A Love Affair with Jewelry by Debika Sen
A Love Affair with Jewelry
by Debika Sen
Relaxing on my porch sipping red wine, I casually scroll through my iPad browser, dreamily admiring spectacular jewelry. My spirits are immediately uplifted, and I am overwhelmed with a sudden surge of optimism. Each piece carefully handcrafted lends a voice to India’s legacy, 5,000 years ago of artistry and cultural history.
Excitedly I dash to my closet to admire my miniature jewelry collection from India. I caress the red square box, written in gold “Amrapali.” There, sitting regally in the velvet box is a beautiful gold filigree pair of earrings. It is a copy of a traditional Bengali wedding earring. As my eyes relish the impressive filigree workmanship, I am curious to learn more about the two geniuses behind this creation, Mr. Rajiv Arora, and Mr. Rajesh Ajmera.
The art of jewelry design was elevated by both these creative individuals, whose inspiration came through Indian art, heritage, and culture. I sense this as I hold each of my prized Amrapali treasures lovingly in my hands. The ideas and passion are passed on from designers to artisans, whose hands deftly etch each design, placement of a precious stone, foretells a fascinating story. To own a piece of jewelry from Amrapali Jewels is, in my humble opinion, is akin to possessing a priceless work of art.
Roughly four decades ago, these two passionate history buffs embarked on an adventurous travel experience throughout India. They concentrated particularly on Rajasthan leading to encounters with local tribes. Both men were deeply inspired by accessories worn by the indigenous women especially their silver Jewelry which included earrings, big necklaces, and head pieces.
These items were procured and slowly re-sold although many of the pieces were not in wearable condition. The old Jewelry had to be re-designed and one of a kind-earrings were also created from some of the loose pieces. Rajiv and Rajesh, revolutionized traditional jewelry, merging ancient with modern aesthetic charm into each piece. A cleverly mastered package, where each piece of jewelry imbibes Indian heritage.
In 1978, Arora and Ajmera established AMRAPALI -their first Jewelry store in Jaipur, Rajasthan
which means “Mango Leaves.” Amrapali, believed to be India’s most beautiful woman, was born in a Mango Grove. A royal Courtesan, who became the first Bhikkuni (female Buddhist monk).
Amrapali Jewels not only embodies the rich legacy of India, their logo, the “Lotus”, symbolizes learning and knowledge transcending into beautiful creations of unique heritage jewelry pieces. The epochal Lotus is Amrapali’s signature emblem visible in their jewelry. The lotus is quite different from other plants. Its roots anchored into the mud, each night it submerges into the river water and magically, the next morning, re-blooms – radiantly. So are the jewels of Amrapali. Old pieces are restored or copied, breathing new life into tradition and history. As Rajiv Arora acknowledged “You don’t just buy Jewelry but a piece of Art.”
Today, Amrapali, a family run Business, is a household name throughout India and Internationally, renowned for their exquisite, handcrafted Jewelry pieces.
The distinction that sets Amrapali apart from other brands is that most of their jewelry consists of unique, solo pieces. “We never compromised on our Designs” remarked Rajiv Arora. “We always wanted our pieces to look very Indian and the design is inspired by Indian Art, Culture and Architecture. Around the world, buyers choose Amrapali because it is one of a kind.” Clients include famous Bollywood and Hollywood stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Scarlett Johansson, and Angelina Jolie.
In 2013, Amrapali launched its less expensive Jewelry brand ‘Tribe’ targeting the middle class in India. The name ‘Tribe’ alludes to the Tribal Art and Jewelry that heavily influences Amrapali Designs.
It is noteworthy to mention that Harrods commissioned Amrapali to create an exquisite crown inspired by the original British piece to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebration. It was part of the Royal Jubilee window display at Harrods from May 15-June12 2012. Considered to be one of the most photographed works of art, it was designed for Harrods Exclusive Tea. The crown replicated the original piece with a teapot added on top. The sides were embellished with Royal Jaipur elephants depicting the connection between Royalty and tea.
Amrapali’s strength lies in the power when the owners, artists and craftsmen work as one body toward the same goal, aspiring together in building an organization that speaks of values, loyalty, India’s rich legacy art and architecture – where one-of-a-kind jewelry is crafted with love and passion.
I am deeply privileged to be the proud owner of a modest, vintage Collection of Amrapali Jewels. Exclusivity of these elegant jewels purchased from this renowned store makes me feel akin to Royalty. Residing 10,000 miles away from home, India, I have retained a part of Indian art and history. A Brand whose Jewelry pieces are magnificent, has no age barrier and budget restrictions. To own an Amrapali Jewelry piece is, in my humble opinion, embracing a company that believes in value, loyalty, passion and exclusivity.
Currently, Debika is the Founder and President of A Classic Tours Collection, an immersive tour operator that takes tour participants across continents on unique tour experiences.
Website: www.aclassictour.com
After entering the travel industry as a receptionist, Debika discovered a fascination for designing trips. As she began to understand the mechanisms of what makes a trip great, Debika embarked on designing trips that today focus on - and fulfill - a spiritual and emotional need for travelers. It was her passion for unique tours that culminated in the launch of A Classic Tours in 2008, based in Redondo Beach, CA. Over the past decade, Debika has grown her tour offerings, team and business, and has offered over 30 experiences across 20 countries.
Notably, Debika created the Women’s Empowerment Tour after being selected for - and participating in – The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. During this time, Debika developed the unique Women’s Empowerment Tour of India, which led to additional tours of historical importance, from Women Empowerment tours to Tahiti, Croatia and Japan, to her one-of-a-kind journey into Imperial Russia and The Occult.
In her downtime, Debika is an avid reader and writer, putting together articles about travel and insights gained through travel, and devouring a multitude of books on travel and history. She also enjoys seeing movies and of course, traveling!