Akshar Choudree - Elegant designer, sophisticated design!

 

It was a beautiful sun filled Tuesday morning when I finally got the chance to sit down for a chat with one of SA's youngest and most exciting talents in the world of jewellery making. Akshar Choudree is a busy man, between making elegant pieces of sophistication for the rich and famous and attending the glamorous events to which his pieces are being worn, it is difficult to pin him down but when we finally did, it was a delight to talk about his passion and enthusiasm for making sparkly things.

Akshar's interest in 'all things bright and beautiful' began when at the age of 6 he accompanied his dad to a jewellery store to buy his mom a set of bangles. He took a look around the store at all the sparkle and fell in love. The young designer who hails from Durban, honed his skill abroad  and has brought back a wealth of knowledge and skill which is evident in every piece which bears the Akshar Choudree Fine Jewellery insignia. His first foray into the world of jewellery making was at the tender age of 15 but it was only after Matric that he was off to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA ) from which he graduated as a Gemologist and an Accredited Jewellery  Professional. Further studies also saw him obtain a Graduate Pearls Diploma and a Jewellery Design Diploma. Akshar also won the much sought after GIA Jewellery Design Award.

 

From New York he set off to Mumbai to the esteemed Rosy Blue, the largest diamond processing company in the world and then was given the privilege of  spending 18mths training in rough diamonds with the KARP group in Surat, who supply the diamonds to Mont Blanc for their very sought after pens.. By now Akshar was beginning to develop his design style which is both eclectic and definitely regal at the same time. With much of his inspiration drawn from the majesty of Jaipur, his ancestral home, many of his items are so finely crafted with many different techniques and intricacies, they definitely are fit for a queen.

A field trip in New York to the legendary Van Cleef and Arpels confirmed both Akshar's love for the industry but also the direction in which he wanted to take his craft. From the fine craftsmanship of each individual piece to the packaging, it is sheer opulence and luxury. Since his entry into the world of fine jewellery design, Akshar has created one of a kind items for royalty and celebrities across the globe. His designs have graced the likes of famous Bollywood actress, Dia Mirza when she appeared in SA for the SAIFTA awards, Basetsane Khumalo at the Liz Hurley Pink Illumination Ball as well as  Jeannie D to name but a few.

 

Through all the success and glamour of the industry, Akshar has remained humble and is an absolute delight to talk to. His friendly demeanour and quiet confidence belies the fact that he has collaborated with some of the biggest names in fashion and design.

His pieces have graced the catwalk of Cape Town

Fashion Week, where he joined forces with SA 

Fashion Guru Gavin Rajah to re-create opulent jewels

reminiscent of the Maharaja of Patiala's obsession with

fine jewellery , his high diamond bespoke collection was

exhibited at the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup

together with other esteemed designers and as recent as the

2013 SAIFTA awards, the March Curtain Raiser event saw

AKSHAR CHOUDREE-FINE JEWELLERY collaborating with Mumbai based couturiers "Alpa-Reena" as a main feature of the show & decked out several Bollywood stars with his high diamond jewellery, including Farah Khan and Raveena Tandon.

High end design with meticulous attention to detail are fast becoming the hallmark of Akshar Choudree  Fine Jewellery and we're certain that once you've acquired your first piece, a second and  a third will definitely follow. And since Akshar stays abreast of current trends by visiting all the international jewellery shows and exhibitions, you can be assured that your piece will always be on the cutting edge.

"Success in a high-end, luxury market demands meticulous and exquisite designs matched by quality materials" This is the mantra of Akshar Choudree Fine Jewellery and it is evident in every exquisite piece.

"One can never err with the combination of haute couture, refined craftsmanship, sophisticated glamour and undisputed femininity!" - Akshar Choudree