“There was a joie de vivre and vibrancy in Moghul design,” says VAK Jewels founder Vishal Kothari. “It trickled into every realm of 16th- and 17thcentury Indian culture.” The Mumbai, India–based designer celebrates the period’s famed arches and decorative floral patterns in his sculptural pieces (1, 3), as well as the portrait-cut diamond (2) favored by
Emperor Shah Jahan, an homage,
Kothari says, to the rich gem history of Moghul jewelry. “They’re flawless and incredibly sophisticated.”
1. Tulip Garden hoop earrings by VAK Jewels, $35,000; latestrevival.com.
2 and 3. Lamp ring ($98,000) and Tulip Garden necklace ($98,000) by
VAK Jewels; modaoperandi.com.
4. Gold bangle with diamonds and enameling ($6,870) and gold bangle with diamonds ($6,000) by Amrapali Jewels; 212-944-0007. 5 and 6. Starburst earrings ($12,500) and rock crystal, ruby, and diamond earrings ($7,800) by Hanut Singh; hanutsingh.com. 7. Sword pendant necklace by Sorab & Roshi, $12,800; sorabandroshi.com. 8. Golden Temple brooch by Tony Duquette, price upon request; tonyduquette.com.
Avalon antique Indian Moghul motif engraved tin serving tray, $1,450; 1stdibs.com.