Sparkling Story

Bejewelled A Sparkling story Diamonds are a girl’sb est friends,they say. But for Chitwn D Malhotra, it’s more of a soul connection. Drawn to jewellery design from a young age, Malhotra knew her calling lay in melding and moulding precious stones and metals to create dazzling designs.“Designing jewellery has given mefreedom,something everything else failed to do,” she says of her lifelong passion. We talk to her about Dillano and what lies ahead for the jewellery brand. How did Dillano happen?

Well-crafted jewellery is the dream of every woman. A childhood fantasy and a love for ornaments made me explore the world of jewels. I learnt the art of jewellery design and craft from the Gemology Institute of America. I was 20 when, armed with what I had imbibed, I developed pieces for family andfriends,allhandmade,but perfectly balanced on design parameters. Their encouraging response and repeated requests made me work with renewed zeal on developing my own brand,and Dill a no was born. What are your plans for the near future? After the success of my first outlet in Punjabi Bagh, we are soon going to unveil a jewellery lounge in South Delhi. We also have plans to go international by2015. The designs of Dill a no have been showcased at various national and international exhibitions and we have been encouraged by the kind of business queries we have got.

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Tell us about the technique and finer points of producing each piece.

I am very meticulous in choosing material and techniques. The selection ranges from absolutely traditional designs to cutting-edge digital technology. Most patterns are made with14kand18kgold,studded with diamond and precious stones like rubies and sapphires.Infact,the World Gold Council had recently awarded me for innovative designs and techniques. What sets Dillano apart from other brands ? Dillano has become synonomous with vibrancy and exclusivity. Its diverse themes, rich colours and oneof-a-kind creations offer every woman what she always dreams of having. The brand’s aim is to provide the highest quality designs to its patrons so that when they wear it, they know it’saDillano. Jewellery designing is my first love and I like to devote most of my time to conceptualising new themes, ideas and concepts. I love nature and always try to imbibe its elements in my designing. Travel , reading and observing my surroundings have all influenced my work. Photograph by Ashish Chawla; Makeup by Jason Araujo for Stila; Hair by Rod Anker.