Entrepreneurs Ayesha Nageshwaran and Katja Hahnloser-Nageshwaran first met at the ages of five and six, respectively. Introduced by their parents, who were close friends, Ayesha and Katja quickly formed a bond. Katja recalls, “During a trip to India in 1985, my parents and Ayesha’s mother were waitlisted for a flight to Jaipur. Their instant connection grew into a strong friendship, which naturally extended to Ayesha and me. Our families would host annual vacations, alternating between India and Europe.” However, academic commitments caused the two to lose touch for about six years. Ayesha kept in regular contact with Katja’s family, especially her brother and mother. When Ayesha’s work brought her to Europe, she visited Switzerland at the invitation of Katja’s mother. “We reconnected instantly,” Ayesha says.
Source: WeddingSutra
Though they initially met as friends, it didn’t take long for them to realize their deeper connection. Katja visited Ayesha in Delhi for a two-week holiday, but a misunderstanding about visa requirements cut her trip short. To cheer her up, Ayesha arranged a trip to Nepal and surprised Katja by joining her. During this trip, their bond
deepened. “Our childhood friendship allowed us to be extremely honest about who we are, our lives, and our struggles,” Katja explains. As they started dating, their deep understanding of each other made the relationship feel natural.
Suggested Article: Become a Wedding Planner with The Wedding School in Mumbai
Source: WeddingSutra
During their two-year long-distance relationship, Ayesha and Katja never spent more than two months apart. They visited each other whenever possible, shared dinners over Skype, and Ayesha even ordered food for Katja from India. On their one-year anniversary, Ayesha proposed to Katja in Jaisalmer, surprising her with a celebration that included Katja’s best friend, brother, and cousin.
Source: WeddingSutra
Their resilient friendship became the foundation for their relationship and later their business partnership. Inspired by Katja’s unconditional support, Ayesha decided to leave her family business to find her true calling. “Since the age of eight, I believed I was destined to be part of my family business,” Ayesha shares. “Katja
understood the challenges I faced and helped me take the bold step of stepping out of my comfort zone.” Despite the uncertainties and initial struggles, Katja’s unwavering belief in Ayesha helped her discover new possibilities. Together, they started a company with Katja’s brother, aiming to introduce high-quality products
from Indian artisans to Europe.
Suggested Article: The Spectacular Rainbow Ombré Trend: A Celebration of Colors
Source: WeddingSutra
Katja admits she was initially skeptical about mixing business with their personal relationship, fearing conflicts might arise. But she quickly realized their shared values, vision, and ethics made their partnership work seamlessly. “At the beginning of the lockdown, we both struggled with our respective family businesses. But we
could understand and support each other through our shared experiences,” Katja says. When Ayesha returned after being away for five months, she helped Katja realize the importance of self-care and balance.
Source: WeddingSutra
Reflecting on their journey, Katja marvels at how their friendship has been the backbone of their bond. “Of course, we sometimes clash. But our deep understanding of each other helps us navigate disagreements and remain anchored to each other.” Their unwavering camaraderie has seen them through life’s ups and downs,
helping them become better versions of themselves.
Source: WeddingSutra
Suggested Article: A Symphony of 8 Unique Wedding Mandaps
Frequently Asked Questions
What is platinum Days of Love?
Platinum Days of Love is a jewelry collection by Platinum Guild International (PGI) that celebrates the beauty and enduring nature of platinum. The collection features a range of platinum jewelry pieces, including engagement rings, wedding bands, and other romantic gifts, designed to commemorate special moments in a couple's relationship.
Which is better, gold or platinum?
There is no definitive answer as to which metal is "better" between gold and platinum. Both are highly valued precious metals with their own unique properties and advantages. The choice between gold and platinum often comes down to personal preference, budget, and specific needs or preferences.
Some key differences to consider:
Platinum is generally more expensive than gold, with prices ranging from 40-50% higher.
Platinum is denser and more durable than gold, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry that will see regular wear.
Gold is available in a wider range of colors (yellow, white, rose) while platinum has a naturally white color.
Gold is more malleable and easier to work with than platinum.
Which is costly, gold or platinum?
Platinum is generally costlier than gold. As of May 2023, platinum is trading at around $1,070 per ounce while gold is trading at around $2,000 per ounce.
Some key reasons why platinum is more expensive:
Platinum is rarer than gold. Only about 190 metric tons of platinum were produced globally in 2022 compared to 3,100 metric tons of gold.
Platinum is denser than gold, requiring more metal to make the same size jewelry piece.
Platinum is more difficult to mine and extract than gold.
However, the relative prices of gold and platinum can fluctuate over time based on supply, demand, and other economic factors.
Is white gold the same as platinum?
No, white gold and platinum are not the same metal. While they may appear similar in color, they have some key differences:
Composition: White gold is an alloy made of pure gold mixed with white metals like nickel, zinc or palladium to give it a white color. Platinum is a naturally white metal that is typically 95-98% pure.
Density: Platinum is denser than white gold, requiring more metal to make the same size jewelry piece.
Price: Platinum is generally 40-50% more expensive than white gold.
Color: Platinum maintains its white color over time. White gold may require rhodium plating to maintain its white appearance.
So in summary, while white gold and platinum may look alike, they are distinct metals with different compositions, properties and price points. The choice between the two often comes down to budget and personal preference.
