Sapphire Savvy: The Gemstone Obsession of Maison Avani

May 3, 2022

By Katerina Perez

7 min read

After a decade supplying gemstone dealers and designers with exceptional sapphires, the fine jewellery world of Avani Paris was born. Since then, the surging demand for high jewellery has led to the introduction of Maison Avani – a destination for tailor-made bespoke jewels that emerge right from the hands of sapphire experts. Here, I speak to Milan Ponweera, co-founder and gemologist of the brand, to find out more about its passion for corundum.

Evolution is a vital part of the high jewellery journey. After all, one does not wake up one morning and decide to create art jewellery masterpieces! For Milan Ponweera and his brother Thilan co-founder at Maison Avani, the pathway to haute joaillerie began after nearly a decade of trading gemstones with fellow jewellery designers and dealers. In 2018, a decision was made to create Avani Paris – a fine jewellery brand bursting with coloured gemstones and especially sapphires, which are the business’ signature material. 

Maison Avani ring with a 10.51 carat Padparadscha sapphire surrounded by pink and peach sapphires

Maison Avani ring with a 10.51 carat Padparadscha sapphire surrounded by pink and peach sapphires

The French market is quite conservative, Ponweera tells me. For example, if you are looking for padparadscha sapphires, tsavorites, fancy sapphires or even blue sapphires over two carats, it’s not easy to find as a retail customer when it comes to fine gemstones . After two years, we realised this growing demand for sapphires also applied to high jewellery, especially when we started to receive customers with important purchasing power.

Maison Avani Blue Versailles necklace with a blue sapphire of 50.5 carats and 6.5 carats of diamonds

Maison Avani Blue Versailles necklace with a blue sapphire of 50.5 carats and 6.5 carats of diamonds

The result is Maison Avani, located on Place du Marché Saint Honoré in Paris, a few steps from Place Vendôme and only a few meters from its debut Avani Paris boutique. It describes itself as “the first high jewellery house specialising in sapphires,” which is supported by enviable access to its “family mines” in Sri Lanka. 

To find out more, I asked Milan some questions about the trajectory of the Maison, its high jewellery creations and why we should all take note of an incredible spinel, due to be auctioned by Sotheby’s in May. 

Milan Ponweera of Maison Avani

Milan Ponweera of Maison Avani

 Milan Ponweera and his brother Thilan, co-founders of Maison Avani

Milan Ponweera and his brother Thilan, co-founders of Maison Avani

Katerina Perez: What do you believe sets you apart from other high jewellery maisons?

Milan Ponweera: As sapphire lovers, my brother and I have long sold our exceptional stones to luxury jewellers. To reveal the beauty of sapphire to all, we wanted, among brothers, to establish our Maison with a simple vision: high jewellery at a fair price. By selecting the most exceptional rough stones at their source we create jewels tailor-made for these gems. By controlling each step of the manufacturing process, from the extraction of the rough stone to the distribution of our creations, we are able to commit to our vision and be in the creation process from the beginning to the end.

Inside the Maison Avani boutique in Paris

Inside the Maison Avani boutique in Paris

KP: What is the ethos and driving force behind Maison Avani? 

MP: In history, jewellery used to be worn by important people, like kings, queens and aristocrats. For these people, jewellery was a way to express their power and uniqueness. Indeed, jewellery used to be unique by definition! Today, it has become more democratic with big brands that produce iconic designs, which is a good thing. However, I feel we have lost uniqueness. Nowadays people are looking more for  « iconic » design that is recognisable compared to a piece of jewellery that is unique and reflects their personality. This is the reason why we commit to never producing the same piece of jewellery more than once.

Maison Avani ring with a unheated yellow sapphire of 13.5 carats

Maison Avani ring with a unheated yellow sapphire of 13.5 carats

KP: You specialise in sapphires. What is it about corundum that appeals to you? 

