Ambaji Shinde

Who is Ambaji Shinde?

Ambaji Venkatesh Shinde was a prominent jewelry designer.

The book "Harry Winston The Ultimate Jeweler" published in 1984 acknowledges Ambaji Venkatesh Shinde as “one of the most talented designers in the world today.” A number of his jewelry designs appear in this book.

A.V.Shinde was born in 1917 in Mapusa, Goa, a Portuguese colony in India, in a Konkani speaking Hindu family. He was drawn towards decorative arts at an early age painting backdrops and costume jewelry for the local Hindu temple religious functions.

He came to Mumbai in 1934 to attend the J. J. School of Art. In his talk with Dona Dirlam of the Gemological Institute of America he said that the formal study in textile design influenced his later work. He had to seek work when his father died in 1937. His first job was at Narottamdas Jhaveri where he designed ornate silverware, trophies and jewelry. He was hired by Nanubhai Jhaveri in 1941 where he worked for nearly 20 years designing jewelry for the Maharajas.

He followed the rich Indian tradition in his designs. He had a small picture of the Flying Apsara from Ajanta cave number 17 in his office. The design criteria changed when the Maharajas started to go abroad and desired western style jewelry.