Nicole Kidman has a penchant for Indian jewellery

Jyotsna Singh carries with her a royal legacy that’s famed for its opulence and allure. After all, her grandfather (late) Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala was the proud owner of the Patiala necklace that’s considered one of the most dazzling pieces of Indian jewellery the world over.

“The Patiala necklace which included the ‘Victoria’ diamond of 234 carats was perhaps the most spectacular and expensive piece of jewellery ever created and the largest single commission that Cartier has ever executed,” explains Singh.

“The ceremonial necklace was completed in 1928 and restored in 2003 and originally contained no less than 2,930 diamonds weighing almost 1,000 carats. It has been on display in exhibitions around the world.”

A jewellery designer herself, Singh says the inspiration came naturally. “I have loved jewellery since I was a child. Design came as a necessity. When I lost my designer, I started designing myself. After a slight hesitation, design seemed to flow naturally and often I find myself inspired by something that brings on a plethora of new designs.”

Preferring to work with semi precious stones because “of the variety of colours I can use, and still keep it affordable,” Singh adds, “More importantly, working with stones becomes almost a spiritual experience for me.”

And unlike other designers, Singh plans on previewing her new collection at a trunk showing at filmmaker Shaan Khattau’s home rather than in a store.

“I have used beautiful tassels in pendants that incorporate some oriental elements in an art deco style. One line includes jadau in traditional designs with beautiful stone stringing, while another uses the same jadau technique in geometric designs moving away from the traditional,” she elaborates.

So, who’s on her celebrity clientele wish-list? “If given the opportunity I would like to design a piece for Zeenat Aman. She has a timeless elegance and beauty like the jewellery I create. And I would like to design a piece for Nicole Kidman. She has a penchant for beautiful Indian jewellery and would look elegant in a jadau stone pendant in black onyx.”