For Karina Choudhrie, jewellery is not merely an ornament. It is a profound vessel of identity and a guardian of precious memories. As the visionary gemmologist and founder of Karina Choudhrie Jewels, she crafts wearable sculptures that pulse with organic vitality. Having lived in diverse global cities before establishing her tranquil London atelier, she merges bold colour combinations with rich storytelling.
For this week’s Sunday Series, we step inside her vibrant universe to discuss her unique creative evolution. We also explore her treasured family history alongside the daily practices that keep her grounded.
What was the definitive moment or inspiration that led you to launch Karina Choudhrie
Jewels, and how has your vision for the brand evolved since then?
Jewellery has always been woven into my life and family history. The defining moment came when I realised I wanted to create pieces that celebrated colour, individuality and modern femininity in a way that felt deeply personal. What began as a passion for exceptional gemstones has evolved into a brand that tells stories through design, creating future heirlooms with a contemporary spirit.
Looking back at your journey as a founder, what has been the biggest challenge
you’ve overcome, and what did it teach you about yourself?
Building a global luxury brand requires patience and resilience. One of the greatest challenges has been staying true to my creative vision while growing the business. It taught me to trust my instincts, embrace uncertainty and understand that authenticity is one of the most valuable assets a founder can have.
Your pieces are known for being incredibly vibrant and distinct. How do you want a
person to feel the moment they put on one of your designs?
I want every person who wears one of my designs to feel confident, joyful, and completely themselves. Jewellery should be more than an accessory - it should evoke an emotion and create a deeper connection to who we are.
Because we work exclusively with natural materials, I also hope each piece fosters a connection to Mother Earth. There is a unique energy and beauty in nature that cannot be replicated, and I want that essence to be felt the moment someone puts on our jewellery. Ultimately, my goal is for every design to inspire a sense of authenticity, vitality, and connection - to both themselves and the natural world around them.
Jewels often tell a story. Where do you find your greatest design inspiration, is it
travel, architecture, nature, or something entirely unexpected?
Travel is certainly a great source of inspiration, especially experiencing different cultures,
landscapes, and creative environments. But I believe that everything we see in design ultimately originates from nature. The patterns, forms, and structures we admire have existed in the natural world long before we interpreted them through art or design. For me, inspiration is truly all about perspective - it’s about how I view and interpret the world around me. Rather than searching for something entirely new, I find inspiration in seeing familiar things through a different lens.
Your family history includes an incredible story of your mother leaving Iran during the 1979 revolution with her jewellery tucked safely into a chipped milk tin, including a traditional Rani Haar that you later reimagined in white gold, pearls, and diamonds. How does that profound family history of jewellery shape the way you design today?
My mother’s story has profoundly shaped the way I think about jewellery. The pieces she carried with her, weren’t simply valuable objects - they were symbols of identity, heritage, resilience, and home. Growing up, I learned that jewellery can hold memories, emotions, and entire family histories.
That perspective continues to influence my designs today. While I create contemporary pieces, I am always thinking about their deeper meaning and longevity. The Rani Haar I reimagined is a perfect example - honouring a treasured family heirloom while giving it a new life for future generations. For me, jewellery is more than adornment; it is a way of preserving stories and creating connections between the past, present, and future.
Your life spans several vibrant cultures, having lived in Mumbai, Dubai, California and London. How do these distinct cities collide and show up when you are selecting your famously bold colour combinations?
Having been born in Mumbai, raised in Dubai, educated in California, and living in London for the past 17 years, I’ve been fortunate to experience a rich blend of cultures and perspectives. Each place has influenced me in different ways, but my deepest creative connection remains my Indian heritage. The vibrancy, colour, and spirit of India are deeply embedded in who I am and naturally find their way into my work.
At the same time, I believe creativity is about channeling energy, and every city I’ve lived in has contributed to that. London, in particular, has had a profound impact on me. It has given me a sense of creative freedom and confidence that has allowed me to express myself more boldly. When I create, it’s really a fusion of these experiences, cultures, and energies coming together through colour.
If you had to pick one signature piece from your collections that best represents your personal soul and style, which one would it be and why?
That’s a very difficult question to answer because I feel connected to so many pieces in
different ways - it’s a bit like being asked to choose a favourite child. However, if I had to select one piece that holds a particularly deep connection for me, it would be my high jewellery Seahorse Necklace featuring an extraordinary Australian opal.
