Simple, elegant, organic
Three simple words that describe Jasmine Virani's jewelery line perfectly. The Ottawa-based designer uses age-old techniques to create her masterpieces and works only with sterling silver (with the inclusion of a few of her favorite gemstones). The result? Beautifully handcrafted pieces that are both modern and timeless.
1. Tell me a little bit about yourself
My name is Jasmine Virani. I’m a full-time jewellery designer that’s been practicing design for over ten years now. I come from a bit of an eclectic background. My mother is from Lebanon and father is Indian. I was born in England and raised in Nigeria then moved to Canada at 15. Lived in Germany when I was 22 and found my base in a little city we’ve all grown to love, Ottawa.
2. What prompted you to start your own jewellery line?
It all started when I was about 19 and took at part-time job at the Sassy Bead Company, a local retail shop. I fell in love with the idea of creating your own jewelery. I then opened up my own stall in the Byward Market and would sell my jewelery there every summer for about 3 years. It was long hours and a difficult market to break. I felt like I lost the battle to those that would import jewelery from China and Thailand. I took a few years off, during which I completed a three year photography diploma from Algonquin College; took countless workshops in ceramics, stained glass and painting; even longer courses on silver-smithing and art-clay. All of this has helped carve my path towards jewellery design.Two years ago, I decided it was time to quit the ‘day job’ and focus in more seriously on my art. I registered my business and launched my first jewellery line and thus began the Jasmine Virani jewellery line.
3. Where do you find your inspiration?
Because of my diverse background my life is so connected with culture, spirituality and the arts. It has everything to do with where I draw inspiration and admiration from. Music, yoga, meditation, food, artists, books, nature, travel, laughter, these are my tools.
4. What sets your jewellery apart from others? Your pieces are organic - why did you decide to make organic pieces?
I appreciate that it may seem a kind of oxymoron for me to claim that my silver jewellery is organic (an inorganic compound can’t properly be considered organic, surely?) but when I use the word organic I am more referring to the shape and form of the pieces, irregular, that resemble forms found in nature. I’ve always been drawn to more natural and simple things, to find meaning in things that may be completely abstract yet you are able to find the beauty within.
5. As an Ottawa designer, did you feel that the city hindered or facilitated the growth or your line?
All through my twenties, I thought Ottawa was possibly the worst place you can be as an artist. So I decided to move back to London, England. After a year there it then dawned on me...the tempo of this city gave me the time to find my art. A bigger city like London, tried to squeeze me out before I even became established. A smaller town would not have had a demand or appreciation for my art. Ottawa seems to be just right. I think having Montreal and Toronto so close really helps.
But as starting ground, when building your foundation, Ottawa is perfect for me.
6. What’s next for your line?
Well my focus this year is to expand to boutiques across the country. Right now you can find my jewellery at about ten boutiques across Canada and the States. Once I’m a little more established I’d like to start working with NGO’s, giving back for all that I’ve been so privileged to have received.
Jasmine's pieces are available across the country! In Ottawa, you can check them out at:
Workshop Studio & Boutique
242 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa ON
Flock Boutique
1275 Wellington St. West, Ottawa ON
And if you feel like doing some online shopping, check out Jasmine's etsy shop here.
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HAPPY SHOPPING!
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