Delhi-based Nicobar Design Studio has always been a front runner in defining contemporary trends - whether it is in travel, home and decor or fashion. They are now out with their first jewellery line, and it’s a smorgasbord of the little things you can find in nature. Talisman, a capsule collection is designed for layering, customising and personalisation. Delhi-based designer Divya Kapoor, who is also Nicobar’s head of travel design, found shells on a beach in the Maldives, picked a lime slice out of a drink, and the leaves that fell in her garden studio - all elements that inspired her for Talisman. Cast in brass and plated in gold, these pieces range from charms to hair pins.
“Our inspiration is journeys, both literal and metaphorical,” explains Divya. “We created charms out of everyday objects and elevated them to the position of a talisman. You can layer them in chains or dangle them from hoops.” Divya says that the idea came about very organically which added a hint of nostalgia to the vibe of the collection. “We have developed such a stirring connection with this collection, it's hard to pick our favourite," says the 30-something old designer. "But we have three that mean the most to us. First, the lemon wedge, complete with a seed and all the crevices of it’s pulp, plush with memories of endless night spent with friends over gin and tonics. Second, the leaf from a Buahinia tree. It grows in plenty around my garden studio. Third, the seed pods, they have hope and the promise of future.”
Like Divya, you can have your pick from Talisman's variety of peculiar charms like their chilli charms, leaf charms, clove charms, cardamon charms, star anise charms and a gorgeous rose quartz pendant.
While pendants are common, charms and hair pins have a rather old world personality about them, Talisman’s range of hair pins - take their Star Anise hair pin for instance, is both classic and elegant. “The way you wear it is your story to tell, whether you like to layer, to bunch them all in one, and to sometimes add a little quirk,” says the designer. While styling with them, you can create chains at varying lengths and create layers, while you can also wear multiple charms at once on a single chain.