As they say, old is best, especially if we are talking about jewellery. If you’re looking to shop for some fine vintage, take a look at these top jewellers known for their fabulous collections of handcrafted vintage jewellery. From transforming original pieces into new artistic looks to curating modern designs with ancient Indian handicrafts, these jewellers have revived the magic and aesthetics of the past, while marrying them with modern aesthetics.
Amrapali
Amrapali Heritage Emerald Necklace studded with Rubies
One of the most renowned jewellery brands in India, Amrapali Jewels is known for its beautiful designs. Founded by two history and heritage enthusiasts, Rajiv Arora and Rajesh Ajmera, Amrapali focuses on mixing classical tradition with a modern interpretation. Their fine jewellery collections include pieces that are made with diamonds and gold, with a combination of gemstones such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds. Each piece of jewellery has authentic detailing, combining the elements of ancient ethnic jewellery that are at least a thousand years old.
Chand Begum Jewels
Chand Begum – 19th Century Diamond-Set Enamelled Bracelet (Kada)
A popular trusted jewellery brand based in Delhi, Chand Begum specialises in the sale of authentic antique jewellery from the Mughal and Nizam periods. Carrying the delicate craftsmanship of the Mughal artisans, Chand Begum specialises in Mughal jades and jewellery from the personal collections of princely and noble families as well as private collectors. From antique necklaces, earrings to bangles and necklaces, the jewellery is made using Indian artistry and Islamic elegance. Made with precious gemstones, these collective pieces portray the classic life, art, architecture and crafts of that era. Though traditional, these pieces are extremely versatile in their appeal, so much so that they pair up very well with contemporary outfits as well.
Lara Morakhia
Lara Morakhia Himba Wrist Cuff
Deemed as one of India’s foremost antique art collectors, Lara Morakhia launched her namesake brand in 2018. Her designs draw inspiration from old-world grandeur and contemporary fashion. She combines vintage silver with gold, jadau, kundan, and precious stones along with organic artefacts like animal bone and tusks into one-of-a-kind, timeless statements of art. Living by the ethos that jewellery is the ultimate form of artistic expression, Morakhia’s ultimate intent she says, is to design objects that reflect individuality and wearable luxury.
Sheetal Zaveri by Vithaldas
Sheetal Zaveri Rooh and Pachi Rings and Sama Bracelet
Sheetal Zaveri launched her eponymous jewellery brand Sheetal Zaveri by Vithaldas in 2018 with a unique collection of elegant two-toned jewellery. The collection is a combination of exquisite antique pieces and 92.5% silver articles, dipped in gold polish and encrusted with multi-coloured gemstones that revive heritage craftsmanship. Paying great attention to detail, each piece is assembled by Hyderabadi karigars, adding a touch of their personality and heritage to the designs. The result is a unique fusion of vintage and modernity, that as Sheetal describes, “… is the way most Indians are— modern in appearance but with traditional values if you look inside them”.
Surana Jewellery – BRS Johuree
BRS Johuree Kundan Bracelets
Bhuramal Rajmal Surana is a brand that has been synonymous with the art of creating timeless jewellery since 1735 when Maharaja Jai Singh II invited them to Jaipur as the experts in the art of crafting timeless pieces. The seventh-generation jeweller and son of the late Padamshree Prakash Chand Surana, Chandra Surana maintains this tradition of the royal past with his company—Bhuramal Rajmal Surana Johuree, where he established a connection between vintage tradition, craftsmanship and heritage — all within the canvas of modernity.
Swapna Mehta
Swapna Mehta Coromandel Collection
Hyderabad-based Swapna Mehta is a passionate jewellery designer with no former background in the industry. She is known for her skill of taking vintage jewellery pieces that are not as popular anymore and transforming them into bespoke jewellery rooted in heritage and tradition with a tinge of modernity. Swapna began her venture of upcycling vintage jewellery in 2016 with her first exhibit Earth Princess, which was showcased by concept store Bungalow 8 in Mumbai. Collecting trinkets from her travels around the country, she blends different styles like Mughal, tribal and art pieces to create new one-of-a-kind pieces.
