Neeti Patwa, Founder, Oropel Fine Jewelry finds jewellery as the best medium to convey stories and sentiments encapsulated in gold and diamonds. What once started as a passion project has grown into a full-fledged jewellery brand rooted in personal storytelling and modern elegance.
The brand encompasses everyday jewels, bridal jewellery as well as bespoke pieces that will last for years to come. What makes Neeti’s jewels stand out is an unmistaken modern edge that tinges the designs inspired by art, spirituality, music and people.
The two worlds of embroidery and jewellery maybe far apart but deftly come together in Neeti’s latest Noor collection to create striking creations that are apt for those seeking something unique. Uncut lab-grown diamonds take a cue from India’s rich legacy of jadau jewellery and are juxtaposed with hand embroidered bands symbolic of the country’s deep association with fine craftsmanship.
In another collection, Kun Faya, Patwa presents lightweight everyday jewels with a touch of Egyptian heritage. The pieces are crafted with natural diamonds or lab-grown, according to the client’s preference.
Patwa’s versatile designs make them modern keepsakes. She talks to Solitaire International about the brand’s journey and how design drives her creativity.
How and when did you start Oropel?
Oropel officially launched in 2020, but the journey began in 2018 when I started creating bespoke pieces tailored for individual clients — their stories, their outfits, their personalities. It was a very intimate, design-led process that laid the foundation for the brand.
What drew you to jewellery?
Jewellery design wasn’t my first career path. I have a degree in Finance. But having grown up around diamonds, with my father being in the diamond industry for years, I was always drawn to the craft.
While working alongside my family, I realised how much I enjoyed the design aspect and decided to pursue jewellery design courses to sharpen my skills. My husband was incredibly supportive and encouraged me to turn this passion into something more. I’ve found my niche in creating personalised, versatile pieces that blend creativity with technical precision.
It’s been about six years now, and the journey has been shaped not just by my family, but also by the trust and stories of my clients. Today, Oropel reflects all these experiences, rooted in both inspiration and intention.
How did you decide to name your brand Oropel?
I wanted a name that felt unique and evocative, something that reflected the brand’s ethos of understated glamour. Oropel is a play on the Spanish word for golden shimmer, and it perfectly encapsulates our philosophy: jewellery that adds a subtle sparkle to your everyday life while holding deep personal meaning.
Are there any milestone moments that you would like to share?
We started with a focus on bespoke pieces, and over time, the brand has evolved into a label known for its handcrafted, emotionally driven designs.
Interestingly, our first presence was in international markets like Dubai and London, and now we’ve marked our entry into India — a step that reflects our growing global identity. We’ve explored opportunities through exhibitions and pop-ups, and while India remains our core, the goal is to build a more permanent international presence in the future.
One of the biggest milestones has been seeing how people connect with our pieces on a personal level — that emotional resonance is what drives Oropel. Looking ahead, I’m excited to grow our collections, build a creative team, and eventually establish a boutique-style space that offers a more immersive experience.
I envision Oropel as a brand that represents individuality, legacy, and timeless craftsmanship across generations.
Your everyday and bridal collections have geometric elements to it while your bespoke pieces are more fluid. Which one represents your personal aesthetics?
That’s an interesting observation, and honestly, both reflect different sides of me. The clean, geometric lines of our core collections mirror my love for structure and minimalism — I like things that are versatile and refined.
But the more fluid, organic shapes you see in our bespoke work often come from an emotional place, inspired by a client’s story or sentiment. So, in a way, my aesthetic is a blend of both – rooted in balance and detail, but open to whimsy.
Do you enjoy designing collections or bespoke pieces more, and how does working with lab-grown diamonds influence that process?
Both bring a different kind of joy. Designing bespoke pieces is deeply personal, it allows me to connect with clients, understand their stories, and translate that into meaningful jewellery. On the other hand, creating collections gives me the freedom to explore new themes and push creative boundaries.
Working with lab-grown diamonds has been a game changer. It offers so much flexibility in terms of design, size, and colour, without compromising on quality or luxury. That freedom really enhances the creative process, whether I’m designing a one-of-a-kind piece or a full collection. It allows Oropel to stay innovative while staying true to our commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship.
Where do you usually draw inspiration from?
Inspiration comes from timeless and deeply personal sources, books, religion, spirituality, and music. We’re not trend-driven; instead, we focus on creating classics with a subtle twist, whether it’s through the choice of materials, colour play, or fine detailing.
I also draw a lot of energy and motivation from the people around me. My father, who has been in the diamond industry for years, has always inspired me. My husband was the one who encouraged me to take the leap into jewellery design. And my clients, their trust and personal stories constantly push me to design. It’s that mix of heritage, creativity, and human connection that fuels Oropel’s aesthetic.
Could you tell us more about your latest collection and what inspired it?
I’m really excited about our new collection, Noor by Oropel. It’s inspired by the timeless beauty of art, music, and nature elements that have always moved and connected people across generations. The collection brings together bold onyx, rich rubies, vibrant emeralds and hand-embroidered work, all set in rose and yellow gold. Each piece can be passed down as a modern heirloom.
What has been your biggest learning experience?
Patience, without a doubt. Building a brand from the ground up teaches you to trust the process, even when things move slower than you’d like. I’ve also learned that staying true to your core philosophy no matter what the trend cycle dictates is the key to building lasting trust with your audience. Consistency in design, quality, and storytelling makes all the difference.
If you were not a jewellery designer, what would you be?
Probably something in the creative field. I’ve always loved curating spaces, playing with textures and palettes, it’s quite similar to jewellery design in how you layer elements to create harmony. I think design, in any form, will always be a part of who I am.