Jewelry designer and painter Reena Ahluwalia discusses the most extraordinary jewels and diamonds from the country where these precious stones were originally discovered.

[00:00:00] Sonia: Hi, Reena, I'm so happy to have you on this podcast today, how are you?

[00:00:06] Sonia: And this very interesting subject that we decided that we'll discuss today is Indian Jewelry. And obviously we're not going to do the whole history of Indian jewelry in our 20, 22 minutes that this podcast lasts, but we're going to go through the highlights. And I think, you know, let's get started with when does it start the first expression of Indian jewelry?

[00:01:36] Sonia: Does that mean like in all ancient cultures, jewelry is connected to religion, military, power, more than ornamentation? Is that also how it starts?

[00:02:16] Sonia: And it also was fascinating for us and everyone who knows jewelry and loves jewelry is that diamonds originated from India. So the first known diamonds are coming from India and that's what makes the jewelry so interesting because that's where the original old cut come from. So can you tell us a bit more about this evolution, how we go from finding these diamonds to the most elaborate examples of the golden age of Indian jewelry?

[00:04:25] Sonia: And can you tell us a bit more? Because obviously India was on the Silk Road, a larger trading route. So there was a lot of exchanges of craftsmanship and materials and, different things happening that facilitated, this expansion of trades there. Were there some centers already that emerged as the big centers for craftsmanship in India? Because I think there were many, many different kingdoms. before the unification as a country. So were they already the centers that we are familiar with today or were they different centers?

[00:06:42] Sonia: Is it trade or competition? Keeping up with the Maharaja.

[00:06:48] Sonia: Yes. And I was just also, I was wondering where can we see this jewelry? Because a lot of the stones were taken out, were remounted. The Maharajas themselves, they brought in the 20th century. They brought a [00:07:00] lot of the beautiful ancient historic jewelry. They brought it to actually Paris to be reset by Cartier sometimes or by other Maisons, we saw it in Chaumet. So where can people see the original Indian jewelry of this golden age, Reena? And I know you know all the museums of the world.

[00:08:46] Sonia: I love this. A few weeks ago, I think you'll appreciate, I asked a friend of mine who's an Indian designer, and I asked him, who's the best Indian designer of all time? Just, you know, just wanted to have a bit of a background. He said, my ancestors, my great, [00:09:00] great, great grandfathers who did this beautiful jewelry, they are the best craftsmen and best designers of all time. So I thought that was really nice that you mentioned this line and this legacy and this transmission that is still going on that's why India is such a big market for jewelry.

[00:09:17] Sonia: And Reena, now we talked about the few museums and collections where people can see Indian historic jewelry and I was wondering, where are the biggest diamonds or the most exciting jewelry pieces from India something that has a story. I know you love stories. So are there some examples that you'd like to share with us?

[00:13:32] Sonia: And, Reena, now you've mentioned you've painted the most controversial or most famous diamonds of all time, made it into an NFT, and how has the rich history of Indian jewelry influenced your art? Because you're an artist, obviously, you're a diamond painter, a jewelry artist as well, you make jewelry, but diamonds are a big, big part of what you do and you represent. So how has Indian jewelry and history got into your art?

[00:17:12] Sonia: Thanks for sharing that with us Reena. I wanted to actually, we could close on the latest artworks that you revealed that are celebrating really Indian history and jewelry, and you wanted them to be preserved in this double portrait. Can you tell us a bit more about this artwork, which is magnificent? And I know you put a lot of your heart and soul in it. as in all the other works, but I think what was fascinating about it is the research you did into Indian jewelry to be able to integrate it into these two portraits. So can you tell us a bit more about them? And we'll share it, obviously, with our, viewers as well, so they will be able to, see what we're talking about.

[00:20:23] Sonia: I love this message. I love this message, especially this podcast will be the first podcast of 2024 when it's issued. So I think that's a big, big message to find your inner brilliance and, show resilience for the new year. I love it. Thanks so much, Reena. And thanks for sharing your passion and your knowledge and encourage everyone anywhere. If you have interest in Indian jewelry to get the book, go on Reena's website. You have written articles about it, check the specialist, go to museums, go to dealers, just learn about this fascinating period of jewelry that has been going on for millennium and the craftsmanship is still going on today. that's really, really fascinating to know [00:21:00] about it. Thank you so much, Reena.

 Thank you for listening to the Jewelry Connoisseur podcast by Rappaport Jewelry Pro. This episode was hosted by Sonia Ester Soltani and produced and edited by Vanina You can find all our episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and read more about diamonds, colored gemstones, high jewelry designers, estate jewelry, and the latest jewelry trends on Rappaport. com slash Jewelry Connoisseur. Please subscribe to get all our new episodes and if you liked this one, leave us a review.