A Moment in Time

Archana Aggarwal Timeless Jewellery makes a debut as partner with the Fashion Design Council of India, for the first-ever Digital India Couture Week, which begins on September 18. We speak to Archana Aggarwal about her latest pieces in the spotlight, and her love of eclectic combinations.

Lifestyle Insider Jewellery designer Archana Aggarwal

Congratulations on partnering with FDCI for the first ever Digital India Couture Week! How do you anticipate this partnership and what are you looking forward to?
It’s a pleasure to be a part of the FDCI Couture Week once again. This will be a whole new experience for sure. The virtual show will not only give a better chance to interact with the audience but also widen our horizons in India as well as internationally.

Lifestyle Insider Emerald, sapphire and diamond necklace by Archana Aggarwal Timeless Jewellery

Which are the collections that you will focus on, to be paired with the designers’ outfits?
I will be showcasing my new designs titled Majestic Collection. Each piece is handpicked to match the designer’s creativity. I will be teaming up exclusively with JJ Valaya and Falguni Shane Peacock. We have selected each piece to complement the collections of these designers. The jewellery pieces will go hand-in-hand with JJ’s royal theme, and on the other hand match the contemporary yet regal collection of Falguni Shane Peacock.

Can you tell us a bit about the evolution of your brand?
Since my early years I have been aesthetically keen to transform jewellery into an art form. In 2003 I decided to officially announce my label. And since then, there has been no looking back. As a label I take pride in being a fashionable, ethical, and socially responsible luxury brand.

Lifestyle Insider Earring with polki, pearls and meenakari by Archana Aggarwal Timeless Jewellery

We particularly like the way you created a matching peach enamel work necklace for a bride wearing a peach lehenga – do you make customized pieces as well? Do you use a lot of Rajasthani polki and meenakari work?
As a designer I keep evolving, and along with that, my creative process. In my collection you can see everything from polki to jadau to meenakari, to pearls to clean diamond settings, the design possibilities are endless. I also offer bespoke services for clients all over the globe.

Lifestyle Insider A piece in coral and diamonds by Archana Aggarwal Timeless Jewellery

You’ve also combined coral with precious stones – what influences you when you design pieces like that?
I always like to experiment, and this was one of those experiments that worked out really well. The subtle vibrancy of coral has always inspired me to pair it with other stones and gems and my latest coral pieces have garnered immense response, that motivates my creative instinct.

Lifestyle Insider Diamond necklace by Archana Aggarwal Timeless Jewellery

Where do you source your gems from?
My gems are handpicked by me and sourced from every part of the world. For instance, I recently picked a one-of-its-kind diamond from Tanzania for a customized bridal necklace.

Lifestyle Insider Diamond and gold bangle by Archana Aggarwal Timeless Jewellery

Which are some of your personal favourite pieces – one for everyday wear and the other for eveningwear?
It’s difficult for me to pick a particular piece of jewellery, but amongst my favourites are the delicate flower earrings set in rare diamonds for regular wear and for eveningwear I would pick the majestic necklace with elephants and royal motifs.

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Priya Kumari Rana

Lifestyle Insider is a kind of junction point, connecting people with diverse interests that touch on the more luxurious aspects of lifestyle – fashion, design, travel, food and spirits, art, watches and jewellery, cars, yachts, and aviation, and technology. People today don’t fit into boxes and categories. In our individual ways, we are interested in diverse themes, products, and the challenges that face our world today. You will judge how well this effort of mine caters to your passions and proclivities.

Lifestyle Insider is a showcase of all that is beautiful and luxe. Behind every creation, is a designer, chef, entrepreneur, or a design maison. I have delved into my own appreciation for objetsde luxe that I have admired over the years – be it a love of fashion from the world’s top Parisian and Italian fashion maisons and their ’90s muses, or the care that goes into sari and Indian textile collections in my own family. Growing up on four continents, as the daughter of a former Indian Ambassador, I’ve seen a remarkable array of historic places and met a myriad people. My aim is to bring my world view into this website, a curation of what I find particularly stunning, unique, and newsworthy.

It’s an exciting time for brands all over the world. With change comes opportunity. With the global ‘reset’ and uncertainty on many fronts, there is a chance to write a new script. Let’s be those pioneers.

A bit about me:
A luxury and fashion journalist with 25 years of experience in publishing and magazine journalism, I have edited some of India’s top fashion and luxury magazines. I got my BA in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley, and went on to receive my Master’s in English and French from the University of Strasbourg, France. I have also studied German and Film. I live in Gurugram, India, and look forward to once again exploring our world with a new-found freedom.

Priya Kumari Rana

Founder and Editor
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