Rohit Vadithela, Co-Founders of Vai Ra, Discusses Innovation and Eco-Friendliness in Jewellery Design
In the glittering world of luxury jewellery, Vai Ra stands out for its commitment to sustainable luxury. Co-founder Rohit Vadithela shares the journey of launching a brand that merges ethical practices with aesthetic elegance. This interview explores how Vai Ra is challenging industry norms by integrating eco-friendly materials and innovative designs to create stunning, sustainable pieces.
1. Origins of Vai Ra: What inspired the creation of Vai Ra, and how did your personal and professional backgrounds influence the brand’s commitment to sustainability?
Two things led us to start this business. First, during our marketing agency days, we helped a fashion jewellery e-commerce brand with digital marketing, and we realized that many women settle for artificial gem jewellery because they cannot afford diamonds. The available options are either diamond jewellery in gold or artificial jewellery in silver. There is no middle ground.
The second trigger was my sister-in-law’s wedding. She desired a sizable diamond ring for everyday wear, with a modern and chic look. However, for a middle-class woman, such a luxury seemed unattainable. During a conversation with a colleague in the US, Oendrilla, my wife and co-founder of Vai Ra, and I discussed this dilemma. I mentioned, “You know, my sister-in-law is getting married, and she wanted a big engagement ring, but you know how expensive diamonds are.” To my surprise, she suggested, “Forget diamonds. Get a ring made of moissanite.” This was the first time I had heard of moissanite, and she explained that she had been wearing moissanite jewellery for years, as it was quite popular in the West.
These are essentially the reasons that led us to start Vai Ra. Eventually, we also started to offer lab-grown diamonds alongside moissanite because of the growing demand for them from our existing customers, and they still fit into our responsible luxury ethos.
Being from a marketing and operations background, and having worked with some of the biggest lifestyle and fashion brands in our previous jobs, our past professional experiences helped us with Vai Ra as well.
2. Challenges of Sustainable Jewellery Making: Transitioning the luxury jewellery industry towards sustainability presents unique challenges. Could you share some of the hurdles you faced in incorporating eco-friendly practices and materials, and how you overcame them?
Transitioning the luxury jewellery industry towards sustainability indeed poses distinctive challenges. One significant hurdle we faced in incorporating eco-friendly practices and materials was sourcing ethically and sustainably mined gemstones and precious metals. Traditional mining practices often have negative environmental and social impacts, such as deforestation, water pollution, and exploitation of local communities.
Another obstacle we encountered was reconciling sustainability with the luxury aesthetic and craftsmanship that our brand is known for. It was essential to maintain the high quality and exquisite design that our customers expect while incorporating eco-friendly materials and production methods. This required innovative thinking and collaboration with skilled artisans and designers to create sustainable jewellery pieces that rival traditional luxury offerings in beauty and elegance.
Furthermore, educating consumers about the importance of sustainable practices in the jewellery industry was a significant challenge. Many consumers are unaware of the environmental and social impact of conventional jewellery production and may prioritize aesthetics and brand prestige over sustainability. To address this, we launched educational initiatives and marketing campaigns to raise awareness about our commitment to sustainability and the benefits of choosing eco-friendly jewellery.
3. Innovations in Sustainable Luxury: Vai Ra is known for its innovative use of lab-grown moissanite gemstones and recycled metals. What are the processes behind creating such sustainable yet luxurious products?
Creating sustainable yet luxurious products like those offered by Vai Ra involves a combination of innovative processes and meticulous attention to detail. Here are the key processes behind crafting jewellery with lab-grown moissanite gemstones and recycled metals:
Sourcing and Selection: The first step is sourcing high-quality lab-grown moissanite gemstones and recycled metals. Lab-grown moissanite is created using advanced scientific processes that mimic the natural formation of the gemstone, resulting in ethically sourced and conflict-free alternatives to traditionally mined diamonds. Recycled metals are obtained from discarded jewellery, or used jewellery often exchanged by our customers
Design and Development: Vai Ra’s design team collaborates closely with skilled artisans to create unique and innovative jewellery designs that showcase the beauty and brilliance of lab-grown moissanite gemstones. Careful consideration is given to every aspect of the design, from the selection of gemstone shapes and settings to the choice of recycled metals that complement the overall aesthetic.
Manufacturing and Production: The manufacturing process involves precision craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology to bring the designs to life. Skilled artisans use sustainable practices and techniques to manipulate the lab-grown moissanite gemstones and recycled metals, ensuring that each piece meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
Quality Control and Assurance: Rigorous quality control measures are implemented throughout the production process to ensure that each piece meets Vai Ra’s exacting standards. This includes thorough inspections of the lab-grown moissanite gemstones for clarity, color, and cut, as well as testing the integrity of the recycled metals to ensure durability and purity. No product is shipped out to customers without a certificate issued by reputed labs such as SGL, even if these defects are rarely noticed by the naked eye.
Packaging and Presentation: Vai Ra pays attention to every detail, including the packaging and presentation of its sustainable luxury products. Eco-friendly materials are used whenever possible, and each piece is carefully packaged in elegant and sustainable packaging that reflects the brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
4. Impact on the Environment: Could you elaborate on the environmental impact of traditional diamond jewellery production versus Vai Ra’s sustainable practices?
