Vara of London Unveils Privé Collection of Jewels

I first met Mayuri Vara in 2014 at an upscale Hong Kong bar with sweeping views of the city. It was there that the former pharmacist showed me her first collection of jewels under the brand, Vara of London.

Diya pink sapphire and diamond ear jackets in 18k Gold that can be converted to studs VARA OF LONDON

At the time I lauded her initial collection of classic and elegant of jewels as a well-thought-out mix of products where individual pieces match but in a variety of innovative ways. The jewels were made of sterling silver plated with yellow gold or white gold, with some pieces having a black rhodium finish. The collection was dominated by a mix of smoky quartz, amethyst, citrines, peridot, tourmaline with some diamonds sprinkled among the gems.

Rani ruby and diamond ear drops in 18k rose gold that can be converted into ear jackets. VARA OF LONDON

Five years later I met Mayuri at Madame Fù, a contemporary Chinese restaurant in a recently opened cultural and shopping center that used to be the Central Police Station. She showed me pieces from her newest collection, “Privé,” which remains true to her original inspirations that include the glamour of Elizabeth Taylor, her British and Indian heritage and the dynamic city of Hong Kong. The self-taught designer said she started creating jewels because she had difficulty finding pieces she loved.

Serpentina Linea 18k rose ring with diamonds VARA OF LONDON

“I design fine jewelry that I would wear myself as an everyday accessory,” she said. “Statement pieces, worn with a crisp white shirt during the day, through to evening wear. My clients, most of whom are women, financially independent, choose to purchase fine jewelry for themselves, wearing pieces that empower them, choosing to self gift for a birthday or reaching a personal or business goal.”

The new collection of approximately 12 elegant and fashionable pieces reveals how Vara has upped her game in materials and versatility. Her new collection boasts pieces in 18k white and rose gold set with rubies, pink sapphires and diamonds.

Mayuri Vara

Mayuri Vara founder of Vara of London VARA OF LONDON
Like her previous collection it has strong focus and the pieces could be mixed and matched without appearing as if it is a suite of jewels. However, she has increased this versatility by creating a few transformable pieces. For example, her Rani earrings, which feature rows of round rubies, could be worn as long silky drops or as ear jackets. Her Diya ear jackets are available with either diamonds or pink sapphires as the dominate gem. Like her other earrings these are transformable with the jackets being removable so they can be worn as elegant studs.

Meanwhile, her Serpentina Linea necklaces, bracelets and rings use thin coiled 18k white or rose gold in the form of a snake, paved with rows of diamonds. Earrings from the same line use black rhodium gold and black diamonds. Like her first collection, the dark color contrasts provide an edge to the elegance of the pieces.

Serpentina Linea earrings in black gold and black diamonds VARA OF LONDON

Vara is involved in certain charitable causes. For example she has donated jewels for charity auctions such as Christina Noble Children’s Charity which support underprivileged children in Vietnam, and The Womens Foundation Hong Kong, which empower women in poverty.

Vara’s next plan is quite ambitious, saying she wants to exhibit at Paris Couture week, which would place her young brand with some of the most important high jewelers in the world.

Serpentina Linea bangle in 18k white gold & diamonds VARA OF LONDON
Vara of London jewels are available through the company’s website or on the website of the Harvey Nichols department store.

Source: DCLA