BASEL, SWITZERLAND. A trio teams up to make India-inspired, Italian-made jewelry in DEEFINE, a firm that debuted at the 2017 Baselworld jewelry fair. Deepa Lakhani, Jay Lakhani, and Marco Mencagli are the forces behind this new line of 14k and 18k gold jewels with gemstones, with production in Italy and New York City.
Design inspiration comes from the Indian heritage of husband-and-wife team Deepa and Jay.
Our collection reflects modern interpretations of traditional Indian themes, explained Jay to this journalist from a small section of emerging design talent located at the Basel fair this spring.
Deepa and Jay share more than 10 years of jewelry-making experience reinforced by strong educational roots. Deepa studied at the Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design while Jay studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology and secured a graduate gemology degree from the Gemological Institute of America. Marco, who comes from a family of jewelers in Italy, learned the business behind the beauty at an early age, later cementing that instruction with business administration studies at the University of Siena in Italy. All these combined strengths culminate in hand-sketched modern designs of traditional Indian symbols brought to life by Italian artisans for everyday wear.
The rich cultural heritage of India plays out across three collections within DEEFINE: Peacock, Paisley, and Devi. In Indian tradition, the peacock symbolizes beauty and abundance, with males of the species presenting majestic displays of feathers to attract females. This shape is reimagined in miniature silhouettes of fans-as-feathers in tiny pear-shape gems positioned in U formations. Paisley signifies spirituality and was used as a symbol of harvest periods. Finally, Deviwhich means goddess in Sanskritis evident in female silhouettes accented by diamonds and pearls. In Indian tradition, Devi can be gentle or forceful, so these styles aim to represent female empowerment.
DEEFINEs debut is timely, too, for the diverse background of its founders, who combine their talents to illuminate hope and unity through beautiful design.
Since DEEFINE is so new to the market, reach out to the makers directly for purchase at 212-221-1007 and info@deefine.com. Also check their website in September for a new e-shop.
