Sankesh Surana: The Indian Jewellery Designer Redefining Luxury with Innovation and Cultural Storytelling

In the fast-evolving world of luxury design, few names stand out like Sankesh Surana, the visionary jewellery designer and founder of the premium label Sankesh Surana Studio. Known for his intricate, handcrafted creations that blend traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary design, Surana is not just a creator but also a mentor and changemaker. His innovative approach and storytelling-driven collections have earned him national and international accolades, making him one of the most promising names in the global jewellery industry today.

Surana’s journey into the world of jewellery was shaped by both legacy and inspiration. Growing up in a family involved in the gems and jewellery business in Bangalore, he was naturally drawn to the artistry of design. However, it was a moment of reflection during a visit to Gokarna’s beach—where he observed the rhythm of the waves—that sparked his desire to express creativity through jewellery. This defining moment has since echoed through many of his iconic collections, most notably the acclaimed Wave Collection, which became a finalist at the 2018 Dubai International Jewellery Week.

Crafting Stories Through Jewellery Design

Unlike conventional jewellery designers who prioritize embellishment, Sankesh Surana views jewellery as a medium of storytelling. His celebrated piece, the Sunrise and Sunset Ring, inspired by the solar transitions, exemplifies this philosophy. This piece earned him the Critics’ Choice Award from Gemporia, and his design thinking was featured in exclusive industry interviews in Jaipur.

Surana’s collections combine heritage elements—such as temple motifs, traditional filigree, and kundan work—with modern minimalism and experimental forms. This fusion has won him attention from both heritage jewellery enthusiasts and modern luxury buyers. He was named Best Jewellery Designer at the Asian Iconic & Entrepreneurship Awards, and in 2020, was honored as “Trendsetter of the Year” by the Retail Jeweller India Forum.

Celebrity Clientele and Global Showcases

His creative brilliance hasn’t gone unnoticed by Bollywood and television celebrities. Sankesh Surana has designed bespoke pieces for names like Urmila Matondkar, Shivangi Joshi, Erica Fernandes, Ridhi Dogra, and Hina Khan, among others. His collections have been showcased at some of India’s most prestigious platforms including the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) and the Gujarat International Jewellery Show (GIJS).

Leading industry icons like Laksh Pahuja have acknowledged Surana’s work, with Pahuja personally presenting him a handcrafted brooch as a token of admiration. Celebrated designers such as Poonam Soni and Varuna D. Jani have also endorsed his innovation and dedication.

The Designer’s Trail – A Movement Beyond the Brand

In 2025, Sankesh Surana launched The Designer’s Trail, a mentorship program aimed at nurturing emerging jewellery designers through experiential learning. Set in culturally rich and scenic locations, the initiative allows participants to explore materials, sketch ideas on-site, and develop designs inspired by nature and heritage. With workshops on sustainability, craftsmanship, and design narratives, the program goes beyond traditional training to inspire out-of-the-box thinking.

The first episode of The Designer’s Trail documentary series, premiered in March 2025, is now available on Surana’s official social media channels and has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the creative community.

A Vision for Global Reach and Social Impact

Looking ahead, Sankesh Surana is focused on expanding both creatively and socially. His upcoming projects include Style & Shine, a masterclass series on jewellery styling for various occasions. He is also collaborating with luxury fashion houses and jewellery magazines for co-branded educational content, and organizing high-end auctions with proceeds supporting healthcare for underprivileged communities.

International exhibitions are in the pipeline for Dubai, London, and Singapore, aimed at showcasing his couture collections on global platforms. Through each of these endeavors, Surana is not only elevating the luxury jewellery space but also fostering a community that values art, storytelling, and social good.

About Sankesh Surana:

Sankesh Surana is an award-winning Indian jewellery designer, gemologist, and founder of Sankesh Surana Studio. Known for his handcrafted, conceptual jewellery and cultural design influence, he also runs The Designer’s Trail, an experiential mentorship platform for young designers.

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