Why did I name “Pravda Jewels”?
My name is Tawin Leelawanich, or Leon. I’m from Bangkok, the capital of colored gemstones in Asia, located in Thailand. My journey with gemstones and jewelry began in my teenage years while working at my parents' shop, which specializes in jewelry displays and packaging for jewelers in Bangkok.
As someone who loves reading novels and visiting art galleries and museums, I’ve always been fascinated by how jewelry's colors symbolize emotions and tell unique stories
This is what my family business doing. Photos from 9Showcase co., Ltd.
This passion led me to pursue gemology, and in 2019, I graduated from the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences in Bangkok. I then worked there for a year as a teaching assistant before traveling to Madagascar in 2020 to study gem cutting. Fortunately, I returned home before the pandemic severely impacted Thailand.
During this challenging time, I immersed myself in my parents’ business and began attending the Bangkok Gems Fair regularly. However, I was disheartened to see repetitive designs across booths, lacking the individuality and expression I believe jewelry should embody.
One day, my father revealed his past in the jewelry business and showed me his collection of vintage pieces. Among them was a stunning vintage amethyst armor pendant in silver with an 18K gold accent. Its design symbolized protection, while the vivid amethyst conveyed tranquility. Despite their beauty, my father doubted their potential, as they had remained untouched for over 20 years.
I saw their hidden brilliance and decided to refurbish the pendant. I repolished and replated its worn silver body with black gold, enhancing its armor-like presence. The amethyst, symbolizing royalty and inner tranquility, stood out even more against the bold black backdrop. The transformation was breathtaking—it felt as though the pendant had been reborn, like a phoenix rising from its ashes.
This experience was deeply fulfilling. I realized I had the ability to breathe new life into vintage pieces while preserving their originality. It reignited my passion for creating jewelry that carries both physical beauty and spiritual significance.
Inspired by this revelation, I began designing new pieces, like an 18K white gold ring featuring a 1.67 ct. Colombian Emerald, Fancy Yellow Diamonds, and White Diamonds. Each gemstone held meaning: white diamonds symbolizing sunlight on Earth, yellow diamonds representing the holiness from heaven,and the emerald reflecting our enlightened soul. That’s right, I made this ring inspiring from the beautiful life I received from the giver of life.
Every piece I create carries its own story, value, and purpose. This journey gave birth to Pravda Jewels—a brand built on honesty, authenticity, and artistry. My mission is to craft meaningful jewelry that speaks for its wearers, while ensuring every creation is accompanied by certified gemstones, building trust and confidence with every design.