MP: Thanks to our mines and the traditional savoir-faire of our craftsmen, we can uncover the unsuspected richness of colours that sapphires naturally embody. Padparadscha sapphire, peacock blue sapphire, yellow sapphire, and pink sapphire… these are all cut with patience and high standards in our workshop in Sri Lanka. We are a rare kind of Maison to offer such a large choice of colours. We are also specialised in tsavorite garnet and Mahenge spinel, two exclusive gemstones from Tanzania with vibrant colours that we can’t find in sapphire.

Katerina Perez wearing two Maison Avani necklaces - one with a yellow sapphire and the other with a tsavorite garnet

Katerina Perez wearing two Maison Avani necklaces - one with a yellow sapphire and the other with a tsavorite garnet

 Maison Avani necklace with a sugarloaf tsavorite of 13.35 carats and 17.2 carats of  diamonds

Maison Avani necklace with a sugarloaf tsavorite of 13.35 carats and 17.2 carats of diamonds

 Maison Avani necklace with an unheated yellow sapphire of 25 carats and 19.2 carats of diamonds

Maison Avani necklace with an unheated yellow sapphire of 25 carats and 19.2 carats of diamonds

KP: How do you go about sourcing your gemstones? 

MP: We have been responsible for extracting the most beautiful stones from our family mines in Sri Lanka for two generations. I take care of the mining side of the business and travel to the source every month to select the most exceptional rough stones and supervise the production. Having studied gemmology in Bangkok in 2012, I moved to Sri Lanka right after and stayed there for 2 years in our family mines with our uncle. During this time I learned everything about the value chain of sapphires: from extraction to cutting and selling. So, all our gemstones are cut entirely by hand in our workshop a few steps away from the mines to reveal their purity and vibrant colours.

Maison Avani Toi et Moi ring with a 4.50 carat yellow sapphire and a 2.15 carat pear-shaped tsavorite alongside a yellow sapphire ring

Maison Avani Toi et Moi ring with a 4.50 carat yellow sapphire and a 2.15 carat pear-shaped tsavorite alongside a yellow sapphire ring

KP: How would you describe the signature style of Maison Avani?

MP: Modern and timeless high jewellery with exceptional gemstones. All our designs are inspired by the centre stone, which means that we have the first meeting with our designer, and we share the story of the stone and our vision for it. She then creates sketches that she will submit to us. From there we discuss and adjust until we find the final design.

Maison Avani ring with a 21.02 carat red spinel and diamonds

Maison Avani ring with a 21.02 carat red spinel and diamonds

KP: You will be selling a remarkable spinel ring via Sotheby’s in May 2022 – what can you tell us about the stone set in this piece and what makes it so special? 

MP: I  sourced this magnificent spinel in January 2021 in Tanzania. I still remember that even in the rough form, the colour was extraordinarily vibrant. I flew to Sri Lanka right after to meet one of the best lapidaries in the country and the result… an exceptional, vibrant red square cushion spinel of 21.02 carats. Here in Paris, we received various buying offers but realised that we had the gemstone of a lifetime in our hands and there were only a few similar stones on the whole gemstone market. We wanted to create a piece with it that reflects our Maison in every single detail, so our designer developed a signature ring that we called ‘Rouge Vendôme’. It will be sold at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction in Geneva on May 10, 2022.

Maison Avani ring with a 21.02 carat red spinel that will be sold by Sotheby's in May 2022

Maison Avani ring with a 21.02 carat red spinel that will be sold by Sotheby's in May 2022

KP: What is the relationship between Avani Paris and Maison Avani? 

MP: Avani Paris is a jewellery brand for customers who want to buy a piece of jewellery for the first time in their lives, whether for an engagement, the birth of a child or even a special birthday, it is an everyday luxury. Maison Avani is a high jewellery Maison for those with more experience in jewellery and also more purchasing power. With these two shops, we can meet the demand of any customer looking for sapphires, no matter their budget.

