THE DIRT

Gaitri, the creative spirit behind Crysobel, conceives her fine jewelry collection as an expression of her personal experiences. While searching for the perfect adornments for her own wedding, Gaitri wanted jewelry that would represent a perfect blend of the beauty and artistry of her eastern roots, combined with a modern western appeal. Having trouble finding her ideal look, Gaitri sketched her own jewelry designs and had them made in her homeland of Sri Lanka. The results were breathtaking, and awakened a passion in her to pursue jewelry design as a profession.

Each handcrafted piece is inspired by her diverse background rooted in Africa and Asia while reflecting her current urban lifestyle in San Francisco. Gaitri uses 18K yellow and white gold and unusual precious and semi-precious gemstones like pink, white and orange sapphires, green onyx and coral, blending classic and modern for a look that embodies fashion-forward elegance with old-world artistry.

Born in the war-torn country of Sri Lanka, Gaitri Chandra Raj moved to Sierra Leone at the age of one, and then later to Liberia, to seek refuge from the constant conflict in her homeland. When war broke out in Liberia in 1980, the family moved back to Sri Lanka but found little comfort due to a language barrier experienced by their children, as well as undying conflict in their country. Gaitri and her family fled Sri Lanka once again, and headed back to Sierra Leone in 1982, until finally moving to the United States in 1985. At the age of fifteen, Gaitri settled into American life in Connecticut.

Gaitri attended Clarkson University in New York, before moving to California where she went on to earn her MBA at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkley.

The name 'Crysobel' was chosen from the Sri Lankan gem called Chrysoberyl, which is thought to spread tolerance and harmony; a wish Gaitri has for her native Sri Lanka, and her adopted homes of Sierra Leone and Liberia.

EVEN DIRTIER

How would you categorize your jewelry designs in general?

Eclectic
Bohemian
Boldly modern
Utterly feminine
Of the moment

Which celebrity do you most envision wearing your designs? And what would they be doing?

Halle Berry would be perfect as she enjoys beautiful jewelry and her eclectic sense of style is reflected in the Crysobel line.

She would be dressed in simple jeans, possibly shopping wearing a beautiful, bold Crysobel piece of jewelry.

What type of jewelry do you like to wear?

I wear jewelry that reflects my eastern roots and western lifestyle - very much reflected in the Crysobel line. I think I came out of the womb wearing earrings and have never gone a day without having a pair of earrings on.

What is your idea of a dream vacation?

A mixture of absolute relaxation, adventure and always great food. My favorite recent trip was my honeymoon in Morocco where I got to indulge in the perfect vacation - a mixture of old and modern Morocco.

What article of jewelry do you think most enhances a woman's body? Why?

A pair of earrings - the perfect finish for framing a beautiful face.

What aspect of your jewelry is most reflective of you?

My jewelry completely reflects me - the east meets west aesthetic. Timeless but fashion forward.

Preferred metal:

18 carat yellow and white gold

Most likely to get energy from:

Travelling to new destinations around the globe.

Preferred shopping venue:

Online. As a professional, mother, and wife, I do not have the time to go shopping. The only time I have is at midnight, online.

Favorite Art Museum:

MOMA

Home decor/design:

A blend of an eastern aesthetic and western contemporary. Every piece has a story and the decor is reflective of our travels across the globe.

Preferred abode on the rode:

Car.