ARRANGING, rearranging and then creating something new and unique — that was Abheri Sen’s hobby. Soon, the hobby turned into a passion and the 24-year-old wore the hat of an entrepreneur while pursuing a degree in Mass Communication and Videography. After successful stints in exhibitions, she floated her jewellery store Myra (meaning ‘extraordinary’ in Latin) at Hindustan Road, in 2017. “From a very early age, I used to rearrange jewellery at my disposal to form new pieces. The habit continued in college, and my friends suggested that I make it commercial. The journey of Myra, which is dedicated to my grandmother who was also fond of junk jewellery, started with imprints in social media, exhibitions and finally the store,” said the jewellery designer, who wanted her label to be a conventional store-cum-flea market.
Bold and beautiful
The glass door of the store opens in to a 250 sq ft space that is utilised to the maximum with a bright display that includes necklaces, chokers, bracelets, finger rings, earrings and more, in different hues and material. Sen uses a lot of mediums to make bespoke pieces that are colourful and fashionable, catering to ages six to 60. She brings in copper, German silver, Tibetan silver and even dokra juxtaposed with wooden, glass and fibre beads, to create stunning pieces that can be worn comfortably on special occasions and otherwise. A very interesting aspect of Sen’s collection is that they are light-weight. Fibre beads that are used extensively are pleasantly deceptive. They give a bolder look to the pieces, but are a delight to wear. Flavours of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Benaras and even Africa can be found in the collection. She loves the intricate African bead work and her collection includes belts, chokers, bracelets and necklaces. Tribal jewellery too is her favourite and a dual tone three-layered necklace with motifs of leaves in German silver lured us with its sheen. Just beside it was a 33 cm long neck piece with tiny glass beads in dual and triple shades, strung on a single metal chain like a cascade that indeed promised to attract eyeballs. “The necklace can be made much longer and in whatever shade a customer desires,” said Sen, who also uses mediums like fabric, and crochet work to create attractive danglers and large lockets.
A big market of junk jewellery stands tall just outside the store. How does she maintain her distinct identity? “There is a stark difference between junk jewellery sold on the streets and here in Myra. Quality can never be copied and we don’t make products for the masses but for individual clients.” She has recently diversified her store further with handloom saris and stoles and is planning to open another branch very soon.