Can an Heirloom Evolve? Kunal Rawat of Rawat Jewels Believes It Must

Jaipur has long been India's jewellery capital. For centuries, its bustling bazaars and intimate ateliers have drawn gemstone traders, master craftsmen and collectors from around the world. It is here that the finest Polki diamonds, intricate Kundan-Meenakari and vibrant coloured gemstones have been transformed into heirlooms, shaping the city's reputation as the custodian of India's finest jewellery traditions. Among the names that have grown alongside Jaipur's remarkable history is Rawat Jewels, a maison whose story is deeply entwined with that of the Pink City itself.

The house traces its origins to Maliram Puranmal Rawat, among the earliest jewellers associated with the newly established city of Jaipur. More than two centuries later, the family business is led by its eleventh generation, with Kunal Rawat steering the Jaipur atelier and his sister, Shefali Rawat Agarwal, leading the Kolkata boutique. Together, they represent a new generation of custodians who understand that preserving heritage also means allowing it to evolve.

"Kolkata has always appreciated art," says Kunal. "For us, jewellery has always been wearable art, so opening there felt like a natural progression."

At the heart of Rawat Jewels is a deep respect for Jaipur's traditional craftsmanship. Natural Polki, Kundan-Meenakari and coloured gemstones continue to define the maison's design language, but the approach is firmly rooted in the needs of today's collector. Rather than creating jewellery for a single occasion, the family designs pieces that can remain relevant for decades, adapting to changing lifestyles and generations.

"What makes a piece of jewellery an heirloom isn't simply its value," Kunal says. "It is the thought and emotion behind it."

That philosophy shapes the way the atelier approaches design. Transformability has become one of the house's defining signatures. A groom's ceremonial sarpech can later become a bridal choker. Statement bracelets can be worn as necklaces. Family heirlooms can be redesigned instead of being left unworn in a locker. These are not novelty features but thoughtful interventions that allow jewellery to remain part of everyday life while preserving its emotional significance.

The same balance of tradition and innovation is evident in the craftsmanship. Skilled artisans continue to practise age-old techniques that have defined Jaipur's jewellery-making for generations. Carved emeralds, natural Polki diamonds and intricate Kundan settings require countless hours of meticulous handwork, reflecting the patience and precision that distinguish true artisanal jewellery. Every detail is considered, from the engineering of transformable pieces to the finishing of each handcrafted setting.

For Kunal, the future of luxury lies not in excess but in longevity. Clients today are increasingly looking for jewellery that carries meaning, celebrates craftsmanship and can be passed down with the same relevance it held when it was first created. That shift aligns naturally with the values Rawat Jewels has upheld for generations.

As Jaipur continues to shape the global conversation around fine Indian jewellery, Rawat Jewels remains one of the houses carrying that legacy forward. Under the stewardship of Kunal Rawat and Shefali Rawat Agarwal, the maison continues to honour its heritage while embracing thoughtful innovation. The result is jewellery that is rooted in tradition, designed for the present and destined to become part of another family's story.