India's love affair with jewelry is unceasing. The craftsmanship, history, and legacy of our jewelry are unparalleled. In our first coverstory, Fashionably Pernia speaks with four key jewelry custodians to see where Indian jewelry stands today. We cover various categories in the jewelry industry, from vintage, costume, silver to gold fine jewelry with gemstones -  gaining a holistic understanding of this beautiful world. 
[Photography Credits: Aditi Gupta]

Kishan Das & Co

Kishandas & Co. is a distinguished name in Indian fine jewellery, deeply rooted in the cultural and artistic legacy of Hyderabad. For over five generations, the house has preserved a tradition of exceptional artistry and handcrafted excellence in Nizami & Deccan style jewelry. Guided by Krishnadas ji and his sons, Nitin and Prashant, the brand continues to honour its heritage while embracing evolving aesthetics, with the next generation - Vasudev and Om - preparing to carry this enduring legacy forward.
Among the most iconic expressions of this heritage is the Guttapusalu necklace, a celebrated design named after the Telugu phrase meaning “bunch of grapes,” referring to its delicate clusters of pearls. Inspired by the opulence of the Vijayanagara era, the necklace reflects the grandeur of South India’s royal jewellery traditions, says Pratiksha Prashant, CEO of Kishandas & Co. Basra pearls & Golkanda diamonds are prevalent in the collections (old & new) from this legacy house, as they have been a prominent part of Hyderabad’s jewelry archives. 

Anu Merton

My love for vintage jewelry comes from a simple belief that nothing speaks of India, its culture, history, and personality quite like its ornaments. The instinct to adorn ourselves is almost primal; long before fashion, people used shells, stones, and metals to express who they were. In India, this instinct evolved into something deeply expressive and rooted in identity. Jewelry was never minimal—it was celebratory and symbolic, with each region developing its own visual language, from the temple jewelry of the South to kundan and polki in Rajasthan, filigree in Odisha, and tribal silver in Gujarat. It was never just decoration; it was storytelling.
What fascinates me most is the brilliance of craftsmanship across eras from the grandeur of the Vijayanagar empire to Ashoka’s Pataliputra and the opulence of Mughal courts, where coloured stones like spinels, emeralds, Basra pearls, and polkis were used with confidence. The styling was layered, vibrant, and effortless, existing entirely on its own terms, untouched by Western influence. That originality continues to inspire me today. Vintage jewelry matters not just for its beauty, but because it connects us to our roots. Understanding its history, its techniques, motifs, and materials—helps us better understand what we create today and move forward with intention.

I often find myself wandering through small towns and hidden lanes in search of forgotten treasures. There’s something magical about discovering a piece that has lived a life before you. While many countries have antique jewelry, few still have the craftsmen who can recreate it. In India, that legacy endures. You can show a vintage piece to a karigar, and he will simply say, “ban jayega” and it does. That continuity between past and present is what makes Indian jewelry so special. As these crafts become rarer, it feels like a privilege not just to own them, but to admire, celebrate, and honour the artistry and stories they carry.

Outhouse

Bhavya Ramesh

Bhavya Ramesh is a contemporary jewelry brand founded in 2018 with the intent to create pieces that act as a declaration of self. Rooted in the belief that adornment should be instinctive and personal, the brand embraces fluidity across gender, identity, and style. Its designs move beyond traditional ornamentation, resulting in bold, sculptural pieces from signature nail rings to statement headgear that feel expressive and deeply individual.
Craft lies at the heart of the brand. Based in Jaipur, Bhavya Ramesh collaborates with skilled artisans who handcraft each piece using traditional techniques, including centuries-old Kundan work, reimagined through a modern lens for everyday wear.
Materiality is equally central to its philosophy. Using high-grade 92.5 sterling silver with micron gold plating, each piece is designed to evolve over time. Raw, hammered, and oxidised finishes allow the jewelry to develop a natural patina, embracing wear and gaining character as it becomes part of the wearer’s journey.