Fashion Group International (FGI) hosted its 23rd annual Rising Star Awards in midtown Manhattan Tuesday and honored Indian high jeweler Harakh with its fine jewelry Rising Star Award.
Founded in 2017 by Harakh Mehta, Harakh is a jewelry maison with a focus on sustainability and transparency. The atelier was the official jeweler of le Bal—the annual debutante ball and fashion event held in Paris—in 2019.
At the luncheon at Cipriani in midtown Manhattan, WWD reports that Mehta acknowledged “the incredible artisans who preserve the ancient techniques that they’ve learned from their fathers or grandfathers,” during his acceptance speech.
FGI also nominated Harakh for its first-ever Sustainability Award, sponsored by Maison de Mode, though handbag collection Lutz Morris won that one.
“When I founded the brand in 2017, my only desire was to make beautiful, joyful jewelry designs without compromising my values,” said Mehta in a company statement. “I cannot put into words the tremendous honor it is for the brand to win the [jewelry award]. For me and my dedicated team, this recognition reaffirms our vision that ethical craft and exquisite luxury design can and should go hand in hand.”
Mehta was especially moved by his brand’s nomination in the sustainability category, and noted in the same statement, “Ever since I can remember, spirituality and sustainability have been a part of my very DNA and this extends to my daily lifestyle as part of my value system.”
His manufacturing facility in India was the first to be certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council’s 2013 Code of Practices. And Harakh is also a Fairmined Licensee brand. The brand uses recyclable and sustainable packaging exclusively and aims to be plastic-free by 2021. Mehta walks the sustainability walk personally, too. He’s a lifelong vegetarian, doesn’t buy or wear leather and silk, and doesn’t use fresh flowers.
Top: Harakh Mehta hoisting his FGI Rising Star Award (photo courtesy of Harakh)
Follow me on Instagram: @emilivesilind
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
