The Journey of Soukhin
From Costume Jewelry to Reviving Bengali Silver Crafts
Since its inception in 2017, Soukhin has been dedicated to crafting unique costume jewelry inspired by various art forms. In 2021, we decided to venture into creating silver jewelry rooted in the rich heritage of Bengal. Today, we’d like to share the story behind this shift.
Growing up, I witnessed skilled artisans working in my father’s workshop. Over time, many of these craftsmen left the trade due to the pressure of modern designs, which often stifled their creativity. Some returned to their villages for farming, others took up jobs like cooking in households, and a few remained, taking up occasional gold jewelry orders just to make ends meet.
To be honest, I never planned to work with precious metals or continue the family business. However, one day, I had the opportunity to speak with a few of these remaining artisans. Hearing about their struggles and financial hardships moved me deeply. They expressed a strong desire to work with silver, which is rare to find in Kolkata—most skilled silver artisans are based in Jaipur or Benaras.
to my surprise, the artisans in Kolkata were eager to work with silver, underscoring how desperately they needed opportunities. This realization was a turning point. I began designing pieces inspired by traditional Bengali jewelry, using my father’s old catalogs as references. Finally, in December 2021, we launched a new collection called “Thakumar Sabeki Goyna” (Grandmother’s Timeless Jewelry), marking a fresh chapter for Soukhin.
This initiative is not just about creating jewelry; it’s about preserving a fading art form and supporting the master craftsmen behind it. By empowering these artisans, we aim to keep the traditional Bengali designs alive. Our hope is to see silver jewelry, inspired by timeless gold designs, reclaim its place alongside modern trends.
With this vision, Soukhin continues its journey, blending heritage with innovation to bring Bengal’s craftsmanship to the forefront once again.