The jewellery industry is known for its multigenerational ties, where traditions and legacies are passed down to children and grandchildren. For centuries, the trade was male-dominated, with this past century being one of glass ceilings being broken. Founding the first woman-owned jewellery business in the family, Suzy Levian is on a mission to empower and encourage women to love themselves. Suzy Levian is the youngest of the five children of A. LeVian, the founder of LeVian Corp. While working with her brothers at LeVian Corp., Suzy opened her own business, with the goal of empowering women through beautiful, affordable jewellery designs for all. Her signature collections are renowned for their breath-taking juxtaposition of gemstones and curves. Passionate and energizing, Suzy creates provocative, elegant accessories, catering to women who believe in themselves.Beginning with coloured pencil sketches, Suzy draws her own original concepts, with every design in the collection drawn by her. Renowned for her gem intensive compositions, her work is recognized for its boldness and spirited symbolism. Initially debuting with high end one-ofa- kind jewellery, Suzy has expanded her collections in price ranges affordable to all women. Her success pushes the boundaries beyond jewellery, and she has since launched collections of handbags, scarves, sunglasses, and home décor. Excerpts from a conversation with Suzy LeVian

Where does your passion for jewellery stem from?
I have always had such a strong passion for jewellery. As a young girl, I would admire the sparkling jewels my father worked with and always helped him with design ideas.

What do you love the most about creating jewellery?
My most favourite feeling about creating and designing jewellery is reliving special moments, memories andvisions of beauty, and being able to share them with others.

How much does your upbringing and culture influence your thought process and design sensibilities?
They definitely play a big role in my thought and design process. The colours of metals and the colours of the stones that I use are based on memories and connections that I have built growing up.

Where do you seek inspiration for your designs
When I need inspiration, I go outside. Fresh air and beautiful scenery usually inspire me. Most of my designs are inspired by nature and other natural elements.

How would you define your label’s spirit?
The spirit of my brand is and always will be LOVE. The mission behind my jewellery is to empower other women to feel confident and powerful.

What are some of your favourite gemstones to work with and why?
My favourite gemstone to use is blue sapphires. The calming blue colour reminds me of the infinite ocean that connects the world together.

From a spark to how it becomes a finished piece of jewellery, can you walk us through your creative process?
From one idea, I draw up to 100 sketches. The sketches could be of the same design with minor changes, or different interpretations of the same design in rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants and necklaces until I am able to put together the right design that I envisioned.

Where do you think fine jewellery stands in the market today, and what does the future for this market look like?
I see the market for fine jewellery standing strong. There will always be a customer who understands the value of high fine jewellery.

Define the style sensibility of the audience of your jewellery?
The wearer of my jewellery is a sophisticated woman who likes a unique take on classic styles. She gravitates towards classic colours with the occasional splash of unique colours.

Your love for diamonds is evident in every single creation – there’s been a lot of talk about diamonds losing their priority amongst discerning consumers, because of issues like sustainability, increasing popularity of lab-grown diamonds, etc. What are your thoughts?
Diamonds will always come out on top. With the increased popularity of labgrown diamonds, we are seeing a huge increase in lab-grown production, causing prices to drop very quickly. Within a few years, the value of natural diamonds will remain high, while the value of labgrown diamonds will only decrease.

What is next in line for you/your brand?
The next collection I am currently working on is an elegant and simplistic collection of unique natural gemstones from around the world.

In your experience of travelling, which country has been the most inspiring and why?
India has been the most inspiring and influential in my designs. I just loved seeing all the vibrant colours during the Holi festival. When touring the gorgeous scenery from the forests to the mountain views, I felt connected to everything I saw and it opened my mind to so many of my designs.