Shamna Shanavas: From a 250 sq. ft. Showroom in Kochi to Seven Countries
Every Nakshathra showroom, from Kochi to Dubai to Kuala Lumpur, goes back to one small room and one idea. This is the story of Shamna Shanavas, Founder and Chairperson of Nakshathra Gold & Diamonds, and of how lightweight jewellery took her brand from Kerala to seven countries.
The first day: a 250 square foot showroom
On 7 September 2012, Shamna Shanavas opened a showroom of about 250 square feet in Nettoor, Ernakulam. She started with one idea: jewellery should be light to wear, simple to understand and within reach of everyday customers.
“Lightweight jewellery was our core focus from that first day, and it has remained so ever since.”
Shamna Shanavas
Why lightweight?
Lightweight jewellery asks more of design and more of making, and it gives more to the women who wear it. Instead of a few heavy pieces kept for occasions, Shamna wanted jewellery that women could wear every day: more designs, lighter weight, and prices an everyday customer can reach without compromise on quality.
“Good jewellery should be simple to understand and simple to buy. That means more designs rather than fewer, lighter weight rather than heavier, and prices an everyday customer can reach without compromise on quality.”
From one neighbourhood to seven countries
- 2012: First showroom in Nettoor, with lightweight jewellery and 22K ornaments from the first day.
- 2020–21: The digital turning point. Social media carries the brand far beyond its first neighbourhood.
- 2021: Nakshathra enters the United Arab Emirates, with a GCC head office in Al Ras, Dubai.
- 2025: Oman and Bahrain open.
- 2026: Kuwait and Malaysia open.
- 2027 (planned): United States, Oak Tree Road, New Jersey.
Nakshathra today
Today Nakshathra has 35+ showrooms in the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and India, including 16 showrooms across the UAE. It has served more than 3 million customers, and its 28-member design team creates about 1,200 new designs every month. More than 600 people work at Nakshathra, with manufacturing units in Thrissur and Dubai.
Shamna leads vision, product and design, brand and marketing, and still speaks directly with customers. Co-Founder and Managing Director Shanavas builds the systems behind the brand: operations, finance, technology, the team and each new international market.
A place where women build careers
Women make up about a fifth of the Nakshathra team, and Shamna sees work as the first step to financial independence.
“Employment is the first step towards financial independence, and I want Nakshathra to be a place where women build careers.”
FAFA by Nakshathra
Shamna also designed FAFA by Nakshathra, a lightweight label for a new generation of women: Gen Z, young women and working women. FAFA pieces in 18K, 22K and diamond generally weigh up to about 8 grams. Its tagline sums up her idea: Light on you. Light on weight.
With Mammootty
Mammootty represents Nakshathra Gold & Diamonds as International Brand Ambassador across all its markets, from Kerala to the Gulf and Malaysia.
Visit us in the UAE
See the World's Largest Lightweight Jewellery Collection at our 16 UAE showrooms, or shop lightweight jewellery online. You can also sell your old gold for instant cash or save with our 11-month gold scheme. Read more about Nakshathra.
Questions
Who founded Nakshathra Gold & Diamonds?
Shamna Shanavas founded Nakshathra Gold & Diamonds and is its Founder and Chairperson. Shanavas is Co-Founder and Managing Director.
When and where did Nakshathra start?
The first showroom opened on 7 September 2012 in Nettoor, Ernakulam, Kerala. It was about 250 square feet.
Why is Nakshathra known for lightweight jewellery?
Lightweight jewellery has been Nakshathra's core focus since the first day. The idea is more designs, lighter weight and prices everyday customers can reach, so women can wear their jewellery every day.
Who is Nakshathra's brand ambassador?
Mammootty is the International Brand Ambassador of Nakshathra Gold & Diamonds.