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Rare Jewels
Manik Mercian’s showstopping pieces are dazzling designers, celebrities, and real-life divas.

Name: Jenny Manik Mercian
Business: Manik Mercian (Manikmercian.com)
Location: Sydney, Australia

When did you first become interested in fashion design?
As a young child, I constantly played dress-up, styled my family members, sketched, painted, and collected all things shiny. And at the age of seven, I made my first creation—a red top for my older sister. I didn’t know how to sew at the time, so I hand-stitched and stapled it together, and my sister never wore it.

You graduated from college with a degree in fashion and textiles, and went on to work for various fashion houses. What led you to focus on accessories and launch Manik Mercian?
I always wanted to start my own business, but after university, I thought I should get some experience in the fashion industry first. After a year and a half, I had the confidence to start Manik Mercian. I had specialized in fabric manipulation in clothing, which included beading, and my love for beading led me to create couture jewelry with a tactile feel. Setting up the business was difficult, but the support of my family drove me to see it through.

And when did you realize you’d become successful?
After the launch of the label at Mercedes-Benz Australian Fashion Week. I received an overwhelmingly positive response from the media, buyers, and a representative from Victoria’s Secret. The rest is history.

Can you describe how the design process works for you?
After studying my chosen theme, I source materials, then start sketching the design. I make a few samples before the final showpiece, which takes anywhere from one week to two months to create.

Your jewelry is crafted from Swarovski crystal, cultivated pearls, and precious and semiprecious stones. Why are you drawn to these materials?
High-quality materials that are beautiful, luxurious, and exotic make my pieces work. I also like to source fabrics, or even make my own, and use them in unconventional ways.

Where are your designs available, and what are your price points?
My work is currently available at high-end boutiques across Australia and at Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong, and I’m in the process of launching the line in the United States and the U.K. My prices range from approximately $120 for an earring to $4,000 for a showpiece necklace.

Do you have a signature design or piece?
I would have to say it’s my Industrial O Necklace made out of linked chain and Swarovski crystal. I designed the piece two years ago, and it’s been my favorite ever since. Debbie Harry is a fan of it too.

How would you describe the Manik Mercian customer?
My customers appreciate detail, quality, and craftsmanship, and they’re confident. They love to be bold and daring in what they wear—they’re not afraid to stand out, make a statement, and shine.

And I understand that the name “Manik Mercian” has a double meaning?
Yes. The name is obviously taken from my own name, but the word manik means “precious gemstone” in Singhalese. I thought that was quite fitting for a couture jewelry line!

A bold Chandelier Earring ($332) is intricately woven with Swarovski crystal, rhinestones, and metal beads.

The designer’s signature creation—the Industrial O Necklace ($1,076).

The Linked Crystal Earrings ($274) and matching Bracelet ($489) are crafted from Swarovski crystal and metal components.

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