Amrapali Museum

1. What impact does the history if Indian jewellery from the past have on your current design sensibility at Amrapali?

The impact of Indian jewellery from the past is the base of our brand. At Amrapali, we celebrate the DNA of Indian ethnic, tribal, and heritage jewellery making, drawing inspiration from the workmanship and craftsmanship that existed back in the day.

Our aim is to keep that legacy alive while making it wearable and relevant for today. We want every piece to carry that emotion, something that feels timeless, almost like a generational piece with an old-world DNA.

2. ⁠Why are museums such as the Amrapali museum important in the cultural repertory of India?

The idea of the Amrapali Museum came from a desire to give back. When my father and uncle entered the jewellery business, they had no formal knowledge, and there were no museums where they could learn about Indian jewellery. They taught themselves and always felt that if they ever became successful, they would create a museum so others could learn from it.

The museum celebrates the richness of Indian jewellery, craftsmanship, and the stories behind it, why different communities wore certain motifs, the cultural significance of gold and silver, and the diversity of our traditions. Since there is no dedicated Indian jewellery museum in the world, it also helps showcase India’s heritage to a global audience while inspiring future generations and the design community.

3. What type of designs, stones, and aesthetics are clients willing to spend the maximum on?

Indian clients today are far more aware of what is happening internationally, largely due to social media and global exposure. There is clear segmentation in what people want some prefer traditional Indian pieces, others lean towards modern designs, while many are drawn to silver collections. At Amrapali, we try to cater to this wide spectrum while ensuring that even our more Western-looking pieces retain Indian craftsmanship, whether through techniques or the use of rose-cut or old-mine-cut diamonds. Coloured stones have also become extremely important. Clients today are more informed about gemstones and their value, following international auctions and trends closely. While rubies, emeralds, and sapphires remain classics, stones like tourmaline, morganite, tanzanite, and paraiba are gaining popularity, with people increasingly willing to invest in distinctive coloured stones for exclusivity.

4. What is the future of design when it comes to high value fine jewellery in India?

The future of design is going to be more and more experimental. I feel it will be increasingly centred around coloured stones. We have seen a big era where diamonds were the focus and coloured stones were just supporting accents, but I think it’s going to be the other way around now. The main value will become more coloured stone-led. With gold prices being so high and diamonds not holding the same value as before, that combination is not as strong anymore. Right now, what is really selling is coloured stones, and I believe that is what the future of jewellery design will look like.

The future of design is going to be more and more experimental. I feel it will be increasingly centred around coloured stones. We have seen a big era where diamonds were the focus and coloured stones were just supporting accents, but I think it’s going to be the other way around now. The main value will become more coloured stone-led. With gold prices being so high and diamonds not holding the same value as before, that combination is not as strong anymore. Right now, what is really selling is coloured stones, and I believe that is what the future of jewellery design will look like.

Suneeta Shekhwat Museum

1. What’s the USP of the Sunita Shekhawat museum?

The Museum of Meenakari Heritage is truly special because it is the first museum of its kind dedicated to the art of enamelling. The philosophy behind it is what we call a Garden of Eternal Spring, which reflects the beauty and inspiration drawn from nature.

You will see many references to flora and fauna throughout the museum, which have always been fundamental to the traditional way of meenakari. What makes the museum unique is that it celebrates and preserves this incredible craft in a way that allows people to really understand its history, artistry, and cultural significance. We take great pride in being the first museum dedicated to meenakari, possibly even in the world. 

2. How has the taste of Indian women evolved over the years when it comes to fine jewellery?

I think women’s taste is always evolving. It is not something that has changed once and stayed that way. It continues to shift all the time. One noticeable change, though, is how much people enjoy layering now. Women like to make the most of their jewellery and style it in multiple ways rather than wearing just one statement piece.

At the same time, there is also a love for strong, maximalist pieces. Something that feels like the defining piece in your collection. As women, we are always ticking different boxes depending on the moment, the mood, or the occasion, so our tastes keep evolving. 

Jewellery is also deeply connected to one’s cultural upbringing. The evolution really comes from how a woman becomes her own tastemaker and how she interprets tradition, style and personal identity when choosing pieces.

3. What is the typical profile of a high value jewellery shopper today in India? 

I think the idea of a “high value jewellery buyer” is interesting, because it is not limited to a specific profile anymore. For me, it is simply someone with taste who wants to invest in something meaningful. High jewellery is very similar to art. It carries context and craftsmanship. The people who gravitate towards it are those who appreciate that depth and want something that becomes a forever part of their life. So for me, a high jewellery buyer is really someone who values artistry and is looking for something timeless.

4. Has the demand for traditional jewellery gone up or down? Do fine jewellers have to start adding “modern”, “western” designs in their collections to appeal to a clientele which is more exposed and global now?

I think the demand for traditional jewellery will always remain strong. There will always be people who are deeply drawn to craftsmanship, vernacular styles and the cultural lens through which jewellery is traditionally viewed. Even personally, if I think of myself as someone who would buy from Sunita Shekhawat, there are days when I want to go completely traditional. Wearing pieces like a hasli, a bajubandh, or something very rooted in heritage. And then there are moments when I might gravitate towards something with an Art Deco influence or a slightly more contemporary aesthetic. So I feel the demand for meticulous craftsmanship has definitely gone up overall. Whether the design is traditional or modern almost becomes secondary when the craftsmanship itself is well curated.

Gyan Museum

1. What can a jewellery enthusiast find at Gyan museum that can influence their understanding of the category better?

At the Gyan Museum, a jewellery enthusiast can gain a deeper understanding of the category by exploring craftsmanship, cultural meaning, and changing notions of value. The museum showcases traditional techniques like Kundan and Polki, Thewa, and Meenakari enamel work, highlighting the technical skill behind historic jewellery. It also shows how pieces acted as social markers—for example, the Aadh necklace for brides and royal ornaments like the emerald Sarpech that symbolized status and authority. Visitors can see how value shifted over time from craftsmanship to gemstone rarity, exemplified by the 650-carat Burmese ruby necklace. Finally, the collection inspires contemporary design at GYAN Jaipur, showing how historic motifs are reinterpreted for today’s market.

2. What is the main difference between being a luxury B2B jewellery maker and having your own direct-to-customer brand?

Our B2B work allows us to collaborate with other business houses which brings our craftsmanship and gemstone expertise to a global platform. At the same time, our direct-to-customer brand lets us share our design philosophy and heritage directly with the wearer. Together, they help us build strong industry relationships while also creating a personal connection with clients who appreciate fine jewellery.

3. Where does GYAN Jewellery fit in the crowded fine jewellery segment in India?

GYAN Jaipur is deeply inspired by Jaipur’s heritage and traditional craftsmanship combining timeless designs with a discerning modern style. This combination of ethical values, craftsmanship, and modern design places GYAN Jaipur in a unique space within India’s fine jewellery segment. Our creative use of different gemstones with diamonds and other materials makes us different from other fine and high jewelry brands from India. 

4. What impact has Indian jewellery had on the global jewellery market today?

Indian jewellery has had a strong positive influence globally because of its intricate craftsmanship. Cities like Jaipur have become important hubs for gemstone cutting, jewellery making and design, supplying expertise to many international brands. Techniques, colour combinations, and the storytelling behind Indian jewellery continue to inspire global designers. This heritage of artistry and attention to detail has helped position Indian jewellery as an important segment in the fine jewellery world.