Ravi Chahal: The Man Reviving Forgotten Traditions Through Kanaya Silver: A Truly Artisan Journey from India to Bali
With the world going faster, with more automation and production as the norm, Ravi Chahal has taken a divergent route in which he glorifies the majestic values of patience, heritage, and a human touch. CEO and founder of Kanaya silver, a higher-end handcrafted silver jewelry company based on the long-standing traditions of Bali, Ravi in addition to building a company, has sparked a cultural reawakening.
But his story, like his jewelry, is layered, personal, and full of character.
From Village Roots to Global Vision
Ravi Chahal’s journey began far from the glitter of luxury brands. He and his brother, Vikas Chahal, hail from a modest village in North India. Their family was filled with doctors and teachers with noble professions but neither had any legacy in jewelry. Instead, they carved out a path of their own, one grounded in passion and guided by vision.
After completing his MBA in 2007, Ravi moved to Jaipur and immersed himself in the world of jewelry manufacturing starting from the ground up. Vikas, an engineer with an MBA in operations, followed soon after. Together, they spent over a decade working across India, China, Thailand, and Europe, learning every detail of the trade: from backroom factory floors to high-stakes negotiations with global TV retail channels.
By 2021, armed with years of experience and a burning desire to build something meaningful, Kanaya Silver was born.
Why Bali?
It was during one of their sourcing trips to Bali that Ravi and Vikas encountered a transformative moment. They discovered a handful of elderly artisans still practicing ancient wax-carving and hand-forming techniques, passed down through generations but dangerously close to disappearing.
They didn’t see just an opportunity they felt a responsibility.
Kanaya Silver was born as a tribute to these craftspeople and their art. The brand name itself, “Kanaya,” means Goddess in Balinese—and also carries the name of Vikas’s daughter, Skyla Kanaya, making it deeply personal.
What Makes Kanaya Silver Special?
At its core, Kanaya Silver is Truly Artisan. Each piece of jewelry is 100% handcrafted using centuries-old techniques by master artisans in Bali. There is no casting, no automation only soul and story in every creation.
But it’s not just the product that makes Kanaya stand out it’s the way they’ve structured the business. The company is vertically integrated, with operations spanning Bali, India, and China. From gemstone procurement and cutting to in-house design, silverwork, and global logistics every detail is managed internally to ensure complete quality control and exclusivity.
Their Bali workshop is now home to over 55 master artisans, making Kanaya one of the largest artisan jewelry workshops on the island.
The CRAFT Philosophy
Kanaya’s internal compass is guided by its CRAFT Theory a set of values that defines both process and purpose:
- C – Commitment to quality
- R – Respect for heritage and artisans
- A – Artistry over automation
- F – Fairness in practices and partnerships
- T – Transparency in operations
This is not just branding it’s a culture. Whether it’s supporting artisans with education and healthcare, or involving their wives, Anubha and Meera, in the business after leaving their corporate jobs, Kanaya Silver is family-led, artisan-first, and values-driven to the core.
A Brand That Grows with Integrity
What started in 2021 with two artisans and a dream, has now scaled to:
- 55+ artisans crafting world-class silver jewelry
- Over 20,000 original designs across a wide range of techniques
- 300,000+ handcrafted pieces shipped globally to clients in the USA, UK, and Europe
- A projected US$ 3.5 million (₹30 crore) in revenue for FY 2025–26
- Strategic expansion with Damai Designs, their U.S. retail and wholesale division
And all of this without shortcuts no mass production, no soulless factories. Just hands, heart, and heritage.
Preserving a Dying Art
Kanaya Silver isn’t just a business, it's a protector of history. Ravi and his team have worked closely with legendary artisans like Pak Oka and Pak Taya, some of the last remaining masters of traditional wax carving in Bali.
By offering long-term support, education, and global exposure, Kanaya has become a safe haven for endangered craftsmanship. Their vision is to not only preserve this heritage but to elevate it into the global luxury space.
Global Reach with Deep Roots
Kanaya’s operations are structured for global scalability without compromising on ethics or quality. While Bali remains the heart of creation, India and China manage client services, gemstone cutting, procurement, and logistics. Their Indian arm, Lavi Solutions Pvt. Ltd., handles backend operations and coordination.
The brand now supplies handcrafted jewelry to major clients across Europe and the U.S., and continues to build retail visibility with the Damai Designs brand.
Ready for the Future But Staying True
Even as Kanaya Silver eyes larger global expansion, Ravi is clear about one thing: “We’re ready to scale, but we’ll never compromise. We’re not just selling jewelry, we're telling stories, protecting art, and building something the world can believe in.”
Upcoming plans include expanding their artisan team, exploring collaborations with ethical fashion brands, and deepening their digital presence under keywords like:
- Best handcrafted silver jewelry from Bali
- Truly Artisan Balinese jewelry
- Luxury handmade silver jewelry brand
- Global handcrafted jewelry brand from Bali
A Personal Mission with Global Impact
Ravi Chahal’s personal transformation from a small village in North India to the global stage is proof that when passion meets purpose, impact follows. Kanaya Silver is not just a success story, it's a movement for meaningful business.
Whether it’s reviving forgotten crafts, creating livelihood with dignity, or bridging culture and commerce, Ravi’s journey is a powerful reminder that real luxury isn’t about price it’s about presence, patience, and purpose.
And in every piece of Kanaya Silver, you’ll find exactly that.
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