The necklace is part of my Under the Sea high jewellery collection, a collection inspired by the beauty, mystery, and rhythm of the ocean. There is something truly magical about the opal at its centre - its depth and ever-changing colours feel almost alive. The piece depicts seahorses dancing beneath the sea, and for me it evokes a sense of music, movement, and love flowing through the underwater world. It captures the imagination and wonder that inspired the entire collection and reflects the storytelling, emotion, and connection to nature that sit at the heart of my work.
What does a perfect, slow Sunday look like for you when you're switching off from the business?
A perfect Sunday for me is all about slowing down and being fully present with my family. I love having a bit of a lie-in, making breakfast for my children, and starting the day with a Pilates session alongside my eldest daughter. Sundays are sacred family days, so I’m very disciplined about switching off - I don’t look at my phone or respond to work messages. The highlight is always spending uninterrupted time together, usually gathered around a long family lunch.
Juggling a luxury jewellery brand and motherhood is no small feat. How do you manage the daily juggle with your kids, and what boundaries help you protect your family time?
Like most working mothers, it’s a constant balancing act, and I’ve learned that there is no
perfect formula. Some days feel beautifully balanced, and others don’t - and that’s simply part of the journey. One boundary I protect fiercely is family dinner time. From around 5pm to 8:30pm, my focus is entirely on my children. We eat dinner together every evening, and I wouldn’t miss that for the world. Even if I have an event, I’ll make sure to have dinner with my children before I leave. During that time, I don’t look at my work phone or respond to messages because I want to be fully present. In fact, my friends often joke that I’m the worst person to reply to messages.
But I’ve become very intentional about where I direct my attention, and when I’m with my family, that’s where I want to be. My children & my husband are my greatest source of strength, and after almost 15 years of building a career, I’ve come to realise that time with them is the most precious thing of all. Those moments of connection are what truly matter, and everything else can wait.
What values or lessons from your entrepreneurial journey do you most hope to pass
down to your children?
One of the most important lessons I hope to pass on to my children is to trust themselves. We all have an inner voice that often knows the answer before our minds start questioning it, and I’ve learned that self-belief is one of the most powerful tools we can have. I also want them to understand the importance of protecting their energy and being intentional about where they invest their time, passion, and attention. Not every opportunity, relationship, or situation deserves equal access to you.
Above all, I want them to know that success comes from believing in yourself, being willing to take risks, and not being afraid of making mistakes. Mistakes are inevitable - they are how we learn, grow, and develop resilience. Entrepreneurship, and life in general, is ultimately a journey of self-discovery. It’s not about competing with others; it’s about continually challenging yourself, pushing beyond your comfort zone, and becoming the person you aspire to be.
How would you describe your personal style, and how do you approach building an
outfit around your jewellery?
I would describe my style as effortless, polished and colourful. More often than not, the jewellery comes first. A beautiful jewel can completely transform an outfit, so I tend to build around the pieces I want to wear that day.
As a busy creative, what non-negotiable daily habits or wellness rituals keep you
grounded and fueled?
My morning prayers and meditation are completely non-negotiable. They are the foundation of my day and help me stay grounded, centred, and connected to myself before the demands of work and family begin. Equally important is movement. I dedicate around an hour and a half each day to exercise, and I treat that time as sacred. It’s not just about physical wellbeing - it’s an opportunity to clear my mind, recharge my energy, and create space for creativity. My airpods with music during my workout sets the mood for my day.
What is currently exciting you the most about the future of Karina Choudhrie Jewels? Any upcoming projects or dreams you can share with us?
Building a global brand is never a straight path. It involves a great deal of learning, adapting, making mistakes, and continually refining your vision. You can’t step onto the global stage without going through that journey. After years of dedication and perseverance, I feel we’re now on the cusp of a significant new chapter, and that’s a very special moment for me.
What are your favourite spots in Dubai for enjoying a catch-up brunch with your
friends?
Dubai has such a vibrant social scene, but these days I’m drawn to places that combine great food with a sense of wellbeing and connection. For a catch-up with friends, I love Carine and KUMO, North Audley Cantine & my mum's home. I’m also a regular at PAUS Wellness Club, which reflects Dubai’s strong wellness culture. More recently, I’ve discovered Picklrs and developed a love for pickleball. Getting the steps in & a catch up is a win - win!
Through her vivid designs and mindful philosophy, Karina Choudhrie reminds us that the finest jewels are those holding a piece of our soul. Her ability to blend high jewellery craftsmanship with genuine emotional depth makes her brand a beacon of modern luxury. Whether she is reimagining a historic family heirloom or finding peace in Sunday family lunches, she leads with unwavering authenticity.
As her brand embarks on its exciting next chapter, her journey stands as a beautiful testament to trusting your instincts and embracing your heritage.
Image credit: Karina Choudhrie Jewels
