Kajal Naina Sherchan Rai

Specialized in Design.

Kajal Naina Sherchan Rai

About Kajal Naina Sherchan Rai

Kajal Naina creates one-of-a-kind collections and bespoke items of jewellery for clients around the world. After working as a dentist for ten years, Kajal went on to obtain professional degrees in jewellery design and fashion jewellery, became a graduate pearl specialist, and received numerous certifications in metalsmithing, metal clay, and jewellery making. A philanthropist, author and expert on gemstones and jewellery, Kajal holds free educational workshops that educate people on important matters related to jewellery in her hometown of Nepal when she is there. Having three daughters, Kajal deeply values education for young children and donates to the “Shubhadra Madan Foundation”, a children's education and empowerment initiative in Nepal." She was born and raised in Nepal, and has since spent time living in India, Singapore, Japan and now lives in Hong Kong with her husband and 2 daughters.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
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Interview with Kajal Naina Sherchan Rai

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
I have always been an artist at heart. Ever since I was a child I excelled in anything requiring arts and crafts. But I was a very good student and decided to become a dentist. After 10 years of working as a dentist I finally quit and followed my passion. No I never thought I would be a jewelry designer as it was not an option when I was growing up. And I don't come with a family background in the jewelry business. But my love for arts and design eventually led me here.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
I established my company as a means of an outlet for my creative expression. I truly believe that I can bring works of art into people’s lives. Through my creations I want to make a woman feel beautiful and proud and help boost her confidence.
What is "design" for you?
Design is not just a fancy shape or form. It is an expression of myself, my ideals and my beliefs. For me, designing is not only making available big or small pieces of beautiful jewelry but also connecting to the wearer.-Showing their hopes and dreams- Giving them the pieces to fit their life stories.- Make them feel loved and special- And in many special cases hopefully leave them with a piece that can be treasured for generations to come.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I thrive when challenged, so whenever presented with an opportunity to design something totally new to me it really gets me excited. I also spend a lot of time researching on the subject whatever it might be and by the time I sit down to design the piece usually I already have something in my mind waiting to be drawn and created.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
There is not 1 favorite design as such. Amongst my works, I have really enjoyed the challenge of creating the rhododendron flower. I fell in love with this flower during a road trip to the mountains a year back when I saw it for the first time blooming wildly. Since then I have made various versions of it. It is the national flower of my country Nepal. It's funny that I had heard a lot about it but I never seen it in real until a year back. Another reason why it attracted me so. Anyway, the whole mountains look lovely during the bloom seasons and I was mesmerized.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
The first thing I designed was a ruby, diamond and pearl earring.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I love working with gold. I started off with traditional hand designing and CAD. Most of my creations have been created by 3D printing of the resin and casting. But these days I am also doing some very artistic designs by wax carving, making a mould and casting. While training as a dentist I have done a lot of carving of tooth on wax, working with inlay waxes and also casting of metals. So the techniques in jewelry making was not completely new to me. Whenever I have the time I wish to learn wax carving for jewelry as well. Even the instruments used in jewelry making are not so different from the ones I used as a dentist!
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
Beauty, creativity, wearability. It has to be a work of art which looks beautiful and also has to be very easy to wear.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
I usually sit down to design whenever I feel inspired. The inspiration can be from anything and usually it is always something from life. So when I am able to design the idea into a jewelry piece I feel very happy and content and also excited to go on to the next step when the design is ready to be made.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
Usually very happy to finally see the design come into existence.
What makes a design successful?
When it comes out just like imagined or even better. When other people love and appreciate it!
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
As an artist, I think we play a very important role in society. We are able to express our ideas, thoughts and values through our creations and the message we give put can really influence people. So, we should be conscious of what message we are giving by our actions, words and our art. Example, if we are using ethically sourced materials, if we are trying to work on environmental friendly ways etc. Every small bit helps.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
Before, jewelry designing tools was all hand done in paper. Now a lot of designers work in CAD because once mastered, this medium can give very accurate designs and one is immediately able to visualize how the final product will look.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I take a lot of inspiration from nature and I love flowers.I love traveling to different countries and observing what makes that land so special, the people of that place and the traditions they hold dear. I realize I have been picking inspirations from everywhere.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
Looking at my creations so far, I think I am more drawn to organic shapes and styles. I also paint as a hobby and enjoying painting nature, flowers and portraits of people. As a jewelry designer also I feel most happy to create beautiful, expressive jewellery pieces which tell stories about elements of nature, the people and places I love. When something touches my heart I yearn to give my feelings a physical form. When I work on bespoke pieces also I have to approach it in the same way... I need to give my creations a story. So I talk to the client at lengths to find out what is her story, what makes her want to make this piece so that I can highlight that and design a special, meaningful piece for her.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
I'm originally from Nepal and I was brought up in Nepal and India. Since then I have lived in Tokyo, Singapore and currently I am living in Hongkong with my husband and two children. Naturally, I do have a very strong influence from my Nepalese culture and background and it is visible in my designs too. But I think having lived in different countries and a lot of traveling has taught me to appreciate and take the best from across cultures and have widened my eyes as a designer. That has freed me from the confinement of being chained to any particular tradition or style based on a single country.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Firstly, designing should come from the heart. Different people have different styles and I think that as a designer one must stay true to one's heart and design what you truly like. I would say when one tries to imitate other peoples styles because it is popular or for whatever reasons, then you stop being creative and you lose your voice.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
It depends from piece to piece. Sometimes its a one day process... sometimes I design something and over time modify it until I feel it is ready to be made.
What was your most important job experience?
I think all the experiences big and small has stacked up to help me become who I am today. But I feel I am just getting started and my most important job is yet to come.
Who are some of your clients?
So far it's mostly everyday people who are still very special.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I would say the same answer as question 4. I thrive when challenged, so whenever presented with an opportunity to design something totally new to me it really gets me excited. I also spend a lot of time researching on the subject whatever it might be and by the time I sit down to design the piece usually I already have something in my mind waiting to be drawn and created.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
Ah yes! I am very excited about this piece that I have been commissioned to make. It's a head jewelry based on traditional customs of Nepal so not something one gets a chance to make everyday. I did a lot of research to find out the relevance of it, the traditional design processes etc. to decide how I can best translate it out for my client so it feels very much in tune with todays world. And I have come up with a meaningful and pretty design which has all the relevant details but with a modern look. It is int he production stage right now so can't wait to see it.

