Our most discerning customers are sure to be delighted by its local availability,” says Prashant Sarawgi, Founder and MD of SR Artefacts Pvt. Ltd. For over 25 years, SR Artefacts ~ Silversmiths, has excelled at crafting exquisite silverware, with a focus on the gracious gifting of silver. Established in 1989 as a family enterprise, the firm’s commitment to quality and design has exceeded the highest of expectations — to become the first choice of collectors and connoisseurs of fine things. Thanks to the recent partnership with the Indian luxury silverware brand and in view of their exclusive showroom in Mumbai – where clients drop in only by appointment – Robbe & Berking will have access to a wide network of clients. According to SR Artefacts’ managing director Prashant Sarawgi “this is the kind of ambience and service you need for a brand such as Robbe & Berking, which has a strong bespoke component.”
Your journey?
Hailing from a Marwari family that has helmed several successful businesses over the last four generations, I was only 16 when I started my career. I dabbled in various businesses including finance and FMCG for a long time before I finally found my true passion in designer silverware. SR Artefacts was born and was started as an idea by my Mom from my home in the initial years. Today, over 25 years after the brand’s launch, it gives us great pride to see that SR Artefacts has become the first choice of collectors and connoisseurs of fine silverware. We have also served as the India partner for international luxury brands including Linea Argenti, Mexico’s Wolmar and Emilia Castillo and Casa Reale from Italy. Last year, we also announced a retail partnership with Germany’s Robbe & Berking — one of the world’s leading silversmiths. We also are Mumbai partners for Amrapali Jewels and Episode.
What were some of the challenges that you faced while setting up SR Artefacts and how did you overcame those challenges?
I think the greatest challenge for us was to change the perception of silverware being solely for investment purposes – that it is more than just a bullion coin or bulky dining sets or for religious ornaments. Vandana and I wanted to introduce the concept of silverware as the key to an exalted lifestyle experience. We incorporated contemporary nuances in our designs to encapsulate the best classic and modern elements, while being mindful of traditional values and sensitivities. It took us a long time to communicate this message but both of us would personally interact with each customer at our flagship store in Worli (Mumbai) to discuss the evolving role of silverware. Since they were coming into the store to purchase silverware, most consumers really enjoyed learning more about the current trends and consumption habits. Over time, we saw a shift where our patrons started buying silverware as accessories to accentuate their contemporary lifestyle.
Your inspiration?
I always wanted to find my way into the field of designing. We saw international designers garnering a lot of fame and awareness by selling designer garments and accessories. However, we weren’t sure if that would be feasible for us, as we may be left with a lot of dead inventory. That’s when the idea of designing in silverware came to us What do you love most about your work? I love curating tailor made bespoke designs to meet the expectations and requirement of each individual customer.
Was the perception of being costly an issue?
Silver is known as a precious metal. The consumption of silver and silverware is often associated with long-term investments. Therefore, the purchases are usually well-considered before most consumers enter the store.
How do you look at success and failure?
Success and failure are both part of life and are both interlinked. There cannot be success without a failure preceding it. Whilst one has to work towards success, it is just as important, if not more, to learn from our failures and find success overcoming failures.
What’s your ideal space to unwind?
My room overlooking the sea with soft music and yoga.
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