Maison Avani boutique in Paris

Maison Avani boutique in Paris

 Outside Maison Avani boutique in Paris

Outside Maison Avani boutique in Paris

 Maison Avani boutique in Paris

Maison Avani boutique in Paris

 Maison Avani sapphire and diamond necklace in the window display

Maison Avani sapphire and diamond necklace in the window display

The pursuit of genuinely remarkable gemstones is a noble one indeed. Although there are many fine and high jewellers across the world, there’s a confidence that comes from walking into a Parisian boutique filled with experts in sapphires, spinels and tsavorites, especially if these gems are your heart’s desire.

Luxe Time: Fashion Focused Watches with Style and Substance

continue reading

Pink City Style: The Best-Selling Reversible Jewels of Gyan Jaipur

I would like to tell you more about the brand, its origin story, design inspirations and its popular Jaipur and Yami collections

by Katerina Perez

Fabulous Futures: Le Vian Unveils its 2026 Jewellery Trends in Las Vegas

Here's a rundown of what was included this year…

by Sarah Jordan

Exceptional Splendour: Jaipur Gems Celebrates 50 Years with Abu Dhabi Opening and New High Jewels 

Let me take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Abu Dhabi boutique and share some of my sparkling highlights

by Katerina Perez

Radiating Confidence: The Mother-Daughter Energy Behind Growing Brand Aponine

As one of this year’s Couture show debutants, Turkish brand Aponine impressed me with its blend of colourful creativity, timeless elegance, and stylish femininity. Let’s take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Sensual Silhouettes: Jewels with Curves in All the Right Places

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just us? As jewellers swap sharp lines for shapely swirls, we look at new collections that are embracing the raw power of sensuality inspired by the female form

by Rachael Taylor

Artistic Realms: The Enchanting Natural World of Histoire D’Elle

I had the pleasure of speaking with Pascale Van Maele, the Brand Manager of Histoire d'Elle, which celebrates the deep-rooted connection between quiet femininity, elegance and natural forms. Let's explore together…

by Sarah Jordan

Spinel Stories: Celebrating the Special Allure of Spinels with the House of Gübelin 

I visited the Geneva boutique of the family-owned business to indulge my passion for this overlooked gemstone and explore some of its beautiful creations…

by Katerina Perez

Golden Hour: Cosmic Creations in the Chanel Reach for the Stars High Jewellery Collection

The Reach for the Stars collection bounces between cosmic constellations of diamonds, elaborate, almost mythological neckwear, and starbursts of coloured stones, all with the Maison’s Parisian flair

by Sarah Jordan

Ultimate Guide to Promise Rings: What They Mean, How to Wear One and Where to Buy

While the promise ring's meaning has evolved, its emotional weight remains, making it especially popular among Gen Z and millennial couples seeking the perfect, personal pre-engagement jewel

by Claire Roberts

Exquisite Escapes: The Idyllic Inspirations Behind the Diorexquis High Jewellery Collection

In early May 2025, Dior Joaillerie's Artistic Director Victoire de Castellane showcased an unprecedented high jewellery collection, Diorexquis, to more than 300 VIPs at the Château de la Colle Noire in the heart of Provence. Let's take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Millionaire Products: Celebrating the No-Expense-Spared Bvlgari Polychroma High Jewellery Collection

Bvlgari is opening a magnificent new chapter in the world of high jewellery, and high jewellery watches with the Polychroma collection. Here's what I have discovered so far…

by Katerina Perez

Sea of Wonder: Celebrating the Ocean’s Endless Bounty with the Tiffany & Co. Blue Book 2025

Here are some of the creations that became an integral part of the Tiffany & Co. underwater world, including starfish, crashing waves and sea turtles…

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Epic Evolution:Miseno Launches the Arco Collection to Celebrate a Fabulous Decade

I am pleased to present to you my highlights of the new Arco High Jewellery collection, which was formally showcased to the jewellery world at Couture from June 4-8, 2025

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

In Conversation:Discussing Paraiba - The Legacy of a Color

with Vogue Singapore

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.