Growing up between India and Italy, Akshat Ghiya gained an appreciation for his family’s business in jewelry early on—and firsthand. His father was a gemstone dealer and his mother was a jewelry designer, revealing the necessary logistics, inspirations, and collaborative skills to make a piece of jewelry by hand. “I learned about stones and what to look for from my father, and about balance and design from my mother. Both of my parents share a deep passion for jewelry, and they began collecting pieces from Italian designers when I was very young,” Ghiya shared with Whitewall. “Growing up, my childhood was filled with visits to precious stone trade shows, jewelry galleries, and museums, and dinner table conversations were always centered around jewelry.” Today, his brand Tallin Jewels exemplifies what he’s learned and frames it through a contemporary lens.
Rather than seasonal collections, the brand offers two lines: “Gentle Forms,” inspired by organic, irregular shapes, and “Sharp Forms,” offering geometric, Art Deco-inspired patterns. But it’s the contrast and combination of unmissable gemstone colors and unique shapes that give Tallin a distinct, unforgettable look. Whitewall spoke with the designer about moving his atelier from Johari Bazaar to Chandpole Bazaar and how his long fascination with jewelry made him “tallin.”
Bridging Two Worlds with Tallin Jewels
Courtesy of Tallin Jewels.
Courtesy of Tallin Jewels.
WHITEWALL: You grew up between India and Italy, in Jaipur and Padua, for your family’s jewelry business. How did this dichotomy impact your idea of what you make today—jewelry that shows Indian maximalism and Italian sensibilities?
AKSHAT GIYA: Jewelry plays a significant role in both Italian and Indian history and tradition. In India, its roots go back thousands of years, largely influenced by royal patronage, while in Italy, jewelry became an important part of culture during the artistic revival of the Renaissance. Indian jewelry is often characterized by bold, heavy designs and the use of vibrant, colorful gemstones. In contrast, Italian jewelry tends to be more minimalist, focusing on refined, elegant designs that emphasize simplicity and sophistication.
Tallin is a reflection of living in both these beautiful countries. It is shaped by Indian and Italian jewels, art, architecture, and everyday life of these countries. At Tallin, we merge the richness of Indian maximalism with the sleekness of Italian elegance, creating a unique design language that bridges both worlds.
WW: “Tallin” is a Sanskrit word that alludes to the meaning of being enamored with something to the point of madness. Can you elaborate on this meaning, and why it was what you named the brand? How does the brand relate to this meaning today?
AG: I’ve always been drawn to the Sanskrit language because it not only sounds beautiful but also expresses deep layers of emotion in a single word. When searching for a name, I wanted something that reflected my own passion for creating jewelry—something that conveyed a deep love and connection.
To become “tallin” is to be completely absorbed by something, to find magic in it, and to become almost obsessed with it. This is how we feel about our craft. The brand embodies that intense passion and devotion. Through our work, we want to share this feeling with the world, inviting others to experience the same deep love and fascination for the intricate art of handmade jewelry.
Jewelry as Visual Language
Courtesy of Tallin Jewels.
Courtesy of Tallin Jewels.
WW: Tallin’s collections favor unconventional silhouettes and a pairing of unusual colors. How do the collections “Sharp Forms” and “Gentle Forms” exemplify that?
AG: “Gentle Forms” draws inspiration from the organic and irregular beauty of nature. The collection features asymmetrically paired stones, layered to create a natural flow. Diamonds of varying cuts—portrait, rose, and brilliant—are combined in a single piece, each reflecting light uniquely. Additionally, the use of tumble-cut stones evokes the smooth, uncut yet polished look of pebbles or sea glass, reinforcing the collection’s organic essence.
In contrast, “Sharp Forms” offers a bold, colorful interpretation of Art Deco jewelry. This collection juxtaposes traditionally cut stones with hand-carved and custom-cut gemstones, arranged in geometric, Deco-inspired patterns. The result is a playful yet sophisticated approach that challenges conventional design through striking contrasts in shape and structure.
WW: What is your current studio in Jaipur like?
AG: Our studio is nestled in Johari Bazar, Jaipur, a historic area in the old city founded in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It was originally established as a hub for artisans and merchants to showcase their jewelry and crafts, and it still maintains that same vibrant atmosphere today. We employ 20 artisans from Bengal, each specializing in one of four key skill sets: goldsmithing, stone setting, beading, and polishing. Bengali jewelry artisans are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, owing to a rich tradition of generational knowledge passed down through their families.
Situated in the heart of the city, our studio is surrounded by the lively sounds of daily life—people, traffic, temples, and mosques. It is perched on one of the higher terraces of the Bazaar, offering a stunning view of the ancient Aravalli Hills that surround Jaipur. The combination of history, tradition, and the dynamic energy of the city makes it an inspiring space for our work.
“My jewelry is, in many ways, a reflection of the visual world I immerse myself in every day.”
-Akshat Ghiya
WW: You mentioned that the global market is “beginning to rethink their perceptions of what Indian jewelry is.” Can you tell us more about how you view the idea of Indian craftsmanship and jewelry changing today?
AG: For us, everything starts with the stones—they guide our inspiration and shape the design process. I love seeking out unique stones from around the world, collecting them throughout the year. On days when I feel creative, I take out the ones that speak to me, place them next to each other, and experiment with different combinations to see what works harmoniously within the framework of our aesthetic.
Once a design is sketched and finalized, we carefully pair it with the goldsmith whose expertise best suits the piece. From there, we discuss the engineering—ensuring both beauty and structural integrity—before beginning the process of bringing the piece to life.
WW: On your Instagram, we see many images of artworks that feature similar colors, shapes, and cultural touchpoints. How does your relationship with art inspire your way of life?
AG: Art is deeply woven into my life, both personally and creatively. My wife works in the art world, and together we have been collecting art for several years. Our home reflects this passion, filled with pieces that inspire us. Whether at home or traveling, we are constantly engaging with art—visiting collectors’ homes, galleries, and museums.
While my jewelry is not always a direct translation of specific artworks, the influence of art is undeniable. Being surrounded by diverse artistic expressions sharpens my eye for form, color, and composition. The way I approach design—pairing unexpected shapes, layering textures, and balancing contrast—mirrors the way I experience and appreciate art. My jewelry is, in many ways, a reflection of the visual world I immerse myself in every day.
Courtesy of Tallin Jewels.
Courtesy of Tallin Jewels.
