It is said that a beautiful woman is a beautiful woman, but a beautiful woman with a brain is a a captivating and enchanting combination. Glamorous, alluring and brainy Harshini Perera bears absolute testimony to this saying. Gems and jewellery are synonymous with her. Her love for them began when she was still a toddler. Contrary to the natural affinity that any little girl has got for the possession of a collection of beautiful dolls kept around her bed during the night, Harshini’s affinity even as a little girl of barely six years remained with the glittering beauty of gems.
Speaking to the Sunday Observer, Harshini with much friendliness went down memory lane and recalled that “there was a gem cutter living right in front of my mom’s house and I used to go there quite frequently. Almost every day after school I ran there. The gem cutter knew for a fact that I came after the beauty of gems. He taught me about gems. You know on my birthdays he used to gift me a box of gems; some beautiful and glittering stones”.
Debut exhibition
Finishing her Advanced Level exam at her alma mater, Bishop’s College, Colombo, Harshini’s uttermost commitment and passion for painting paved the way for her to hold her debut exhibition of paintings at the Lionel Wendt, Colombo. Her exhibits comprised some eye catching paintings in which a miniature version of a woman’s portrait had designs of jewellery and necklaces adorned with stones. This exceptional work attracted a viewer who got utterly fascinated being himself a reputed jeweller at that time. Following the exhibition Harshini was called for an interview where she got selected as a jewellery designer and manufacturer. Eventually, she rose up the ladder to the position of a creative director.
Harshini’s decision to leave the island for the United States was a breakthrough in her life and she says her decision was a game changer. She was so keen on obtaining a broad knowledge in all aspects of gemmology that she got herself enrolled at the Gemmology Institute of America to further her studies. As she notes this specific place is quite memorable. Here, she encountered a rather fascinating lady whom she found seated just next to her in the classroom. Harshini said that she was very surprised to have this lady offer her an opportunity to model in Hollywood. “Would you like to model in Hollywood?” Harshini recalled the direct question she was asked. In return Harshini had replied “look, I am here to study gems. It seems that you are trying to distract me”.
Eventually, after the conversation Harshini says that she turned down the invitation of the lady whose name was Anglique. One of her movies was being played in a theatre in New York. Having shunned such a valuable opportunity, Harshini decided to return to the island. She says “God wanted me to get back to Colombo. I took the turn and came home to help the less fortunate”.
Miss Sri Lanka Contest
Back at home she found her immediate kith and kin, notably her uncle who appreciating her beauty and knowing her potential suggested that she contest at a Miss Sri-Lanka pageant. “You are so beautiful and you should win Miss Sri Lanka” her uncle said. Having been motivated by these positive comments and above all having fully understood her capacity and true potential, Harshini eventually agreed to contest at the Miss Sri-Lanka pageant. Proving everybody’s prophecies and showcasing her outstanding beauty and sharp intelligence, she became Miss Sri Lanka 2004.
In the year 2005 she represented Sri Lanka at the Miss Tourism International World Pageant held in China. She said that her celebrated title paved the way for her to commit to and contribute her time to many charities. She has been doing her charity work since the 2004, Tsunami.
Commenting on the advertisements where she has appeared Harshini said that she has so far done around 35 media advertisements covering all the renowned brands in Sri Lanka. Harshini says “if I get an interesting character where I can make a difference in acting, I may consider an offer given for acting”. In her debut film Hiripoda Wessa, she was awarded the Sarasaviya Best Upcoming Actress Award.
She had the rare opportunity of acting in Bollywood films which she sacrificed for the sake of her son. “By the time I got the offer to act in Bollywood. I was three months into pregnancy. I never regret as I gave birth to a gem of a son”.
Currently, she runs her own online jewellery store. She is highly skilled and armed with the required technical knowhow. She is a professional designer and a manufacturer whose exceptional designs are well acclaimed, approved and praised.
She is absolutely one of the most sought after designers and manufacturers in the city.
She designs and manufactures jewellery for Lux Unilever. Her workshops are quite exclusive and professional. Despite the pandemic situation, her jewellery line which is called ‘Jewels by Hush’ delivers the respective orders to the doorstep.
