Shanaya Kapoor on Jewellery, Personal Style and Why Every Day Is Worth Dressing Up For

Jewellery since ancient times has always been more than just an accessory. Take into consideration sculptures and carvings in old temples, where sometimes, the jewellery made for the garment itself. Today, jewellery has become a way of expressing personal style, adding meaning to everyday dressing. Shanaya Kapoor understands this well. She’s turned her lifelong love for it into a creative partnership with Indinoor, the new jewellery label from the House of Isharya. 

Designed to make statement jewellery more accessible and wearable, Indinoor brings together traditional Indian craftsmanship with a fresh, fashion-forward perspective. In conversation with Manifest, Shanaya opens up about her evolving relationship with jewellery, the vision behind the brand, the heirloom pieces closest to her heart and the trends she’s loving this festive season.

Manifest: You’re someone who’s always loved fashion. How has your relationship with jewellery evolved over the years, and how important do you feel jewellery is in completing a look?

Shanaya: When I was younger, jewellery was the finishing touch. Today, it’s where I begin. I often build my entire look around a piece because jewellery has the power to completely transform an outfit. Growing up in a family that appreciates the art of jewellery making, I’ve always been drawn to craftsmanship and design. Over the years, I’ve realised jewellery isn’t just an accessory. It’s an extension of your personality. An outfit gets you dressed, but jewellery gives it character.

M: What’s one piece of jewellery you reach for without thinking, no matter what you’re wearing?

S: My Indinoor gold kundan statement earrings, without a doubt. Even with a simple white shirt and jeans, they instantly make me feel put together. I’m definitely an earrings girl. A great pair of earrings can change your entire mood and your outfit.

M: Is there a piece of jewellery in your collection that holds an emotional story, perhaps a piece you’ve inherited that you’ll never part with?

S: I have a few heirloom pieces that have been passed down in my family, and they’ll always be my most treasured jewellery. They carry memories, stories and a sense of legacy that’s impossible to replace.

M: If we peeked inside your jewellery box today, what are the five essentials we’d definitely find?

S: Right now, it’s basically my wedding season edit. My gold kundan earrings are a staple, haath phools because I’m so happy they’re back, brooches that I can style in different ways, kaan chains for that extra festive touch, and a pair of simple studs that I wear almost every day.

M: Indinoor brings together heritage-inspired craftsmanship with a contemporary aesthetic. As co-creator, what kind of woman did you imagine while shaping the brand?

S: We imagined a woman who’s rooted in tradition but styles it her own way. She’s inspired by Bollywood, follows fashion closely and loves recreating trends, but she also wants to make them her own.

That was actually one of the biggest insights behind Indinoor. We’ve all grown up looking to Bollywood for style inspiration, and I wanted to create a brand that makes that kind of Bollywood fashion-inspired jewellery more accessible. Pieces that feel aspirational but are easy to wear, style and make your own. For her, jewellery is an expression of joy, which is why we came up with the tagline, Jewels of Happiness.

M: Coming from the House of Isharya, how did you ensure Indinoor developed its own distinct identity instead of feeling like an extension of an established label?

S: With Indinoor, we didn’t want to reinvent Indian ethnic jewellery. We wanted to reinvent the way it’s worn. Our generation still loves kundan, temple jewellery and the beauty of Indian craftsmanship, but we’re looking for pieces that feel lighter, more versatile and easy to style beyond weddings.

The idea was to preserve the soul of traditional jewellery while making it relevant for the modern wardrobe, whether that’s with a lehenga, a saree or even denim. The future of Indian jewellery isn’t about replacing tradition. It’s about making it a part of everyday style.

M: What’s your idea of jewellery for bridesmaids? What pieces did you wear to your cousin Anshula Kapoor’s wedding?

S: I think bridesmaid jewellery should feel like you, just a little more festive. I love picking one hero piece, whether it’s statement earrings, a beautiful necklace or a haath phool, and letting that do the talking. And comfort is non-negotiable because weddings are for dancing, laughing and making memories.

M: Every generation has a jewellery obsession. What’s one trend you’ve been loving lately and one that you think is ready for a break?

S: At heart, I’m a minimal girlie, but when it comes to ethnic wear I love playing with statement pieces. Whether it’s earrings with kaan chains, layered necklaces or stacked bangles, I just have fun with jewellery. The best part about fashion today is individuality. I love seeing people style pieces their own way instead of following the same formula.

M: You’re part of a generation that’s redefining occasion dressing. Do you think today’s young women are buying jewellery more for self-expression than for milestones?

S: I think it’s a bit of both. Jewellery will always be such a big part of weddings, festivals and all those special moments with family. That’s never going to change. But I also love that my generation doesn’t feel the need to wait for an occasion anymore.

If a piece makes you feel confident, completes your look or simply brings you joy, that’s reason enough to wear it. After all, you don’t have to wait for a celebration to wear your favourite jewellery. Sometimes wearing it is the celebration.