The crème de la crème of the New York fashion world gathered at Cipriani 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan for the 23rd annual luncheon and Fashion Group International (FGI) Rising Star Awards, where HARAKH took home the fine jewellery prize.

The Indian high jewellery brand was also nominated for FGI’s first-ever Sustainability Award, honouring Founder Harakh Mehta’s spiritual, value-driven approach to ethical jewellery design and production.

The HARAKH brand has met with growing acclaim at every turn since launching in 2017, from this FGI award and nomination to Harakh’s appointment as the Official Jeweler of le Bal, Paris, in 2019. Mehta’s le Bal acquaintance Jane Li, daughter of Chinese action star Jet Li, joined him in solidarity for the event.

FGI President and CEO Maryanne Grisz: “The Rising Star Awards were founded to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of emerging talents and entrepreneurs such as Harakh Mehta. We congratulate all of our winners of 2020 and look forward to watching each of them grow and thrive in the years to come.”

HARAKH Founder Harakh Mehta: “When I founded the brand in 2017, my only desire was to make beautiful, joyful jewellery designs without compromising my values. I cannot put into words the tremendous honour it is for the HARAKH haute joaillerie brand to win the FGI Rising Star in the jewellery category and also to be nominated for the first-ever Sustainability Award.

“For my dedicated team and me, this recognition reaffirms our vision that ethical craft and exquisite luxury design can and should go hand in hand.”

The nomination for the Sustainability Award was an honour that particularly resonated with Mehta, whose compassion for the environment drives his sustainable approach from design conception to completion.

“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,” said Mehta.

He also deeply values transparency in all aspects of crafting his exceptional jewellery. Mehta’s manufacturing facility in India was the first to be certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council’s stringent 2013 Code of Practices. HARAKH is also a Fairmined Licensee Brand.

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