With this we conclude our 3-part series on the Artisan Awards 2025 finalists. The sketch designs present a new perspective on India’s rich heritage of crafts, while transforming the pieces into new-age creations. From inspirations to challenges, each finalist shares their journey and vision, celebrating the art of storytelling through jewellery.
Zari Zevar
Mansi Chandliya, Mani Jewel
The two-finger ring draws inspiration from traditional Rajasthani embroidery, crafted using gold wires and vibrant lehariya prints. This structured geometric design features intricate three-dimensional detailing, highlighting the opulence of lehariya patterns with vibrant enamelling in shades of red, white, and blue. Accented with marquise, pear, and heart-shaped diamonds, the ring brings the embroidery to life with exquisite filigree wirework.
Ikat Noor
MANSI CHANDLIYA, MANI JEWEL
The mismatched, multi-coloured pendant earrings, one featuring an elephant motif and the other, a parrot, take design cues from Gujarat’s famous Patola weave, a form of Ikat known for its intricate motifs of elephants, parrots, flowers, and geometric designs, reflecting Gujarati and Jain culture. The earrings shaped like the iconic doors of Gujarat, are crafted using laser-cuts metal sheets. The earrings are further elevated by uncut diamonds and double-sided jaali work, adding refined and intricate details to the design.
Mansi, which part of the Artisan Awards journey—conceptualising, crafting, or presenting—brought you the most joy?
The Artisan Awards journey brought me the most joy during the conceptualising phase. It was a time to explore creative ideas and imagine how traditional crafts, like Patola prints or Gota Patti, could be reimagined in fresh, contemporary ways. The excitement of blending heritage with modern design made the process deeply fulfilling.
Presenting brings me joy as it gives me the opportunity to share the results of my hard work with others. It’s the moment when everything comes together, and seeing the audience’s appreciation makes the effort truly worthwhile.
Nature’s Reverie
SHREYA SAGGI, TWENTY TWO KARAT
The opulent earrings celebrate the beauty of nature, blending rose-cut diamonds and micro-pearl beading to evoke the delicate bloom of flowers amidst textured foliage. The painstaking craft involves sewing seed pearls together into intricate mesh-like patterns, a labour-intensive process that demands exceptional skill and precision.
Cascading into baroque pearls and pavé-set diamonds, the design captures a harmonious interplay of flora and fauna.
Shreya, If you could sum up your design journey for the Artisan Awards in one word, what would it be? And why?
For me, it was a “Symphony of Nature and Craftsmanship”. Jewellery often tells a story, but some creations transcend mere adornment to become art. Inspired by the organic beauty of nature and the timeless allure of pearls, these earrings merge artistry and tradition in an exquisite form. I was captivated by the pearl-weaving technique’s unparalleled intricacy and the seamless interplay of texture it brings to a piece of jewellery. “The micro pearl beading technique is not just a method; it’s an art form that breathes life into each pearl, creating a fluidity that feels organic.”
Rivaaz, The Essence of Rajasthan
RUPENDRANATH DAS, VUMMIDI BANGARU JEWELLERS
Resplendent with a kaleidoscope of colours, the dome-shaped 18-karat gold ring draws inspiration from the whirling grace of Rajasthani Kalbeliya dancers. At its centre, a bezel-set turquoise is encircled by intricate meenakari work, mirroring the vibrant swirl of the dancers’ costumes. The design is bordered with diamonds and diamond-centric motifs that echo the rhythmic turns. A hidden rotating mechanism with gears and bearings allows the ring to twist, subtly shifting the meenakari hues around the central stone. With each twist, the ring unveils a new palette—pink, green, violet, or blue—making it a bold statement of expression and versatility.
Rupendranath, how does it feel knowing your creation is being celebrated alongside some of the industry’s finest designs?
I’m very happy to be a finalist in the Artisan Awards. It is a proud moment for me and a source of motivation to keep going forward. I have learned many things through this experience. As this is my first time participating, being shortlisted as a finalist feels incredible. A truly special moment for me!
