Sunita Shekhawat

Sunita Shekhawat (born 15 October, 1962) is an Indian Jewellery Designer and the CEO of her brand Sunita Shekhawat, Jaipur. Popularly labeled as the ‘Modern Meenakaar’, Sunita Shekhawat specializes in Kundan-Meena-Jadau Jewellery that is enhanced with Contemporary art. Sunita Shekhawat has carved a niche for herself in the art of Mīnākārī, and reinterprets this classic and ancient craft in unconventional ways.
Sunita Shekhawat has won many awards for her work & aesthetics over the years. She has also been conferred the titles ‘Hermès of India’ and ‘Queen of Kundan’ and ‘The Modern Meenakaar’ by various magazines. She has also been featured in a show by Fox Traveler called 'What's with Indian Women'.
=== Early Life ===
Born in a Rajput family in Osian Thikana, a small village near Jodhpur, Rajasthan, the daughter of an Indian air force officer, SS had the opportunity to travel across India – From Jodhpur to Bengaluru to Chandigarh to Delhi, absorbing the various cultures all along. The colours and contrasts of life in Rajasthan, however, had the most profound impact on her. She always had an earnest love for colors and wanted to do something in the field of Art and Creativity. She completed her Diploma in Gemology and Jewellery designing from Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council in Jaipur and a Masters in the History of Art & Culture from Jodhpur.
Her fore-fathers and great fore-feathers had links with the Raj gharanas of Jodhpur, owing to which she had access to see the beautiful handcrafted jewellery which was otherwise inaccessible to others. These visits to view the collections of the past era inspired her to re-create this magnificent art form and create designer pieces for today’s world. 
=== Career ===
At a time when Rajput women were not allowed outside their homes unattended, SS boldly broke the shackles of tradition and pursued her passion for jewellery. She always dreamt of contributing to the field of creativity and wholeheartedly worked to fulfill that dream nobody understood. After getting married as she shifted to Jaipur with her husband, the city of Jaipur became her biggest inspiration. She got inspired to learn the art of jewelry-making and then ran a 'by appointment' jewellery business from home for a few years. Later in 1999, Things got off to a good start when she invited Maharani Gayatri Devi for the inauguration of her boutique. 3 decades down the line she has made an Ineffaceable name for herself. She took the centuries-old craft to a modern high and raised it to a signature must-have status. The pieces created by Sunita Shekhawat are timeless, it’s like owning a part of India’s royal heritage. 
=== Design Philosophy ===
Kundan-Meena, by the very virtue of its design, craftsmanship, and rich history, is considered an artifact. The challenge lies in preserving its beauty in the old form while reinventing the designs for a contemporary age and audience.
Inspired by elements from Rajasthan, colors from nature, and a refined minimalist aesthetic, Sunita Shekhawat has a distinct signature that compliments both classic and modern styles. Completely handmade, these objects of desire pass through many hands as they are sculpted, enameled, engraved, and studded.
=== Awards ===
* “Woman Entrepreneur of the Year” - India Gem & Jewellery Awards 2017 by GJEPC
* One of “The 10 MOST Powerful People of Jaipur – 2016”
* Women of the Future Award, Rajasthan Cultural Awards - 2015
* Artisan Award (For her piece in the ‘Colourama’ category), Hosted by GJEPC & Vogue - 2014
* Nexzen Excellence Award, 2013
* Swarovski Gems – Design Appreciation Award 2012 
* Best Jeweller Award - Shubh Weddings Award 2016
* Best Female Entrepreneur at IWEC 2010 (International Women Entrepreneurial 	Competition) - Award by Chamber of Cape Town & Manhattan – 2010
* Best Participant at JJS 2010 (Jaipur Jewellery Show)
* SamaajGaurav Award, Kalyan Singh KalviSmritiSansthan - 2009
* The Best Female Entrepreneur at JJS & Gold Souk Awards 2008
* Dainik Bhaskar's Leading Women Entrepreneurs of Rajasthan
* My FM Women of Jaipur Award
* DNA Jewels of Jaipur
* Rajput Sabha Award
* Kurjaa Award, All India Welfare Society
* Bhaskar Women of the Year
=== Family ===
Sunita Shekhawat got married to Dileep Singh Shekhawat in 1986 and Five years later they planned to shift to Jaipur. Dileep, unlike other men of that time, always supported and encouraged SS to pursue her dream. He accompanied her to the Jeweller's workshop and reinforced her to actualise her dream business. The two children Niharika and Digvijay have always been Sunita's strength and pride. They grew up to join their mother's business and significantly contribute to expanding and strengthening their mother's brand. 
=== Store Locations ===
There are 3 Stores in India Two in Delhi and One in Jaipur.
Category:1962 births
Category:Indian jewellery designers
Category:People from Jodhpur