Sankesh Surana Surana
| Sankesh Surana Surana | |
|---|---|
 Sankesh2.jpg | |
| Born | |
| 🏳️ Nationality | indian |
| 💼 Occupation | Jewellery designer, Gemologist, Entrepreneur |
| Known for | Sankesh Surana Studio, The Designer’s Trail |
| Works | Sunrise and Sunset Ring, Wave Collection |
| 🌐 Website | https://sankeshsurana.in/ |
| https://www.facebook.com/sanky.surana/ | |
| https://www.instagram.com/sankeshsurana/ | |
| https://in.linkedin.com/in/sankeshsurana | |
Sankesh Surana is a renowned Indian jewellery artist, gemologist, and founder of his eponymous studio based in Bangalore, Karnataka. Through a bold blend of nature-inspired aesthetics, traditional craftsmanship, and global design sensibilities, Surana has carved out a distinctive identity in the world of high-end jewellery. He also mentors budding designers through his national initiative, The Designer’s Trail.
Early Imprints: Growing Up Amid Craftsmanship
Born into a family rooted in the jewellery trade, Sankesh was immersed in the art of gem and ornament making from a young age. His upbringing in Bangalore offered both tradition and exposure, nurturing his fascination with intricate detailing and ornamentation. A pivotal experience on a quiet visit to Gokarna beach at age 20 stirred something deeper—the motion of waves and rhythm of nature would later become central motifs in his design philosophy.
Professional Training and Design Breakthrough
Sankesh pursued his formal education at the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA), where he specialized in gemology and jewellery design. During his early training, he designed over 100 patterns that were later handcrafted by artisans from Hupar, Gujarat—earning him a national honor from the Gem & Jewellery Skill Council of India.
Upon completing his education, he joined his family’s legacy brand, Nine Gems, in 2010. Furthering his craft, he undertook diamond polishing and cutting training in Surat, the diamond capital of India, gaining a technical mastery that would become the backbone of his intricate creations.
Building a Brand: The Rise of Sankesh Surana Studio
Eventually, Surana launched his own studio—Sankesh Surana Studio—to give shape to his personal design language. Focusing on storytelling through jewellery, each collection represents a narrative, often echoing cultural symbols, emotions, and elements of nature.
His notable works include:
- The Wave Collection – inspired by ocean currents and awarded international recognition at Dubai International Jewellery Week (2018)
- The Sunrise & Sunset Ring – a metaphorical design that received the Critics’ Choice Award from Gemporia (2017)
His design sensibility is often described as poetic, clean, and symbolic—where form follows emotion.
Accolades, Awards, and Industry Recognition
Surana’s unique contribution to modern Indian jewellery has earned him both peer admiration and public acclaim. Among his key recognitions:
- Best Jewellery Designer Award (2019) – Presented by actress Karishma Kapoor at the Asian Iconic & Entrepreneurship Awards
- Trendsetter of the Year (2020) – Honored at the Retail Jeweller India Forum
- Finalist (2018) – Dubai International Jewellery Week
His designs have found place in elite exhibitions, including:
- India International Jewellery Show (IIJS)
- Gujarat International Jewellery Show (GIJS)
- Retail Jeweller India Forum
Celebrity Endorsements and Artistic Collaborations
The designer’s collections have been featured by leading Indian actors and public figures. Among the names to have worn or endorsed his designs are:
- Urmila Matondkar
- Hina Khan
- Shweta Tiwari
- Mohsin Khan
- Ridhi Dogra
- Shivangi Joshi
He has also drawn admiration from industry legends like Laksh Pahuja, who personally gifted him a handcrafted brooch in acknowledgment of his dedication. Iconic designers like Poonam Soni and Varuna D. Jani have also praised his approach to narrative jewellery.
The Designer’s Trail: Mentorship Meets Innovation
In 2025, Surana founded The Designer’s Trail, an educational and inspirational platform aimed at guiding emerging jewellery designers. The initiative combines experiential learning, location-based creativity, and industry mentorship. It promotes the concept that meaningful design is rooted in experience, nature, and culture.
Launched with a documentary series in March 2025, the platform offers:
- Immersive workshops in natural and cultural destinations
- Guest sessions from top jewellery experts
- Focus on ethical design, recycled materials, and sustainable practices
The program is setting a new benchmark in jewellery education by blending creativity with conscious design.
Forward Vision: New Frontiers in Jewellery
With a focus on innovation and cultural expression, Sankesh is charting new terrain in the luxury jewellery space. His upcoming initiatives include:
- ‘Style & Shine’: A styling-focused educational series for everyday wearers and stylists
- Collaborations with luxury labels and film stylists
- Philanthropic auctions, where proceeds go toward artisan welfare and education
- International pop-ups in cities like Dubai, London, and Singapore
Through all his ventures, Surana continues to fuse emotion, elegance, and ethics into every design narrative.
