Jaipur and Gemstones
Jaipur is the gem cutting centre of the Indian jewellery trade. A place of heritage, colour and bustling Indian markets it is where we at Sushilla source and cut our semi-precious stones. We also work closely with skilled craftspeople in Jaipur to produce our distinctive jewellery. As one of the creative hubs of our brand we wanted to share a little of Jaipur’s history, culture and jewellery trade to give you an insight into this special city.
Jaipur History
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan in the north of India. A fairly new city by Indian standards it was constructed in 1727 and is often referred to as the pink city due to its bold pink architecture. Large parts of the city were painted in this distinctive hue prior to a royal visit from the Prince of Wales in 1873 and the colour and name stuck! A popular tourist destination, Jaipur forms one of the points of the ‘golden triangle’ of Indian travel. Key sightseeing spots include the magnificent Amber Fort built in 1592 with its blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture and the City Palace.
Gem Cutting in Jaipur
Jaipur has a thriving creative industry from the gem trade through to artists and antique traders but it is the stunning jewels created here that have brought it international fame. Generations of families have worked in the business of stone polishing, cutting and jewellery making, using traditional techniques to create high quality jewels. For over 300 years in the tiny emporiums and workshops nestled in the city people have polished gemstones from around the world. Now you can wander the Pahar Ganj quarter or Jahari Bazaar and be delighted by the rainbow coloured gems on offer. Jaipur jewels may be turned into traditional Rajasthani jewellery or exported and transformed into beautiful pieces across the globe.
Sushilla and Jaipur
Our founder Sushilla Done travels to Jaipur twice a year to visit the workshops and stonecutters that produce our jewellery. We get to know the people we work with and ensure all our jewels are produced in responsible working conditions. By understanding where our stones come from and understanding the culture of the place where they are formed we have a close connection with every piece of jewellery. These visits also mean Sushilla can handpick only the most beautiful stones to create our unique pieces.
Working with Jaipur
It is important for us to give back to the community in which we work and Sushilla sponsors children at the SOS Childrens Village in Jaipur. This charity works across India supporting children who are alone alongside families who are struggling in the community. Their outreach services provide help and advice to those who are in need. We hope to sponsor more children in the future.
Jaipur is an exotic backdrop to the birth of each of our special stones. The skills of its artisan craftspeople are a fundamental part of our story and we hope have enjoyed our take on this dynamic city.
