Designing from Memory: The Power of Nostalgia in Jewelry

I never set out to design sentimental jewelry. But somehow, memory always finds its way into the process.

Growing up in India, certain sounds, scents, and textures became part of me. Quiet companions carried forward into adulthood. Some memories I reach for intentionally, and others just show up unexpectedly and deeply felt, guiding my hands as I sketch or create.

A simple pendant might hold more than meets the eye. Like our Mini Coin Pendant, inspired by the kaasi mala, a traditional South Indian gold necklace made of small, round coins, often worn during weddings and festivals. I used to wear a Ganesha coin as a child, and that memory stayed with me. The weight of it against my skin, the familiar shape, the quiet comfort. This piece is a nod to that feeling. The kind that lingers.

Then there are the Jasmine Flower Studs. Jasmine has always been one of my favorite scents. I have a jasmine plant at home now, and while it does require special attention, it thrives. I don't have a green thumb, but caring for it feels like a quiet ritual that connects me to my roots. When it blooms, the scent brings me right back to humid evenings, family gatherings, and fresh strands of jasmine in our hair.

The Eternity Bangle is a full-body memory. Growing up, everyone wore them. You could hear someone coming just from the sound of bangles clinking softly down a hallway. It’s the kind of sensory detail that roots itself deep. A piece of jewelry that holds not just sound but presence.

The Customizable Gold Butterfly Ring brings back a different kind of memory. Butterfly clips were trendy, iconic, and such a fun accessory. I recreated that shape as a ring to bring back some of that youthful joy and playfulness. A reminder to not take things too seriously.

Some pieces carry deeper emotional ties, like the Flora Sagrada Signet Ring, created in collaboration with Dev Heyrana. It’s a tribute to wildflowers and the sacred act of continuing the "little" traditions across generations. That memory now lives in metal — a quiet story etched in gold.

“Flora Sagrada is a tribute to those moments — the simple act of picking flowers with my mother, my grandfather, and now with my own children.” - Dev Heyrana

And then there’s the 90s Locket, inspired by a Polly Pocket. Tiny, playful, full of wonder and imagination. A piece of jewelry born from that open-hearted sense of exploration that childhood gifts us.

Each of these pieces begins with a story. Mine, yours, someone else’s. A memory that wants to be remembered, held, and worn.

What story would you turn into a piece of jewelry?
We’d love to hear. Maybe it's a scent, a sound, a fleeting moment that refuses to fade. Send us a note or share your memory. We’re always dreaming up what comes next.