An Art and Design amalgamation woven by a priceless jewellery house Kassa

‘’A piece of jewellery is oft a piece of art. But it only becomes valuable when emotions are added to it’’ 
ESTHER LIGTHART

It is story telling at its finest. Works, that are invariably imbued with a sense of bold and evocative aesthetics. At the same time, ancient and primeval, touching every bodily chord bringing out the fierce viscerality of its wearer. 

This is the story of Kassa. Etymologically described as “House Of Two”, Kassa, is the brainchild of two like-minded contemporary artists – Aarushi and Arpan. Native to the dessert state of India and educated at university of Arts London and MICA respectively, both have unique perspectives from where they draw inspiration. Contemporary yet edgy, Kassa seeks exclusivity in upcycling and recycling concepts. A multidisciplinary brand, their work is about the imaginative use of materials intrinsic to India’s traditional craft culture, pushing the boundaries of techniques and sensorial experiences. 
 

Upcycling + Recycling is a key element of their design process bringing the design community together through their ‘Functionality meets the Design’ approach. Using waste and leftover material from industries, their pieces are limited edition, each bearing a unique number, once made, can’t be repeated exactly in similar style and color combinations. Be it metal, plastic or leather, each piece is made sustainable as a whole, thus contributing to the eco-conscious environment. 

Fossil  : Kassa’s first upcycled jewellery collection

Fossil seeks its inspiration from the intriguing forms of the relics and remainder of the species that once walked the planet. Its aesthetics are a combination of the raw and antique forms with contemporary elements. Each piece is sand casted in brass by the artisans and finished to perfection. An ever lasting impression of flora & fauna. 

Lunar : The evening king of jewels 

As the name suggests, the lunar palette looks to the evening for inspiration. Large circular forms moulded in different shapes and sizes depict the moon. Spherical forms are also reminiscent of the planets, each made in remarkable uniqueness from lost and found barks or branches. 

At a time when India is experiencing the prolific output of handcrafted designer goods, Aarushi and Arpan believe that there is nothing else they’d rather be doing. “With our artistic interpretation, each handcrafted piece is a simple story told with a twist,” they say. “The unifying trope in our business is the contemporary use of craftsmanship and knowledge, while still keeping the craft alive.”
 
They have their own production unit in Rajasthan and engage the services of experienced artisans to make sample patterns and designs. “The challenge for us is pushing the artisans to think beyond their existing traditional techniques. But, we only design what we love”, says Aarushi. 

Looking at the eclectic array of delicately crafted goods, we ask where they get their inspiration from. “From everyday things,” they insist. “We want to break away from the cookie-cutter mould; in our statement pieces, we use simple, bold, clean lines. Our designs are primarily urban and there is something for everyone. We are minimalistic and rely on unconventional designs.” The designs carry a certain delicacy to them; they are uncluttered, simple, and elegant. 

We got talking to the lady at the helm – Aarushi and here are excerpts from our interview

 
- How many collections do you plan to launch in a year ?
 
We really believe in the slow process of design and handmade products and hence only come out with 1 collection per year and thus it's pretty exclusive to each owner of Kassa bling pieces as each piece is unique and cant be repeated.
 
- How are the collections being received across the country ?
 
Kassa has been loved and admired all over the globe. As a brand, it continues with the graphical Contempo au courant look at the core of it. Currently, we have 2 stores in India, in beautiful cities of Jaipur, Goa
~ Solo shows in London and Mumbai galleries, India Design, The India Story, Lakme fashion week, Goodearth fashion show, The British Council, FDCI show and much more. 
~ Recognized by Vogue, Elle magazine, Cosmopolitan, Travel + Leisure India, Conde Nast Traveller, Not just a label, Platform, Pool magazine, Of Indian origin, Love travel India, The Hindu, Dainik Bhaskar and many more.
~ Names of few stockists are Clove, Amethyst, Nimai, Tata cliq etcs
 
 
- Your favourite pieces from all the collections ?
 
 My Fav. pieces are Fossil bangles and Fossil Charm Necklace 
 

- How is it trying to be in the sustainable jewellery space ?
 
We focus on creating each one of our collection pieces distinctively. It is entirely made with upcycled and re-cycled materials like metal and charms. We have maximised the use of surplus, un-used stock, waste materials that would be left underutilised. 
 
We suggest our readers to find beauty in the slightest imperfections and wear these pieces proudly full aware of the backstories of transformation and evolution, allowing one to feel beautiful and confident, inside out. Just a step forward to be more mindful of the things we wear and the personality we exude.