The vault: Nadia Chhotani

Nadia Chhotani shares her favourite pieces and the stories behind them

Nadia Chhotani, talented jewellery designer and owner of NM Chhotani Jewel Collection, shares her favourite pieces and the stories behind them

How did you get interested in jewellery?

My family has been designing jewellery for four generations now. As a child, I had always been inspired to sketch and create new patterns. I would spend time at my father’s store, looking at different designs and trying the pieces against my neck to pose for my mother. I decided to pursue designing  as a career for myself after attending a jewellery workshop in Dubai.

What are your favourite pieces of jewellery?

The best part about creating your own jewellery is putting your heart into it. I have a penchant for hoops, rings and bracelets. I prefer creating more traditional pieces rather than diamonds and zircon stones, but I have started creating lighter jewellery such as earrings and bracelets.

What is your inspiration behind these pieces?

My passion and inspiration comes from Harry Winston’s designs, which encapsulate the romance of the Victorian era. I also admire Van Cleef & Arpels designs, especially because they focus on floral patterns. My second biggest inspiration comes from my mother’s jewellery pieces. Her designs are what I look up to when I create my own pieces. A great combination of heavy detailing and class, my mother’s pieces are the ones I hope to improve upon through the coming years of my career.

Is there any piece you are emotionally attached to and why?

There is one piece that I am very attached to. It was one of my initial pieces and the design was based on my signature filigree style. I was initially discouraged because the piece I wanted to make required lots of hard work, detailing and risks. Many workers initially refused to experiment and create the piece because it was something that wasn’t very common. However, I went after my heart and created three of those designs, which ended up becoming one of my biggest hits at an exhibition in 2013. This strengthened my confidence in myself. Even though I faced a lot of problems, it is one of my most favourite pieces.



Share a story with us about how you acquired one of your favourite pieces?

My mother has always been a big part of my interest in jewellery. She loved designing her own jewellery and I have always been fond of her pieces. She still keeps a collection of her pieces for me. Even though I have received formal education in jewellery designing, I believe that I have a long way to go to reach her level. Throughout the years, my mother has gifted me some necklaces to reward me for my hard work and those are my most special possessions. They  remind me of her success, passion and support.

Is there anything on your radar that you want to get in the future?

Besides my jewellery pieces, I would like to expand my store to Islamabad and Lahore. I would also like to expand my product line to introduce a line of handbags and shoes.