Heritage Keeper

Unlike traditional jewellers, Swapna Mehta upcycles antique finds to create one-of-a-kind wearable masterpieces. Here she talks to Bazaar about her favourite creations.

THE FIRST NECKPIECE Swapna Mehta ever made was for herself—over a decade ago—and featured a 150-year-old Hyderabadi karanphool jhumka, and other bits of antique jewellery she had acquired from trips across India. Growing up in Hyderabad, Mehta instinctively soaked in the city’s rich history and legacy of exquisite jewellery. She often visited the bylanes of the storied Charminar Bazaar and discovered that she had an eye for identifying pieces of historic relevance which exemplified fine craftsmanship. Eventually, Mehta began travelling to Kerala, Saurashtra, and the erstwhile Cooch Behar region (now a part of West Bengal), sourcing old gems, broken baubles, antiques, and heirloom pieces from pawnshops and dealers. What she creates with these are modern, artisanal accessories put together in her distinctive, audacious style.

Each Swapna Mehta piece is unique—a wonderfully stylish mosaic, which could include a giant nath, several pendants, or a large jaraa headpiece. An aspiring vegan, she personally favours jewellery in plexiglass and wood, and supports sustainable and ethically-sourced fashion brands.