Manika's beauties

By Mihiri Wikramanayake

"Imagine living in a spaceship and looking down on earth, and then you will understand the significance of this beautiful piece of jewellery", said Dick Dumas, the designer of a certain exquisite pendant for his store, Manika close to the Galle Face Shopping Village. This large deep blue cabochon sapphire, almost two inches in diameter, is encrusted with diamonds and moonstones and set in 18 -carat gold. Dumas calls it The Millennium. It is worn as a pendant and has an equally awesome ring to go with it.

American born Dumas, is a newcomer to the world of jewellery design. Having arrived in Sri Lanka seven years ago on a holiday from Paris, he was so fascinated by the beauty of this country that he decided to make Galle his permanent home.

However, being a professional designer of houses and interiors in America and Paris, Dumas was soon inspired to be creative. Having discovered the wealth of semi-precious stones available in this country he began experimenting with gemstones with the help of local craftsmen in Galle. Before long, Dumas realised that he had a new metier.

He got together with Nikki Harrison, also a long term resident of this country and together they set up Manika, what they refer to as "one of the most innovative and striking jewellery shops in Colombo."

This retail outlet, which is a BOI venture, will cater to the local as well as the export markets. With "specialized boutiques" in New York, Paris, Italy, the UK and Germany being targeted, Dumas and Harrison have priced these one-of-a-kind pieces rather steeply.

On an average, each piece of jewellery will cost between US$ 15000 to about US$ 25000. Dumas explains that this will maintain exclusivity. "These are timeless in design and should appeal to all those who appreciate good design." A characteristic feature of his designs is the size of each piece. "I believe that jewellery is never too big to be worn even by the most petite individual," Dumas said,

"One big piece is enough," he adds as petite models showed off each piece on an arm or hand or around their necks. They were indeed unique in size and shape. A beautiful necklace linked together in big gold stars, studded with pearls and blue sapphires was a beauty. It was interesting to note that the model, although extremely petite looked stunning in this piece of jewellery.

A large choker, similar to one worn by the queens of ancient Lanka, was exquisitely crafted with semi-precious stones of greens and pinks. This is set in silver and costs around US$2000.

Dumas is also keen to revive the sari pin.

"Let not only your grandmothers and mothers wear this sari pin. It is a fascinating idea and should be worn by anyone," he said. Manika also stocks gift items that would be more affordable like snuff boxes, cigarette lighters and toothpick holders.

"I have discovered that this is a country of toothpicks users. Toothpicks are a must at every function," he said with a grin. Therefore he has created many innovative toothpick holders to brighten up a dining table for any occasion.

With almost US$ 400,000 behind this venture, Harrison and Dumas certainly have a lot of talent behind Manika. So, whether you are wearing jeans or a couture outfit, their jewellery is supposed to look equally stunning when worn.

The shop will be open to the public from June 10. If you are a lover of jewellery, a visit to view this extravagant collection would be well worth it.

From rugged to the formal

By Roshan Peiris

Roshani Almeida dressed in a multi-hued floral printed blouse and a beige skirt looked appropriately like one who spends her time with flowers, leaves and even driftwood!

"I come from a sort of creative family and my mother in particular was always fond of flowers and tended the garden with care.I grew up in this atmosphere and then I went to Pamela Wijetunga, a lover of flowers with innovative ideas for flower arrangements and apprenticed under her. I also learnt Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging from Kamala Pillai who had lived in Japan," Roshani said.

"For the last ten years since my marriage I have been doing flower arrangements both as a profession and as a hobby.

My husband Dr. Almeida, an obstetrician, is supportive and encourages me by buying books and pamphlets on flower arrangement. I am lucky to have such a supportive husband."

Roshani is an innovative artiste. Can you visualise a flower arrangement with firewood, fruits and flowers? Well Roshani does just this, and her picture album attests to this.

She also does vegetable carvings with tomatoes, beetroots, raddish and bamboo spathes.

Having done interior decor she arranges flowers to blend with it.

Roshani also said, "One must place and arrange flowers according to the occasion. One must use fruits, flowers and vegetable to project the beauty of nature. Nothing should be thrown away. I use firewood and even drift wood to create some eye-catching arrangements. Even stones, woven palm leaves, bamboo shoots and bamboo spathes can be used artistically."

She summed up: "When it comes to using nature's bounty for flower arrangements, the sky is the limit. What others throw away as useless, are treasures to us who do flower arrangements as a profession. The main thing is to have an eye for balance, blend different materials and have a sense of proportion to the arrangements."

"You can have a rough, rugged arrangement with stones, driftwood, ginger flowers and bamboos or a formal one with roses, ferns, carnations and also gerbera. They all help to make arrangements, whether for a wedding or formal occasion or even for the sitting room, a pleasure to indulge in."

With her innate love for flora and fauna Roshani's career gives her a lot of satisfaction.

Return to the Plus Contents