We embody the essence of edgy classicism, marrying the timeless elegance of bygone eras with contemporary flair. Central to our ethos is the celebration of colour, seen in our vibrant designs that play with a spectrum of hues.

Vaibhav Dhadda

Vaibhav Dhadda developed a profound passion for jewellery that stemmed from his upbringing as a second-generation jeweller in Jaipur, the city known for its magnificent gems. It was through his parents and their European travels that he gained a genuine devotion to the industry. Raised in Jaipur, the “Pink City,” his upbringing immersed him in the world of jewellery craftsmanship. He speaks to Steve Fernandes, Chief Editor, JewelBuzz on his philosophy of contemporary interpretation of Art Deco, his inspiration, his learnings along his journey… and more.

Take us through your journey into jewellery designing: your inspiration, your beginnings, and your evolution into a renowned designer.

My journey into jewellery design began with a childhood fascination for the mystique of gems, nurtured in the vibrant city of Jaipur where I was raised as a second-generation jeweller. After completing my master’s in International Business in France, I ventured into the world of Haute Couture with Christian Dior, where the meticulous craftsmanship of the Dior VIII Grand Bal watch collection left an indelible impression. Inspired by its precise channel setting of coloured gemstones, I returned to Jaipur to launch my own jewellery line.

Drawing inspiration from art, culture, and the kaleidoscope of colours, each piece in our collection tells a story of graceful movement and timeless elegance. It took us six years of relentless dedication to perfect the gradient cuts and shades, channel-set to create captivating patterns that define our signature style.

This journey of refinement and innovation has garnered recognition on both national and international platforms, with our collections featured in esteemed publications such as Forbes USA, Solitaire International Magazine, Pan Arab Luxury Magazine, and Retail Jeweller of India. Grounded in the heritage of Jaipur’s jewellery craftsmanship, I am privileged to continue this legacy, crafting pieces that embody enduring allure and exquisite artistry.

What is your design philosophy? 

My design philosophy is a contemporary interpretation of Art Deco, infused with vibrant colours inspired by Art Nouveau. We embody the essence of edgy classicism, marrying the timeless elegance of bygone eras with contemporary flair. Central to our ethos is the celebration of colour, seen in our vibrant designs that play with a spectrum of hues. Each gemstone is meticulously calibre-cut into tapered baguettes, enhancing their brilliance and achieving perfect colour gradation.

For our Gradient collection, I personally select gemstones transitioning from dark to light shades, creating pieces with captivating movement and dynamism. This blend of Italian-French design and German precision results in a symmetrical asymmetry that is visually captivating.

At Vaibhav Dhadda, we embrace individuality and expression. Our jewellery is crafted with precision, weaving together striking combinations of colours, shapes, and movement. It’s not just for special occasions; it’s an everyday luxury that adds sophistication and joy to the modern woman’s life. Our designs embody the spirit of uniqueness and shine, catering to the woman who seeks to stand out and revel in her own brilliance.

What are your favourite metals, stones and other materials? Take us through your unique, out of the box jewellery pieces/ collections.

My favourite metals for crafting exquisite jewellery pieces are the timeless classics: eighteen-karat gold, embodying luxury and refinement, in shades of yellow, white, and rose. When it comes to stones and materials, I have a penchant for the unconventional, infusing my designs with a captivating array of lustrous semiprecious gemstones alongside fine quality diamonds.

While traditional gemstones like emeralds, rubies, and sapphires hold a place of honour in the collections, I delight in exploring the vibrant world of multi-coloured tourmalines, amethysts, aquamarines, garnets, and more. Each gemstone is meticulously selected for its unique hues and characteristics, adding a touch of individuality and allure to every piece.

One of my standout collections, the Gradient collection, showcases the masterful interplay of gradient colour rubies, emeralds, sapphires, green and pink tourmalines, tsavorites, peridots, amethysts, citrine, aquamarine, garnets, and blue and yellow topaz. These stones are meticulously arranged to create mesmerizing patterns that evoke a sense of movement and dynamism.

Omnipresent in all my creations are diamonds, which serve as the ultimate embellishment, adding sparkle and sophistication to the rich palette of coloured stones. Each piece in my collection is a testament to my commitment to craftsmanship, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of beauty beyond convention.

As an entrepreneur, what are the lessons you have learnt in establishing a business, strategy for growth, brand positioning etc. How does one balance creativity with commercial viability and fluctuating consumer preferences?

Establishing and growing a business entails navigating a myriad of challenges and opportunities, and my journey as an entrepreneur has been no exception. One of the key lessons I have learned is the importance of being relevant by adapting and evolving ourselves. We began our journey with a focus on B2B via Jaipur Jewels by Vaibhav Dhadda, leveraging our expertise and reputation to establish ourselves as a renowned name in the industry. However, recognizing the shifting landscape and evolving consumer preferences, we strategically expanded into the B2C market, capitalizing on the growth potential of online channels.

A crucial aspect of our growth strategy has been brand positioning. We’ve cultivated a distinct identity for Vaibhav Dhadda. Our Signature D design, represented by our logo, embodies this ethos, showcasing the fusion of curves and edginess that defines our jewels.

Balancing creativity with commercial viability is a delicate dance, requiring a keen understanding of market trends and consumer demands. We’ve achieved this by staying true to our artistic vision while remaining adaptable to fluctuating preferences. Our online platform, Vaibhav Dhadda, serves as a showcase for our diverse collection, featuring a range of designs and colour combinations tailored to appeal to a broad spectrum of tastes.

Moreover, our recent venture into experiential retail with the launch of our jewellery lounge in Jaipur epitomizes our commitment to providing unparalleled customer experiences. Situated in a contemporary location near the Jaipur airport, our lounge offers patrons a unique and immersive journey into the world of fine jewellery. By marrying exceptional craftsmanship with an unforgettable retail experience, we’ve positioned ourselves as a must-visit destination for discerning jewellery enthusiasts.

In essence, the key to success lies in embracing innovation, staying attuned to consumer needs, and continuously striving to elevate the brand experience. By striking a harmonious balance between creativity and commercial acumen, we’ve charted a path of sustainable growth and differentiation in the competitive landscape of the jewellery industry.

Your comments on the current jewellery designing segment in India? What is the standing and brand positioning of India’s jewellery designers on the global stage?

Designer Jewellery segment is the new trend in India. With only a handful of good designer amongst the vast traditional family owned jewellery shops, there is a huge potential for designer jewellery. There is still a huge void in this segment as only a few designers are coming up with unique designs from India. Mostly, it is interpretation of western designs or completely traditional Indian designs. Thus, we, as Indian jewellers need to take risks and create a unique and original design language to establish ourselves on the global stage. 

What’s your message for aspiring, as well as practicing, jewellery designers?

In today’s competitive global market, it’s essential for Indian jewellers to differentiate themselves by taking risks and embracing innovation in design. By creating a unique and original design language, Indian jewellers can showcase the rich heritage, craftsmanship, and cultural influences of India, thereby carving a distinct identity on the global stage. This involves experimenting with unconventional materials, incorporating contemporary aesthetics while preserving traditional techniques, and daring to push the boundaries of conventional jewellery design. By doing so, Indian jewellers can not only attract international clientele but also contribute to the global conversation on design and craftsmanship.