Whispers of Zambia brings royalty to modern jewellery

Jewellery has long held the power to tell stories—each piece carries a legacy of beauty, meaning, and artistry. As luxury jewellery trends continue to evolve, one gemstone remains eternally captivating — the emerald. Renowned for its rich green hue and symbolism of power and wisdom, emeralds have graced the necks and wrists of royalty for centuries. Manaal Fine Jewellery’s latest collection, Whispers of Zambia, brings this timeless gemstone into the modern era with an exquisite fusion of heritage and contemporary artistry.

“Emeralds have always been prized for their lush green colour, revered as symbols of power, protection, and divine favour. With Whispers of Zambia, my goal was to reinterpret the legacy of these magnificent stones, making them relevant for today’s woman—strong, sophisticated, and effortlessly elegant,” shares Aadhya Aggarwal, founder and creative director of Manaal.

The inspiration behind the collection is deeply rooted in Indian royal heritage, where emeralds were prized by Maharajas and Mughal emperors alike. Iconic pieces such as the Hindu Necklace commissioned by Maharani Sita Devi and the Kapurthala Tiara designed by artier for Maharaja Jagjit Singh serve as testaments to emeralds’ connection with luxury and power. For Aadhya, Whispers of Zambia is more than a tribute to the past—it’s about making the allure of emeralds accessible to modern sensibilities.

“The moment an emerald graces your skin—whether in the form of a necklace or earrings—there is a sense of regality that cannot be denied. It’s this transformative power of emeralds that truly inspired me,” Aadhya explains.

In crafting the collection, Aadhya takes a deeply personal approach to selecting each gemstone. “Choosing an emerald is an intuitive process. When I hold the right stone, I can feel its energy, and I instinctively know what it is meant to become—whether it’s a bold necklace or delicate earrings,” says Aadhya.

Diamonds, in briolettes, rose cuts, and brilliant cuts, add a complementary layer of brilliance. “Diamonds are not just embellishments — they’re co-protagonists. Their interaction with the emeralds creates a visual dialogue of light and texture. Whether the piece demands fluidity or ethereal femininity, the stones dictate the narrative,” Aadhya reveals.

A visual dialogue

The collection is also about reimagining traditional design motifs. Drawing inspiration from the paisley (ambi) motif, Mughal floral patterns, and the delicate intricacies of hand-painted block prints, Aadhya has given them a modern spin.

The designs, which effortlessly blend old-world glamour with modern innovation, are perfect for women who appreciate both heritage and evolution. “It’s like a harmony between Renaissance and modern art,” she reflects.

Among the collection’s many standout pieces, one necklace holds a special place in Aadhya’s heart. Featuring sugarloaf-cut emeralds paired with floral motifs inspired by Mughal artistry, the piece marries modern and historical influences. “This necklace was the first design I sketched for Whispers of Zambia. It became the cornerstone of the entire collection,” Aadhya shares.

From the careful selection of gemstones to the intricate craftsmanship, this collection is meant to be worn, cherished, and passed down through generations.

Price starts at Rs 5 lakh. Available online.

—manuvipin@newindianexpress.com

@ManuVipin