ARTIST'S SPOTLIGHT - kasun ekanayake, founder of kasun london
- eliane de luca peres
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
Kas and I first connected back in 2023 when he messaged me to say how much he enjoyed my page. When I checked out his work, I was blown away — truly unique, fun, and cheeky pieces that I instantly loved! His creations are full of character, featuring teeth, gold, gemstones, hands, and so much more. The creativity is off the charts — it’s really something else.
I was thrilled to meet Kas in person during a quick stop in London last December. His atelier is incredible, filled with his striking pieces, and I even got to see the space where workshops are held. We chatted about jewelry, our roots, our children, and I tried on nearly every ring in sight — plus some unforgettable bracelets. It was an absolute treat.
I'm so happy to share his story here today!
I was born in Sri Lanka, and in the mid-late 90s, my family moved to New Zealand to escape the Sri Lankan civil war and seek a more peaceful life. When we first arrived, I struggled with English, which made it hard to communicate with others. During school, I spent most of my lunchtimes in the art room — not because I was particularly interested in art at the time, but because it felt like a safe space. Ironically, it was in that space that I discovered my passion for creativity and visual expression. Art became a way for me to communicate when words were difficult.
As I progressed through school, I realized I wanted to pursue something in the creative field, but I also had a strong interest and aptitude in physics and math. This led me to consider several design-focused university paths: architecture, yacht design, and industrial design. I initially chose yacht design, largely influenced by a love for cars and design. However, after my first year, I realized my passion lay in creating a wider variety of products, so I transitioned to industrial design.
After graduating with a degree in industrial design, I was looking for any design-related opportunities. I came across a job ad in the newspaper for someone with 3D printing and CAD knowledge at a jewelry company. This was in the early 2000s, and 3D printing was still very new and expensive. I shared my university knowledge of 3D printing and wax modelling with the team, and in turn, they taught me everything about jewelry manufacturing. That experience sparked my deep interest in jewelry design.
After two years, I decided to travel. With a backpack and very little money, I explored the world for about eight months. When I reached the UK, I ran out of funds and started applying for jewelry design jobs. One of the roles I applied for — somewhat ambitiously — was a Head Designer position at a jewelry retailer in Leeds with two stores. To my surprise, I got the job. It was a significant jump, both in responsibility and salary, compared to what I had in New Zealand. During my time there, the business grew from 2 to 18 stores.
After four years, I was offered another Head Designer position at a different brand that offered more flexibility — only three days a week. That gave me the time and space to start working on my own brand, which I officially founded in 2011. It remained a side project until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. That period gave me clarity and the push I needed to commit full-time to my own label, and that’s where I am today — fully focused on growing my brand and continuing my journey as a jewelry designer.
(p.s. from eliane - i'd like to ad the list of awards kas has been graced with as well!)
Winner of Goldsmith’s Craft & Design Council Award 2024
Nominated for ‘Jewellery Designer of the Year’ UK Jewellery Awards 2017
Selected as a ‘Trend Setter’ by Professional Jeweller Hot 100 2015
Winner of ‘Most Innovative Jewellery’ Award at International Jewellery London 2014
Winner of Goldsmith’s Craft & Design Council Award 2014
Nominated for ‘New Designer of the Year’ UK Jewellery Awards 2013
Selected as NexGem by Professional Jeweller Hot 100 2013
Winner of Lonmin Design Innovation Award 2013
