Aarika - Brown Living™

Aarika

Aarika is a Chennai-based handcrafted jewellery brand that re-imagines traditional temple jewellery through a contemporary and conscious design lens. Derived from the word meaning "ornamental," Aarika celebrates India's rich cultural heritage while creating jewellery that seamlessly fits modern lifestyles. Our signature lies in blending iconic temple jewellery motifs with thoughtfully sourced materials such as fabric, jute, cotton cords, glass beads, and metal strings

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Aarika - Brown Living™

Aarika

Temple Jewellery Redefined- Heritage meets Style

About Aarika

Aarika - Brown Living™

Aarika is a handcrafted jewelry brand born out of my love for jewelry making in the year 2009. It’s not just another brand in the market. It’s a love for the art form. I believe that a piece of jewelry should not just adorn the body but capture the spirit of the wearer. I am a student for life and have always been fascinated with learning new forms of art and craft. I enrolled in a week-long workshop on jewelry designing and fell in love with the art form! It gave me a sense of fulfilment that I never felt before! I found my calling! I went on to complete my diploma in jewelry designing after that! I am blessed with a childlike curiosity and an enthusiasm to always experiment. I play with materials and techniques till I develop an embellishing form of wearable art. I started making small pieces of jewelry to gift friends and moved on to retail at some very popular brick-and-mortar stores in Chennai. There has been no looking back ever since!

Mission Statement

We believe in slow fashion. We emphasize quality over quantity and sustainability over waste.

Impact Created

We nurture relationships and choose humanity over machinery. We ensure that our jewellery is produced under fair labour practices, with safe and flexible working conditions for all. We provide dignified and sustainable livelihoods to all our artisans. We use eco-friendly materials such as jute threads, recycled fabric, and organic cotton. We are transparent about the origins and the process involved in the jewelry production, allowing consumers to make informed choices. We have a very short supply chain, which means a reduced carbon footprint. We create jewelry that transcends seasonal trends and can be worn across multiple years, thus encouraging consumers to buy less frequently. We produce in small batches, avoiding overproduction, which ensures there is less wastage. We believe in empowering women, who are integral to our success. We work towards giving sustainable fashion a space in your jewelry box. We believe in always giving back to our artisan communities.

Overall employment created

5

% of Women Employees

100

Number of Artisans Empowered

5

What are the causes you support?

Artisan Livelihoods, Cruelty Free, Fair Trade / Ethical Wage, Non-Toxic (No Toxic Chemicals Used), Women Empowerment, Women Owned Business

What is the manufacturing process?

At Aarika, we re-imagine the timeless beauty of temple jewellery through a contemporary and sustainable lens. Our manufacturing process begins with the careful sourcing of ethically procured raw materials, including natural jute, cotton fabric and temple jewellery components. We prioritize materials that are durable, reusable, and have a lower environmental impact. Each piece is handcrafted by combining organic textiles with brass and copper elements, ensuring minimal reliance on mass-production techniques. This artisan-led approach not only preserves traditional craft skills but also supports local livelihoods and promotes fair and ethical employment practices. To reduce waste, our production is largely made-to-order and small-batch driven, helping us avoid overproduction and excess inventory. Fabric remnants and material off-cuts are consciously repurposed wherever possible into smaller design elements, reducing material wastage throughout the manufacturing cycle.

What are the ingredients/materials you use?

At Aarika, every piece of jewellery is thoughtfully crafted using a carefully curated blend of natural, ethically sourced, and long-lasting materials that reflect our commitment to conscious fashion and responsible craftsmanship. Our designs primarily incorporate organic jute and cotton fabrics, chosen for their natural origins, versatility, and lower environmental impact. To complement these,we use ethically sourced temple motifs.Most of our temple motifs are sourced from a small town in Andhrapradesh called Machilipatnam. They have an outlet in Chennai. Their work ethics resonate with ours! The craftsmen there are hardrworking farmers who work on the jewelry at times that they can spare from their fields. It gives them an additional source of income for the family! They are very short staffed during the harvest season as the entire team is busy on their farms! We consciously choose materials that support longevity, artisanal craftsmanship, and mindful consumption.

How do you source your raw materials/ ingredients?

At Aarika, conscious sourcing is at the heart of our design philosophy and make every effort to ensure that our sourcing practices align with our commitment to sustainability, ethical craftsmanship, and mindful consumption. Our natural materials are sourced from trusted suppliers who share our focus on quality and responsible production. We prioritize plant-based fibres that offer a lower environmental footprint. The temple motifs are sourced locally. Most of our temple motifs are sourced from a small town in Andhrapradesh called Machilipatnam. They have an outlet in Chennai. Their work ethics resonate with ours! The craftsmen there are hardrworking farmers who work on the jewelry at times that they can spare from their fields. It gives them an additional source of income for the family Through responsible sourcing, ethical partnerships, and a preference for natural and long-lasting materials, Aarika creates jewellery that honours both artistry and a more sustainable future.

During its life and beyond, can your products be repurposed or composted at home?

The combination of organic jute and cotton fabrics with brass and copper temple jewellery elements allows our creations to be repurposed in multiple ways over time. Statement necklaces can be styled as decorative accents on handbags, clutches, or home décor pieces. Jewellery components can also be creatively reassembled into brooches, hair accessories, festive décor, or keepsake ornaments. Many of our handcrafted designs feature durable metal elements that retain their beauty and functionality for years, making them suitable for redesigning, repairing, or transforming into entirely new accessories. This flexibility helps reduce waste and encourages customers to reimagine and reinvent their jewellery rather than replace it. By creating timeless pieces inspired by traditional temple jewellery and crafted with long-lasting materials, Aarika promotes a more circular approach to fashion—one where products are treasured, reused, repurposed, and passed on rather than discarded.

Founded by Sarika Kapoor

Innovative Founder and creative head with an enthusiasm to always experiment,I established Aarika, a brand that passionately roots for ethical fashion and sustainable development. Jewellery is my pass