If you have been following me on social media for a while, then you are undoubtedly familiar with the name Kamyen Jewellery. For over a decade, I have been drawn to the incredible statement pieces that Kamyen produce. So when they invited me to Mumbai to view their latest collection, of course I accepted without hesitation!
Landing at 2:40am in any country is never easy, but in bustling Mumbai, it could have just as easily been midday! Arriving at the Taj Palace Hotel is a surreal experience. Located directly opposite the Gateway to India Arch, it is a majestic property that inspires the rich legacy of India. I woke the next day eager to meet with Kamyen, and to begin viewing their jewels.
For me, being with Kamyen in India is as close to being with family as possible, without actually being with family! The warm welcome, the gracious, generous hospitality, leaves you feeling as though their home truly is your home, and no time at all I was running around their home barefoot, and filming jewelry using their beautiful art collection as a backdrop!
A recent addition to the family is their canine friend, Hibiki ( Cocker Spaniel ) who often enjoys adorning the families, Kamyen’s, creations and flaunts it on his new page HibikiOnTheRocks .
Kamyen comes from a long line of established Jaipur gemstone dealers. Between the many generations involved in the gemstone buying and jewelry design, there is nothing about diamonds or gemstones that they don’t know. But what was of particular interest this visit was seeing the next generation step up, and take an increasingly active role in the company. This has had several positive effects. First, we are seeing Kamyen emerge as
global jewlery brand, something only a select handful of Indian jewlery brands have managed to achieve. While they will always have their roots firmly planted in their Indian heritage, we are seeing Kamyen emerge on the red carpet on the USA ( think Cardi B at the Met Gala in those exquisite emerald pieces ! ) and pop ups this summer in both the Hamptons, USA, and in London, UK. ,and so the brand continues to grow, and gain a global fan base.
Second, I am seeing more and more pieces emerge that I literally would kill to have as part of my daily jewelry wardrobe! It began with their famous heart shape pinkie rings that were spotted all over the Middle East! Then came a selection of chokers, which I immediately had to have, and bought a diamond choker roughly four years ago that I still
wear daily. More recently, the Wave Collection has taken over as the “it” ring, and it’s easy to see why! In Mumbai I saw a stunning selection of necklaces - some with diamonds pendants (no ordinary diamonds - Kamyen tends to veer towards fancy cuts and colors with their diamonds!), others with diamond briolette drops, and of course others with gemstones, because no Kamyen collection is complete without colored gems. They can be worn together, or layered. In my opinion, the more the better!
Watching Kumud (Lead Creative Director at Kamyen) spending creative time with Karan, Pooja, and Keshav is a treat. Karan (twins with Keshav) is Mumbai based, and in recent years has launched Kamyen Hombre, a stunning men’s collection, as well as having an increasingly important role in the design process at Kamyen. Keshav and Pooja are
based in Dubai. Pooja handles all marketing and clients, often flying around the globe to personally deliver pieces to their new owners. Keshav studied at NYU Stern , and has a Bachelor’s in Science in Business., and attends to the business side, as well as being involved in both gemstone acquisition and client relationships. Each one of the three next generation family members plays. Critical role in the business success. That being said, all family members have a say in the design of all pieces, and every design needs full family approval before moving to production.
While the fine jewelry was wonderful to see, the high jewelry is a highlight for me, and as usual, Kamyen did not disappoint! From gigantic Colombian emerald statement necklaces, to bold ruby, sapphire and tanzanite necklaces, rings, and earrings, everything was a delight to see!
Outside of the jewelry, we enjoyed a wonderful few days together. The best foot massage I’ve ever had. The best food - it never ends and every morsel is delicious! Staying at the Taj. Being in India once again to join the family for the annual tying of the Rasha, a ritual that takes place on the day of Raksha Bandhan, the sister performs a small pooja (ritual) for her brother, applying a tilak (mark) on his forehead, and tying the rakhi around his wrist while reciting prayers or blessings. Brother's promise: In return, the brother vows to protect and care for his sister. It’s a beautiful and moving ceremony, and I feel honored to have experienced it for the second consecutive year with this amazing family. Finally, an unforgettable visit to a temple for blessings by a Hindu priest.
Thank you to the Hirawat family for an incredible few days. I hope to experience many more joyous occasions together!
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