Mousumi Shaw, founder and owner of Sikara & Co. began her journey of entrepreneurship while studying business at Harvard in 2005. She boldly structured a business plan and, upon graduating, successfully opened her business shortly after in 2006.
Mousumi began with only the belief and vision of what could be; since then, she has managed to accomplish all that she has set out to and more by contributing to many philanthropies as well. Her innovative, determined mindset combined with her gift of charity allowed her to establish a movement of travel, inspiration, and adventure today. Sikara & Co. has grown into an emerging affordable luxury jewelry brand with a national presence.
Her vision was to merge her passions of art, photography, travel, business and community. She wanted to create an affordable luxury brand for women self-purchasers who could gift themselves and purchase something both meaningful and high quality. She stated that there is so much beauty in the world and she wanted to bring the adventure and journey to her client.
With success in the wholesale and online markets, the company launched into retail with their first official pop-up store in San Francisco in 2009. Over the course of three years, they opened seven pop-up retail stores across Austin, Boston and San Francisco. Currently, their flagship store and headquarters are located in downtown Austin, Texas
The contemporary jewelry line is handcrafted using sterling silver & 18K vermeil with semi-precious stones, true pieces of art! The collections currently include Brazil, Egypt, Germany, Mexico, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy and Spain with prices ranging from $30 - $2000.
Sikara & Co.’s mission is to help create connections in this world by sharing stories about culture, people, and places with customers. Sikara takes customers on a journey of travel, adventure, and inspiration through jewelry. Each piece is inspired by founder Mousumi Shaw’s global travel photography, connecting the wearer to the world’s great architecture, animals, nature, food, cities and culture.
These days everyone has “stuff”. People are craving more meaning and experiences in life. From the beginning, Sikara has been about story-telling and bringing inspiration and a connection with consumers and various cultures. We are taking people on a journey around the world with collections inspired from Brazil, Egypt, Germany, Mexico, India, Israel, Indonesia, Italy, Iceland, & Spain.. They are excited to push the boundary on design and create something truly unique. Each of their jewelry pieces come with a postcard, story and photo from around the world.
Walking into Sikara & Co. evokes the feeling of taking a journey around the world. With global beats playing and essential oils in the background you’ll feel like you are on vacation. Each area around the store represents a different country. In the middle of the store you can shop by stone color and learn more about the power of stones. While in the store, one can discover modern fusion jewelry created with sterling silver & 18K vermeil with semi-precious stones. As you peruse, you will notice pieces inspired by the architecture of Bilbao & Barcelona, earrings influenced from Indian deserts and cocktail rings inspired by the Brazilian Amazon. You can also pick up original and signed photographs to decorate your walls at home!
The company’s mission is not only to share the beauty of the world, but also build community and give back - it’s one of their company’s core values. Over the past 15 years, Sikara has supported over 110 non-profit organizations centered around empowerment, entrepreneurship, women & children, the arts, environmental preservation and international development. They also give back by donating to galas and fundraisers, partnering with nonprofits to create special pieces for fundraising, and opening their space to nonprofits to host events.
When asked if there was anyone Mousumi wanted to recognize for her journey to success, she fervently expressed her gratitude by stating, "My mother, Shyamali Shaw. She has been a lifelong mentor and friend to me and constantly inspires me. She’s an immigrant from India and has worked hard and taught me from an early age that anything is possible. She taught me that perseverance is a key to success, that giving back to those less fortunate is important, and that you can overcome hardships. I started working with her in the jewelry industry in Corpus Christi when I was 12 years old. I’d travel with her to trade shows and help her merchandise and work with customers in her store. She’ll celebrate 30 years of business this year!"
Mousumi aspired to invoke a personal connection to her jewelry collection by providing some background information behind some of Sikara's more popular and meaningful pieces below.
18K Gold Plated Paisley Earrings Large ($165)
As a part of our Jaipuri Indian Collection, these earrings are inspired by the national bird of India, the gorgeous peacock. These earrings feature an intricate paisley design with a peacock motif. Measuring approximately 2.5" in length, these earrings pair well with either casual or dressy outfits. The bright polished finish brings a flair to any ensemble.
-18K Gold Vermiel
-Polished Finish
-2.5" in length x 1.25" wide
Brazilian Bird of Paradise Necklace ($385)
Individually strung sterling silver tubular pieces come together to create one of Sikara's most popular sculptural necklaces. The Bird of Paradise Necklace, inspired by the amazing plumage and foliage of the Brazilian Amazon, dresses up a casual blouse or pairs perfectly with more formal wear. Surprisingly comfortable to wear, this piece will surely impress.
-Sterling Silver
-Hand Brushed Finish
-Necklace length: 17"
-Each bar measures between 1.5" and 2"
Limited Edition Maharani Labradorite Collar ($2800)
Fit for a queen, this incredible collar necklace features 48 individual labradorite stones, each glowing with scintillating shades of blue and green. Inspired by traditional Indian design, each setting has a unique organic shape and hammered finish, adding to the level of detail and intrigue. This regal necklace is surprisingly light, meaning it can be worn all night without worry.
-18K Gold Plated Sterling Silver
-Stone: Labradorite
-Collar Dimensions: 3.25" long at center; 6.5" approximate width
-Length, adjustable up to 18"
-Hook and eye closure
Faceted 17 Stone Capri Long Necklace Aqua Chalcedony ($350)
This amazing necklace, from our Italy Capri collection, features 17 faceted stones of varying sizes, the perfect addition to any jewelry lover's collection. Wear as a single strand, or double it up for a look that transitions flawlessly from day to night. Inspired by the endless umbrellas on the beaches of Cinque Terre in Italy, feel like you are on vacation in Italy!
-Sterling Silver
-Stone: Aqua Chalcedony
-Length: 35.5"
-Lobster Clasp Closure
Sikara has been featured in Oprah Magazine, Fox News, Austin Monthly, Austin Statesman, Boston Magazine, San Francisco 7X7 and many other publications.
Online, you can easily shop the entire Sikara line by country collection, by style (earring, bracelet, ring, etc.), by price point, by stone, etc. They currently offer free ground shipping or curbside pickup. Visit www.sikara.com as 95% of our collection is available online.
Instagram: sikarajewelry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SikaraJewelry/
Flagship store - 417 W. 2nd St., Austin, TX 78701 (check Google for our current hours)
Phone: (512)565-9504
Email: info@sikara.com
