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Lot Essay
BHAGAT AND THE INDIAN JEWELLERY LEGACY
Indian jewellery is an art form that blends spirituality, power, and refinement. Enriched by centuries of trade and an extraordinary abundance of natural resources, it is distinguished by the use of rare gems — Golconda diamonds, Kashmir sapphires, Colombian emeralds — and intricate techniques such as Kundan, Meenakari enamel, and Jadau stone setting. Under Mughal rule, jewellery became a symbol of status and authority, with ornaments like the jigha (worn on turbans) and pearl necklaces reserved for nobility. Each stone carried meaning: rubies for power, emeralds for wisdom, pearls for purity. These creations, often engraved with sacred verses or imperial names, were more than adornments — they were talismans, expressions of identity and faith. Viren Bhagat embodies both the continuity and evolution of this tradition. A Mumbai-based jeweller from a long lineage of goldsmiths, Bhagat has reinterpreted Mughal heritage through a modern lens, drawing inspiration from Art Deco and the purity of form. His pieces, crafted exclusively from natural gemstones and noble metals, are unique works born from a creative process that is both intuitive and exacting. Today, his rare and sought-after creations are among the most coveted at international auctions, celebrating the timeless elegance and artisanal perfection of Indian jewellery.
Indian jewellery is an art form that blends spirituality, power, and refinement. Enriched by centuries of trade and an extraordinary abundance of natural resources, it is distinguished by the use of rare gems — Golconda diamonds, Kashmir sapphires, Colombian emeralds — and intricate techniques such as Kundan, Meenakari enamel, and Jadau stone setting. Under Mughal rule, jewellery became a symbol of status and authority, with ornaments like the jigha (worn on turbans) and pearl necklaces reserved for nobility. Each stone carried meaning: rubies for power, emeralds for wisdom, pearls for purity. These creations, often engraved with sacred verses or imperial names, were more than adornments — they were talismans, expressions of identity and faith. Viren Bhagat embodies both the continuity and evolution of this tradition. A Mumbai-based jeweller from a long lineage of goldsmiths, Bhagat has reinterpreted Mughal heritage through a modern lens, drawing inspiration from Art Deco and the purity of form. His pieces, crafted exclusively from natural gemstones and noble metals, are unique works born from a creative process that is both intuitive and exacting. Today, his rare and sought-after creations are among the most coveted at international auctions, celebrating the timeless elegance and artisanal perfection of Indian jewellery.