Phillips discovered these two Thai jewellery talents, and so should you

Thailand has long been recognised as a jewellery hub, home to generations of skilled artisans crafting for international designers. But in recent years, a new wave of Thai designers and brands are redefining luxury jewellery with their unique perspectives.   

The expert responsible for scouting such regional talents is Phillips’ international jewellery specialist and certified gemologist Cristel Tan. “The new generation of Thai designers like Chavana and Narasha create jewels that reflect delicate balances between tradition with modernity, a sense of boldness with sophisticated serenity that is quintessentially Thai.” 

While several Chavana creations have been sold by Phillips within estimates over the past two years, collectors who missed out on them should look forward to a pair of ruby and diamond ear pendants, and an amethyst and diamond ring, which will be featured in the upcoming Phillips Hong Kong Jewels Auction on March 27.

Two floral Narasha pieces that went under Phillips’ hammer a year ago also performed well, with the brand to stay on the auctioneer’s radar. Here’s a showcase on the talents helming these two luxury houses.

Chavana 

The story of Chavana is a tale of grit, hard work, determination and talent. It started 111 years ago, when Sinthunon “Tenth” Chavanaves’ great-grandfather started a small jewellery store called Mian Teck, in the heart of Bangkok, together with his Thai wife.

Out of their 16 children, only one took up the mantle of the family business — Tenth’s grandfather. 

Over the years, Mian Teck grew from strength to strength: It evolved from a modest retail store to a powerhouse manufacturing business, crafting exquisite jewels for the world’s most renowned jewellers. In 2014, the family decided to build on its century-old legacy, launching the design brand Chavana — their family surname — to bring their vision to life.

Craftsmanship lies at the heart of Chavana, and Tenth is committed to preserving Thailand’s jewellery heritage. “It’s about maintaining the craftsmanship and ensuring the know-how is passed on,” he says. “We take in young apprentices to learn from our master artisans, looking for those who share our passion and love for the craft.”

This dedication allows Tenth to push the boundaries of jewellery-making, constantly innovating with new techniques. Take, for instance, Chavana’s latest emerald earrings, Colombian of Completion. “It was truly the result of my experiment on how to play with coloured gemstones to create something unlike what was ever done before. And I have to say, this particular piece was like a feat of engineering.”

Look closely, he says. “You will notice that the stones have prongs, but they are expertly set via the patterns that were created; hence, from the goldsmith to the stone cutter and setter, we all had to work out how the stones would interlock and we had to think carefully how to hold them in place and also look as if they are seamless. It took months to complete, and our master setter even mentioned that it was the most difficult piece he had ever done.” 

Beyond refining traditional techniques, Chavana reimagines how gemstones are cut and set — an advantage of running a family-owned manufacturing house. One signature technique is the gemstone mosaic, where each stone is meticulously recut and re-faceted to fit a precise pattern. 

Tenth continues, “It is very laborious because one stone might be recut again and again until it perfectly aligns. Once set, the color stones fill the piece like a tessellation, with barely any metal between each stone.” 

At its core, Chavana remains devoted to timeless craftsmanship over fleeting trends. “We hold strongly to our values, which is to preserve the beauty that results from delicacy made through traditional craftsmanship. Thereby, we do not change with fashion or trends, but we solely focus on maintaining and perfecting our crafts and creating timeless designs.” 

With its meticulous attention to detail, innovative approach to craftsmanship, and masterful artistry, it’s no surprise that Chavana has received continued support from Phillips and jewellery connoisseurs alike.

Narasha

In March 2024, Phillips sold a pair of Narasha Rose earrings for HK$57,150. A milestone moment for the brand, it affirmed founder Neetu Kedia’s vision. “Moments like these validate our journey, showcasing Narasha on an international stage,” she says.

Since launching the brand in 2019, Narasha has become known for its nature-inspired designs, shaped by Kedia’s multi-faceted background, from her Indian heritage to her British upbringing and Thai influence. Her path to jewellery was serendipitous. A trained economist with no intention of entering the industry, she found herself drawn to it after moving to Thailand upon marriage.

“I didn’t exactly choose jewellery; it landed right in front of me. One of my husband’s businesses spans all verticals of the jewellery industry, from manufacturing to retail. It was the perfect stepping stone to create Narasha, especially as my kids were young and I wanted more control over my work-life balance. I had the privilege of learning under the best in the business.” 

Kedia’s background in economics proved to be an advantage: “It allowed me the freedom to create without preconceived notions or constraints about what ‘should’ or ‘shouldn’t; be done. I can be adventurous with my ideas, learn from my mistakes, and let creativity guide me. Of course, it also helps me make smart decisions on the business side.” 

Her formative years in the UK as an Indian have had a strong bearing on how Kedia views jewellery. “Growing up in England with a rich Indian heritage gave me a unique perspective, blending two distinct but equally vibrant cultures.” 

Her mother was her first muse, and shaped her creative vision: “Each piece she owned told a story, carrying both sentimental value and a sense of identity. Watching her wear her jewellery was transformative—she radiated confidence and grace, not just because of how the pieces looked, but because of how they made her feel.” 

For Indians, jewellery forms an integral part of their life journey. It is highly symbolic, and is used to mark every milestone. “Jewellery is crafted to endure, to be cherished and passed down, quite often becoming the subject of spirited debates among future generations.” 

This inspired Kedia to design timeless pieces that are meant to become heirlooms, to be passed down from generation to generation. The brand’s four collections — Enchanted Nature, Oceanic Symphony, Carnival Fantasia, and Wanderlust — embody contemporary elegance while maintaining an enduring appeal. 

Dramatic and expressive, the designs play with colour, texture and form, drawing inspiration from the depths of the sea to the richness of the land. Floral motifs recur throughout, brought to life with coloured gemstones and a three-dimensional quality that makes them appear almost lifelike.

“The Narasha style is feminine, bold, and a little abstract — it’s about the harmony between elegance and individuality. My love for flowers shines through in so many designs, from delicate, intricate details to daring, unexpected forms,” Kedia adds.

It’s this artistry that caught the attention of Phillips’ Cristel Tan, who explains, “Floral motifs are prevalent, inspired by culturally significant blooms like jasmine and lotus. By refining traditional techniques with modern ingenuity, impeccable masterpieces are created.”

As Kedia sums up her brand’s essence: “I draw on the intricate craftsmanship, vibrant colours, and storytelling of Indian artistry, pairing it with the refined elegance and subtlety of British design. It’s about bridging heritage and modernity — creating pieces that are not only beautiful but also meaningful, designed to make every woman feel complete, confident, and connected to her story.”