When sophistication meets conscience meets affordability, you know you’ve found a true gem. That’s precisely what 32-year-old Vandana Jagwani, the founder of Vandals, a jewellery label from Mumbai, has been working towards. Her new collection, featuring lab-grown jewels, is a fresh take on wearable ornaments inspired by flora and fauna.
Take the necklace from the Fruit series. It exemplifies the theme with its intricate carvings of different fruits. There’s also the Marine Splendour bracelet, a painstakingly created piece with the motif of a fish, rendered in sapphires and pearls. “The design embodies the flow and serenity of the ocean and makes for a versatile wear,” says Jagwani. The Ten Carrot ring is another thoughtful piece, created in gold with diamond accents that highlight the sculptural silhouette of a carrot. Jagwani’s favourite, however, are the radiant Eternal Bloom earrings inspired by the grace of flowers, with rubies and emeralds emulating the petals and leaves. The Celestial Dance pendant, which represents the night sky, comes with a special star-cut diamond at the centre, surrounded by a swirl of smaller gems to mimic the galaxy. It showcases impeccable workmanship.
Jagwani founded Vandals on the heels of her father Mahesh Notandass’s eponymous luxury jewellery brand to embrace a younger, vibrant aesthetic. “The name itself captures my idea of making a distinctive mark on an existing structure. It signifies our approach to transforming the jewellery landscape with innovative designs and ideologies,” she says.