The environmental impact of traditional diamond jewellery production versus Vai Ra’s sustainable practices is significant and starkly different:
Traditional Diamond Jewellery Production:
Ecological Footprint: Traditional diamond mining involves extensive land clearing, excavation, and displacement of soil, leading to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. This process also requires large amounts of water, which can result in habitat degradation and water pollution.
Carbon Emissions: The extraction, processing, and transportation of diamonds contribute to significant carbon emissions. Additionally, mining machinery and equipment run on fossil fuels, further exacerbating the industry’s carbon footprint.
Energy Consumption: Traditional diamond mining operations are energy-intensive, relying on fossil fuels to power machinery, processing facilities, and transportation networks. This high energy consumption contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbates climate change.
Social Impact: Traditional diamond mining often occurs in regions with poor labor standards and inadequate environmental regulations, leading to exploitation of local communities and workers, as well as human rights abuses.
Vai Ra’s Sustainable Practices:
Ethical Sourcing: Vai Ra’s use of lab-grown moissanite gemstones eliminates the need for environmentally destructive diamond mining. Lab-grown moissanite is created in controlled laboratory settings using sustainable processes that minimize ecological impact and ensure ethical sourcing.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: By utilizing lab-grown moissanite gemstones and recycled metals, Vai Ra significantly reduces its carbon footprint compared to traditional diamond jewellery production. Lab-grown gemstones require less energy and water to produce, and recycled metals eliminate the need for environmentally harmful mining practices.
Conservation of Resources: Vai Ra’s commitment to using recycled metals helps conserve natural resources and reduces the demand for new mining activities. By repurposing existing materials, Vai Ra minimizes the environmental degradation associated with traditional metal extraction.
Community Engagement: Vai Ra prioritizes partnerships with ethical suppliers and engages in community-focused initiatives to promote sustainable practices and support local communities. This approach fosters positive social and environmental outcomes while promoting transparency and accountability.
Vai Ra’s sustainable practices offer a more environmentally responsible alternative to traditional diamond jewellery production, minimizing ecological impact, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting ethical sourcing and social responsibility.
5. Partnership with Sankalptaru: Partnering with Sankalptaru for afforestation and clean energy projects is a significant step. How do these initiatives align with Vai Ra’s overall mission, and what impacts have you observed or anticipated from these collaborations?
We are proud to announce a pioneering partnership with Sankalptaru, an esteemed environmental organization based in India. This collaboration aims to enhance environmental conservation efforts by planting a tree for every purchase made through Vai Ra.
In a bid to combat climate change and promote biodiversity, Vai Ra has committed to planting a tree through Sankalptaru for every transaction completed with the company. These trees will be meticulously managed by rural communities within India, fostering economic empowerment and environmental stewardship at the grassroots level.
Customers also get a personalized certificate of tree plantation for each purchase, complete with a QR code. This code allows customers to track the progress and growth of their tree, offering a tangible connection to their contribution towards global reforestation efforts.
We are thrilled to join forces with Sankalptaru to amplify our commitment to sustainability. Through this partnership, we hope to inspire others to embrace eco-conscious practices and make a positive impact on our planet.
6. Message for Earth Day: As Earth Day approaches, what message do you hope to convey through Vai Ra’s participation and initiatives in promoting sustainability in the jewellery sector?
Vai Ra is proud to stand at the forefront of promoting sustainability in the jewellery sector. Our message for Earth Day is one of hope, responsibility, and action.
At Vai Ra, we believe that every day should be Earth Day. Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond mere rhetoric; it is ingrained in every aspect of our business operations. Through our participation and initiatives, we aim to convey the following messages:
Environmental Stewardship: Earth Day serves as a reminder of the fragility of our planet and the urgent need for environmental stewardship. Through our sustainable practices, such as using lab-grown moissanite gemstones and recycled metals, we demonstrate our unwavering dedication to minimizing our ecological footprint and preserving the natural world for future generations.
Innovation and Progress: Earth Day is a celebration of innovation and progress in the realm of environmental conservation. As pioneers in the jewellery industry, we continuously push the boundaries of sustainability through innovative technologies and practices. Our goal is to inspire others to embrace sustainable alternatives and drive positive change in the sector.
Consumer Empowerment: Earth Day is an opportunity to empower consumers to make informed choices that align with their values. By educating consumers about the environmental and social impact of traditional jewellery production and offering sustainable alternatives, we empower them to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future through their purchasing decisions.
Collective Action: Earth Day reminds us of the power of collective action in addressing global environmental challenges. Through partnerships, collaborations, and advocacy efforts, we work alongside like-minded organizations and individuals to amplify our impact and drive meaningful change in the jewellery sector and beyond.
Continued Commitment: Earth Day is not just a one-day event; it is a catalyst for ongoing commitment and action. As we commemorate Earth Day, we reiterate our steadfast commitment to sustainability and pledge to continue leading the charge towards a more sustainable and ethical jewellery industry.
Ultimately, our message for Earth Day is one of optimism and determination. Together, we have the power to make a difference and create a world where sustainability is not just a choice but a way of life. Join us in celebrating Earth Day and committing to a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
