Shanika Talwatte Crafts of Ceylon

2 April 2024 09:21 am Views - 164

While Shanika conceptualizes the designs, she entrusts the crafting process to seasoned artisans and craftsmen, ensuring meticulous attention to detail. Venturing into villages to source vintage pieces, Shanika adds her creative touch, adapting these elements to suit modern tastes

Shanika Talwatte, driven by her passion for crafts and creativity, is carving her niche in the world of jewellery design with her brand, Crafts of Ceylon. Inspired by the intricate beauty of jewellery craftsmanship, Shanika embarked on her journey two years ago, blending traditional charm with modern elegance.
Despite lacking formal training, Shanika’s self-taught approach infuses her designs with authenticity and innovation. She draws inspiration from diverse sources, including nature, architecture and historical ornaments, to create pieces that resonate with her customers. By intertwining traditional elements with contemporary flair, Shanika strives to preserve heritage while offering her clientele a blend of the old and the new.

While Shanika conceptualizes the designs, she entrusts the crafting process to seasoned artisans and craftsmen, ensuring meticulous attention to detail. Venturing into villages to source vintage pieces, Shanika adds her creative touch, adapting these elements to suit modern tastes. The jewellery pieces are painstakingly designed by Shanika but although she is very adept with her hands she leaves the crafting of the jewellery to artisans and craftsmen who have been practising their trade for decades. “ I also go into the village where the jewellery is made and pick and choose vintage pieces and change certain elements to suit the modern generation” she adds.
Dreaming of seeing her jewellery adorn celebrities, Shanika envisions her creations gracing icons like Katrina Kaif, symbolizing timeless elegance and sophistication. However, she faces challenges due to the economic crisis, navigating increased costs while maintaining the integrity of her designs. Shanika says  "it can be very challenging at times. I use copper, silver and gold plating and there were certain instances where I could not bring my ideas to life therefore, I had to make adjustments to my original designs.”
Highlighting essential jewellery staples, Shanika emphasizes the importance of statement gold and silver earrings and chains in every woman’s collection. Crafts of Ceylon offers a contemporary range of jewellery, curated to meet the diverse needs of women, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. Through her designs, Shanika aims to empower women to express their individuality with timeless pieces that transcend trends.      
Pix courtesy - Shanika