Rhythmic Tusu
SAIKAT PAL, MUNJANI GEMS & JEWELLERY LLP
The contemporary 18-karat gold earrings merge two concepts: Tusu, the harvest festival celebrated by agrarian societies, and Warli art, which portrays depicting agricultural life through geometric patterns, such as circles, triangles, and lines, traditionally painted on walls.
Both Tusu and Warli art reflect the rich traditions and lifestyles of rural and tribal communities, deeply rooted in India’s indigenous cultural and artistic heritage.
The striking earrings combine modern geometric forms with red and black enamel, complemented by trillion-cut rubies and round diamonds, creating a bold and sophisticated design.
Saikat, What was your first reaction when you found out you made it to the final round of the Artisan Awards— happy dance or a quiet moment of pride?
I felt a quiet moment of pride when I got the news of the final round, because there is still a long way to go. This is my second time being selected as a finalist in the Artisan design competition.
Whispers of Kashmir: A Modern Ode To Tradition
PAROMITA MAITY, CAARA JEWELS PVT. LTD.
Worn by Kashmiri Pandit brides from the day before their wedding, Dejhoor earrings are steeped in centuries of tradition, passed down through generations. Merging the architectural splendour of Kashmir with the region’s breathtaking landscapes, the earrings feature vibrant gemstones at their centre, symbolising the vibrant beauty of the valleys. The intricate jharokhas—latticed windows of ancient palaces—represent a gateway between the past and the present, adding layers of cultural depth to this timeless piece.
Paromita, what’s been the most rewarding part of participating in the Artisan Awards—pushing your creative boundaries or the thrill of competing with such talent?
Participating in the Artisan Awards has been an extraordinary milestone in my journey as a jewellery designer. The inspiration for my design stemmed from the serene valleys of Kashmir, its awe-inspiring architecture, and the intricate artistry that echoes through time. I wanted the piece to transcend being merely an ornament; it is a celebration of India’s rich cultural tapestry, reimagined for the modern world.
When I was announced as one of the finalists, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement. To have my work recognised on such a prestigious platform validated the countless hours of dedication, research, and passion poured into this design. It was a humbling experience to stand alongside some of the most talented designers in the industry, each presenting their unique interpretations of artistry and storytelling.
The Artisan Awards reminded me that jewelry is more than just a craft—it’s a medium of expression, a bridge between the tangible and the intangible.
Nivara
SOURAV HANRA, VUMMIDI BANGARU JEWELLERS
The asymmetrical earrings mimicking the weaver bird’s intricate nest, are crafted using platinum filigree, with a hollow structure. The innovative use of platinum serves as the standout feature, exuding modernity. The earrings are smattered with diamonds in bezel setting, resembling dewdrops glistening on the nest at dawn. A yellow gold weaver bird, perched on one side of the nest, is accented with a rich brown rhodium. The earrings bridge tradition and modernity, celebrating Indian craftsmanship.
Sourav, What was the most unconventional or bold choice you made while reimagining an Indian craft in your piece?
One of my boldest choices was reimagining the traditional filigree technique in platinum to create earrings inspired by the intricacy of a weaver bird’s nest. Capturing the organic beauty of the nest in metal while staying true to its natural complexity was a manufacturing challenge, but it pushed the boundaries of craftsmanship and gave the piece a unique narrative, blending nature and tradition.
Navratna
MONISH KANNAN, KIRTILAL KALIDAS JEWELLERS PVT. LTD.
The Navratna ring-cum-pendant is a modular piece of jewellery, enhanced with the nine gemstones of the Navratna tradition. The central faceted ruby is set in a stunning focal design, and the piece opens to reveal a thread chain, transforming into a pendant. The back of the ring/pendant features engraved zodiac signs, adding a personalised touch that merges elegance with spirituality.
Monish, What part of the reimagining process was the most challenging but also the most rewarding?
“The most difficult thing was how should one engage a modern-day woman to wear something so traditional. To give a new twist to the Navaratna concept, we produced a modular design that could be worn as a pendant and a ring with a folding shank. A unique box mechanism was incorporated so that the chain of the pendant could be hidden inside a box without detaching the chain when worn as a ring. We were super excited when we achieved the balance of authenticity of traditional concept with contemporary design aesthetics.”