Jewelry Designer Profile: Jewellery by Astha Jagwani

Imagine wearable art that expertly intertwines modern style with classic forms to tell a story. This is the product of the mind of jewelry designer Astha Jagwani. 

Her eponymous label, Jewellery by Astha Jagwani, consists of pieces handcrafted by artisans skilled in the traditional Indian techniques. While the designer utilizes historical methods and conducts a great deal of research, the results are contemporary and elegant. 

The brand celebrates the diversity of cultures, while simultaneously creating a unique aesthetic that appeals to refined tastes worldwide.

Astha Jagwani: The Inspired Jeweler’s Mind

A close look at Astha Jagwani’s unique luxury fashion jewelry will likely lead one to wonder what inspires them. 

The jewelry designer was raised in an artistic environment in Jaipur, India, by a family who encouraged creativity and imagination. As a result, Astha states that she dwells in possibility. This is clear from her work, which seems to recognize no creative limits.

Astha attended Central Saint Martins, world-renowned arts and design college of the University of the Arts London (UAL), where she obtained a foundational degree. She then went on to complete her B.A., Fashion Jewellery, at UAL’s London College of Fashion. 

One of Astha’s most successful statement jewelry collections to date is her graduate series, “Reflections.” This avant garde collection is based on the principle of attention to the reflection of life, rather than life itself. As is evident through each ornate piece in the set, the designer gave a great amount of thought to powerful detail, silhouette, and structure.

Astha’s previous collections include material experiments in perspex and leather; chrome and enamel; and wood and metal.

Jewelry Entrenched in History

Jewellery by Astha Jagwani was born in a workshop in London, when Astha created her Reflections series. Astha started the now up-and-coming label upon returning to her hometown in Rajasthan, India. The jewelry is influenced by her experience in London and incorporates European designs with Indian styles.

Her current collection is inspired by the Islamic architecture and influences throughout different eras and entails a great deal of research. The patterns and details in these pieces echo the Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles of structures like the Mashrabiya patterns found in Arabic woodwork and the Jalis found in the gates and windows of old Jaipur.

What is a...?

• Mashrabiya (left): Characteristic of Arabic residences, this is a type of projecting oriel window enclosed with carved wood latticework and often lined with stained glass, located on the second story or higher. This space was used for a small wooden shelf where the drinking water pots were stored. The shelf was enclosed by wood and located by the window to keep the water cool.
• Jali (right): A jali is a perforated stone or latticed screen, usually with an ornamental pattern constructed through the use of calligraphy and geometry. This structure was common in Hindu temple architecture, Indo-Islamic architecture, and (more generally) in Islamic architecture. Jalis help to lower temperatures by compressing air through the holes. 

By employing local artisans to handcraft her jewelry, Astha manages to infuse age-old techniques into modern aesthetics. Available products include everything from timeless earrings, necklaces, and bracelets practical enough for everyday wear; to stunning statement pieces like jeweled headbands, hand harnesses, and chokers perfect for weddings and special occasions.

Pieces from a few of Astha’s recent collections have been seen on various celebrities like Tyra Banks, Sonakshi Sinha, Nargis Fakhri forHarper’s Bazaar Bride, Ileana d’Cruz, Karisma and Kareena Kapoor, and many more. 

Jewellery by Astha Jagwani has grown rapidly and is stocked by high-end luxury boutiques and e-commerce stores throughout India. Sarbani NYC is proud to be the first retailer to bring the fashion jewelry brand to U.S. shoppers.

Browse our full selection of Jewellery by Astha Jagwani today.