Launched in  February 2021 RINA by essgee is a new jewellery label created by Shahani Gunawijaya. An ardent fan of accessories since her young days,  Shahani realised her passion lay in creating jewellery when she did an A/L project. A graduate of the AOD, Shahani believes in designing exquisite pieces that are timeless and elegant.

What sparked your interest in jewellery design?
I always loved fashion growing up, so did my mother, she always encouraged it. Naturally, I became very conscious of what I wore and styled my outfits well. Accessorizing is obviously key to a complete outfit. That’s when I started experimenting with jewellery. Eventually, I did a DIY jewellery project for my A/Ls and that definitely sparked my interest in jewellery more. I could also tell my friends and family always loved my sense of jewellery style and I felt like I could create something out of it. 

What made you take jewellery design more seriously and make a career out of it?
They say when you love what you do, it will never feel like it's work. I love what I do, it comes from a place of passion. So it was an easy choice.

Are you self taught or did you study design?
I did my Bachelor's in Fashion and Textile design at AOD.

Are there any types of jewellery that you avoid designing?
I definitely want to avoid designing jewellery that is just trendy for the moment. I believe in key pieces, timelessness and quality. 

Where do you look for creative inspiration?
Inspiration is everywhere. I get inspired when I look into what international fashion and jewellery labels do, sometimes I’m inspired by what I see that’s on print or social media. I do look into a lot of vintage jewellery worn by royalty too.

Describe your latest collection.
RINA is a fine jewellery label. Therefore all jewellery is made of pure silver. The latest collection focuses on minimal settings paired with prominent stones.

Who is your muse?
My muse is the modern woman. She is sophisticated, modern and tasteful.

What are your sustainability credentials?
In terms of sustainability, I have always believed in minimal and impactful pieces. I imagine my customer passing down these pieces to their next generation as they are fine jewellery. Therefore, my designs are kept timeless and modern. We work directly with local silversmiths and goldsmiths to bring these pieces to life.  All while exposing and training them to create quality, unique and contemporary pieces.  

What are you fascinated by at the moment and how does it feed into your work?
I’m really fascinated by gemmology. With every stone I pick I learn more every day about it and its trade and I try to absorb and reflect that energy or power of those stones into my designs.

What’s your motto?
Do what you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life. 

Which international or local designers are you inspired by?
I’m inspired by jewellery bloggers like @gemologue and @champagnegem on instagram. They travel the world discovering the most unique and luxury pieces of jewellery and make my jaw drop every single time! They connect with so many designers around the world and it gives me so much inspiration!

What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?
Social media is such a powerful marketing tool that’s allowed designers or labels to connect with the customer better. It also influences trends and allows you to connect to customers beyond the limits of your own city or country.

What is your favourite part about being a designer?
To be able to express my creativity and style through a unique piece is definitely what I love about being a designer. 

How do you want women to feel when wearing your jewellery?
I want them to feel sophisticated, modern and empowered through my jewellery. I want their personality to reflect through the jewellery they wear. They say different gemstones have powers, healing properties and energies. So I do hope the wearer is able to harness that.

You can shop RINA on Instagram - @rinabyesgee and Rina By Esgee on Facebook