Bengali women have an undeniable fondness for jewellery that reflects the rich artistry of our roots. Be it a delicate Jamdani-cut ornament, an intricate statement necklace, or a stunning 'Kundan' set — these classic gems hold a timeless appeal. Founded by Rubaith Raihan, the online jewellery shop Shakhari celebrates traditional aesthetics with a trendy touch. Whether it's playful trinkets for university events or dazzling bridal sets, Shakhari offers a rich variety of options — suitable for every occasion of any age group.

A brand Inspired by Shankhari Bazar

Rubaith's inspiration for starting a jewellery line stemmed from the works of Shankhari Bazar's artisans. "The name Shakhari is inspired by Shankhari Bazar," she remarks. During her campus days, she used to take strolls down the Puran Dhaka alleys after her classes, admiring the Bengali handicraft jewellery.

Her vision was to the traditional ornaments more accessible to a wider audience. "When I started my page on Facebook in 2019, customer response was better than I hoped, yet the profit was modest," remembers Rubaiath. "During COVID-19, I arranged delivery services to customers and the sales spiked. The business started to grow," she adds.

"Since childhood, I had a tendency to try everything I set my mind to, and I always had a belief in myself," said Rubaith. Launching Shakhari was a way to mark her identity, while indulging in her passion for Bengali jewellery.

A versatile collection

Rubaith's versatile collection caters to a wide range of customers and the pieces are handcrafted by local 'kaarigaars.' "I started Shakhari with wooden jewellery. With time, trends evolved so did my choice of aesthetics," she explains.

The timeless aura of silver or gold-plated metalwork with floral motifs or geometric patterns is embodied in her pieces. Oval, curved, jamdani or leaf-shaped motifs adorned with semi-precious stones, colourful beads and pearls add a regal touch. "As brides prefer lightweight pieces without losing the luxury of the tradition, these pieces became perfect for long wears at weddings," she adds.

'Matha-patti', 'tikli', 'sita-haar', bun-pins, and 'paati-haar' are some statement pieces for brides that add grandeur to weddings or cultural celebrations. 'Ratanchur' adds a unique touch to hand adornments, while the classic 'bala' and 'chur' cater to every preference.

The collection also includes the iconic 'Jhumka' earrings, and classic 'Gajra' sets, much in demand during festivals like Eid. Charming 'Kamar-bandh' or waist chains, 'biju' are popular demands for Puja celebrations. For occasions like Pahela Boishakh or Falgun, playful choker necklaces, sleek bangles, studs, chiming anklets and rings are the trendsetters among university-goers.

Trendy yet affordable

With prices ranging from Tk 20 to Tk 20,000, Shakhari ensures something special for everyone — from a student on a limited budget to a bride preparing for her big day. The designs are versatile, making them appropriate for everything from casual gatherings to formal weddings. The bridal collections provide brides with exquisite options at a fraction of the cost.

Rubaith Raihan's Shakhari ensures that each piece embodies artistry and dedication, a one-stop jewellery shop for all occasions, embodying the timeless elegance of traditional craftsmanship.