Salima Thakker: Precious things for precious people

Salima Thakker is not only a mother of two, but also a successful business woman. This may sound like most women nowadays, however, what sets Salima aside is that she graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp as well as the Royal College of Art in London to continue with her knowledge and passion for jewellery. She exhibits her exquisite creations across galleries in Europe and North America.

Based in the heart of the diamond world of Antwerp in Belgium, Salima describes her jewellery as “precious things for precious people”. She understands the value and characteristics of gemstones and various other materials.

Her collection entitled Facets is inspired by the brilliant-cut diamond; the many facets provide the sparkle of this priceless stone. Just in case you did not know, stones have facets in order to improve their appearance by allowing them to reflect light.

Keeping this in mind, Salima has not only chosen her stones carefully, but also ensured that the gold she uses reflects the details of what a facet truly is. 

With the Sweets and Treats collection, this entrepreneur has chosen to use other materials such as wood and mother of pearl. This collection will make you feel as though you are a child walking through a sweet shop in search of treats to spoil yourself with.

Grid, as the collection is called, is as precise as it sounds. Each and every point has been carefully mapped out on this patented silver ring with inlays of 18-carat yellow gold. 

There is a lot we can expect from Ms Thakker’s work, especially since she has a keen eye for detail. Just as you have her Grid collection with fine dots, she has another selection of work that is inspired by granulation beads; charmingly named Dancing Queen. The ring is adorned with golden beads that dance and shimmer when worn. She caters to everyone’s style, making her collections as simple or complicated as the client desires.

The last piece shown here, from the Modular collection, was the primary purpose of her studies in London. Salima has a hardcore fascination for movement. Each and every element in this bracelet moves as they are linked together carefully. It takes the form of the wearer’s body and flows according to the movements carried out; it is as though you are wearing a second layer of skin.

This truly remarkable woman has her creations available on Elizabeth Galton’s online studio here in the UK, as well as on her own personal website. Salima’s work will be showcased in the Collect exhibition in London from 11^th to 14^th May through Galerie Sofie Lachaert’s stand. So drop by and view her work for yourself.

Pooja Sahny