The vault: Madiha Ihsan

Madiha Ihsan’s mission is to allow people throughout the world to enjoy the beauty of gemstones and experience the comfort that wearing them brings. Her jewellery line, Opal by Madiha Ihsan, creates personal adornments that are worthy of being passed down from one generation to the next and here she talks about some of her favourites

How and when did you get interested in jewellery?

If memory serves me right, since my childhood I used to break things in order to make a unique design out of them. 

What are your favourite pieces of jewellery?

All of my pieces are my favourite. I put in a lot of effort to try and catch up with new trends for these designs.

Where did you get these pieces?

I have created a lot of the designs but sometimes, I really do need the help and support of my team. I take suggestions from my friends and family and find that my children are my biggest critics.



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

I wear my old mala which was the first piece I created when I was a college-going girl.

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

I am a jewellery and ring maniac. However, each year on my anniversary my husband says, “beauty needs no ornaments.” Every year, I used to acknowledge his feelings but after a few years my husband gifted me a diamond ring on our anniversary, which is so close to my heart. The ring is precious and beautiful, but what made it special is that he gifted it to me and of course the surprise factor. I always wished to have that ring.

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

I am greatly inspired by the jhumars and maatha patis worn by Meena Kumari in Pakeeza. They were pure, traditional and evergreen fashion statements, and I want to present these traditional ornaments in a modern way through my own designs.