Dishi Somani: Designer jewellery for anyone, anywhere

From belonging to a non-jewellery background to quitting a plush job in the banking sector and starting her own line of jewellery, Dishi Somani has come a long way. In a chat with The Retail Jeweller, designer Dishi Somani from New Delhi, speaks about her journey, her designs and her plans for her line of jewellery.

The Retail Jeweller (TRJ): How were you initiated into jewellery designing?
Dishi Somani (DS): I belong to a typical Marwari business family from New Delhi. My father, an IIT-IIM-A pass out, wanted me to follow his career path; hence I did my MBA and got a banking job. However, I realised that I craved to do something more creative and more enjoyable. One fine day, I quit my job and announced my decision of pursuing jewellery design to my family. There was a lot of resistance but I knew I had to follow my dreams.

TRJ: What is your design style?
DS: My forte is elegant, lightweight jewellery, with a blend of modern and traditional designs. I play around a lot with diamonds.

TRJ: What inspired you to choose this unique blend of traditional and contemporary designs?
DS: I’d say I draw inspiration from India and its rich heritage. It’s only natural that a good designer blends modernity with tradition.

TRJ: What were the hurdles in setting up your own line of jewellery?
DS: I did not hail from a family of jewellers and that was my biggest hurdle. After quitting my bank job, I studied a designing and manufacturing course from IIGJ-Delhi, which was a whole new experience. I started to research on the scope of e-commerce in Indian jewellery. My motto is to make designer jewellery available to everyone sitting at home and anywhere. Initially, it was very difficult to form a team of karigars, CAD designers and honest support staff. I got cheated several times but gradually overcame these challenges.

TRJ: What have you learnt from attending exhibitions in and around New Delhi?
DS: Good designers must get under the skin of their customers. Exhibitions have given me an opportunity to interact with prospective buyers and understand their likes, dislikes and their mind set. It also gives an insight into the changing trends and demand patterns.

TRJ: How do customers react to your new design language?
DS: This is best answered by my customers. However, I can confidently say that my designs are appreciated, a fact which is reflected in my order flow and the recognition I have been receiving.

TRJ: Tell us about one piece that is very close to your heart.
DS: I have made a unique piece of necklace with sapphires, rose quartz cut, diamonds and rubies and have called it a Rosa designer diamond necklace. It looks gorgeous, stands out and yet is a lightweight, designer set.

TRJ: What are your future plans?
DS: Five to ten years down the line, I want my brand Dishisjewels to go international, with unique designs to offer to as many people as I can.