Say hello to Abenla – A beautiful talented artist from Nagaland, who makes the most exotic handmade jewelry.

In addition to running her jewellery business,  she also works with an NGO in the development sector (Fida International), serves as a part of an eldership team with her husband at a local church in Mumbai, and above all manages a home – just being the wife on the other side.

Her handmade jewellery are characterized by unique craftsmanship and are replete with a mix of tribal and modern techniques – that are so distinct to her brand. To find such a distinctive voice, there has to be a fascinating story – which we were hoping to find out when we reached out to the designer herself.

A model wearing a headband – by Aben Jewellery

• How did you get started? Did you get any formal training in jewelry design?

Not really. I learnt most of the skills online. In fact this whole thing started when I was in college, when a friend of mine – Ran introduced me to jewellery making. I used to enjoy breaking things apart and making new stuff out of them (as a hobby) – so jewellery making really stuck 🙂

• So what are your main sources of inspiration?

I think everybody wants to stand out and be different; most of us believe we are unique and we’ve often been told we are. But the truth is – we are just as ‘unique as everybody else’. So this serves as an inspiration for me : to reach out to people who are like me/think like me through my jewellery.

I am also inspired by honesty – I admire people who are honest about who they are, and what they are doing. Humility and the desire to learn are also qualities I admire  – hence I try to imbibe them in my day to day life and my work.

• So what kind of a woman comes to your mind while designing your jewellery?

Well, I try and make jewellery for women who aren’t too hell bent on trends. Hence the reason why most people find the pieces unique. I must admit however that it is bit of a challenge to manage both the artistic and the business side of it all. 

“Done is Better than Perfect” is the quote I live by – which is difficult at times to follow, but it helps me move faster.

 

• Where can we find you and your work?

I do not have a store currently, but you can find my jewellery at 3 stores in Nagaland: Kapraa ( Kohima), Home & Style (Mokokchung) and The Connect Studio ( Dimapur).In addition, I try to host pop-up stores every now and then – mostly in Mumbai or Nagaland.

Her collections are out of this world and so unique that there is always a long waiting list of people wanting to get a piece of her art. You can check out the collection on her Roots & Leisure Shop

Ruby Tubes Necklace

Choker with Multi Chains and Beads

Grey Teardrop Earrings