Ahalya - Our Story
"When I made my first foray into jewellery, with a tiny studio that had almost nothing on display, I was driven purely by a love of craft and an instinct for beauty. I didn’t fully know what I was getting into, but I was certain that I wanted to create value; to make pieces of jewellery that celebrated individuality and brought joy.
I had noticed that the most expensive and intricate pieces of jewellery were those that people wore most rarely – hiding them away under lock and key and bringing them out only on the most special occasions. I wondered if jewellery could be more functional, elevating the everyday and adapting to varied occasions.
Fortunately for me, I started working with jewellery at a time when people were tired of looking the same as everyone else and wanted to be different. They wanted to find jewellery that could be expressions of who they were. Women travelling across the world on business trips were choosing to wear saris and wanted jewellery that reflected their roots in a relevant and contemporary way.
As I met and interacted with clients at my studio, I observed two things. The first was that different styles of jewellery seemed to suit different people. Bespoke design allowed me to consider every detail, not just an individual’s personal sense of style, but their features and personalities. The second was that ‘fit,’ ‘fall’ and comfort were as important in jewellery as they are in clothing. I began to design jewellery with an eye on proportion, the right weighting of materials, and a sense of balance.
The more jewellery I designed, the more I realised that form and function were intrinsic to design – from the joints of a piece to the setting of gems and even the choice of clasp. A distinctive aesthetic emerged from this, one that is rooted in classic detailing and exquisite craftsmanship, while inhabiting an aesthetic that is modern and eclectic.
My questions and observations about jewellery have come to define how Ahalya evolved as a brand, forming the foundation of our mission, vision and values. Starting small – with very little inventory but a deep love for design – allowed me to create a unique model. Ahalya doesn’t just sell gold and diamonds, but a talent for design and execution.
Our collection of ready-to-wear fine jewellery, reflecting our core aesthetic, is available online and at our flagship store in Chennai. We also offer a unique bespoke experience: personalised sessions where I spend time with clients to understand their needs, personalities and sense of style. This enables us to craft custom pieces that tell their story. We use the highest quality silver, gold and precious gems and our handcrafting techniques are rooted in tradition, resulting in exquisite designs and detailing."