely post.I just love Paarisha bcos its unique and a creative expression for women by a women.
I am inspired to see her success story. I would love to see Neon colours in Paarisha jewellery bcos that’s the new colour pallete in our wardrobe and it would b lovely to hv a Paarisha to go along wid it.
way to go.
cheers
Soumyasree says
July 18, 2014 at 7:57 amI own a lot of stuff from Paarisha. Each time Chinanshu gives me something unique. I would like to see coordinating clutch bags and cocktail rings from the house of Paarisha. Great expectations!