Extended Interview with Kajal Naina Sherchan Rai

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I was originally trained as a dentist. In 2016 I decided to quit dentistry and pursue my passion for creativity. I joined Jewelry Design and Management International School in Singapore and got my Diploma in Jewelry Designing and Diploma in Fashion Jewelry. I also did a number of certificate courses related to jewelry making. In 2017 I registered my own company in Singapore and have been designing and manufacturing my designs since then. Currently, I am in the process of finishing my Graduate pearl degree from GIA.
How did you become a designer?
I love creating beautiful things. I became a designer to give outlet to all my feelings and emotions through my art. It was a way for me to overcome the challenges I faced in life. I want to inspire and send a message to others facing their hurdles in life to find a passion worth living for. Because with my passion and knowledge, I want to impact people in a positive way, be in a position to help not only myself but others too and in doing so live a life greater than me, which my mother always inspired me to aim for.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I have been designing jewelries that that inspiration from nature using gold and diamonds and different colored gemstones. Since I started, I realize I am being more and more attracted to the beauty of pearls. I love working with pearls too and will definitely be incorporating them extensively in my designs.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Have a good understanding of jewelry making, artistic elements and also collaborate with manufacturers to make sure that it is produceable.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
A good designer makes a beautiful creation but a great designer combines beauty and art in such a way that the jewellery can have a profound affect on the wearer both emotionally and physically. His creations : empower the wearer, shows their hopes and dreams and in many cases gives them the pieces to fit their life stories.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
A good design goes goes beyond simple adornment, it becomes a timeless piece that can become a family heirloom to be passed down generations.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
A good design is beautiful, wearable and pulls the outfit together. A good design hardly goes out of style and can be worn for generations. If the wearer connects with the design it can give make her feel loved and special.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
In contemporary Jewelry designers Cindy Chao, Joel Arthur Rosenthal, Hammerle.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Keep designing. I believe one gets better and better with every project accomplished.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
Definitely become a painter. It was very coincidental but I realized just now that in recent years I have been painting waterfalls and flowers just like I was obsessing over this theme in this particular necklace. I recently started painting portraits because I am loving exploring the human face in my art.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
Many people out of which if I have to name one it's definitely my husband Suraj. He has shown unconditional love, support and belief in me which allowed me to flourish and move ahead without fear.

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