A Day In The Life Of Aditi Ghiya Of Adi Handmade

Picture Jaipur: the traditional Rajasthani outfits and jewellery worn by the local men and women, the handmade details present in every little corner of the Pink City, the mix of vibrant and subtle colours. These are elements of the city that make into Aditi Ghiya’s body of work at Adi Handmade.

With unique contemporary pieces that will fit perfectly into your everyday wardrobe, Adi Handmade defines everyday luxury. The creative director employs a mix of old and new jewellery making techniques to create one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by the place she calls home.

“By keeping it simple, I am able to honor both the traditional and the contemporary and explore the beauty found in their balance. I appreciate jewelry that you can wear every day and see jewelry as art that allows one to express themselves – this jewelry is made for everyone,” she shares.

Adi Handmade works with the local talent to preserve the art of handmade jewellery making, highlight the unique skill of the artists, and to create art that holds respect for the elements and the spiritual essence of Jaipur.

We caught up with the jewellery designer to get a peek into a typical work day in the Pink City, her unconventional design process and her muses.

You kickstart your mornings with:

Mantras and yoga! My exercise routine is a mix of yoga and some bodyweight movements.

Your secret to happy, healthy skin is:

I try to keep my skincare natural and do as little to my skin as possible. I feel like it is at its best in its natural state.

Favourite spot to work from in the house:

My bed is definitely my favourite spot to work from at home! But we are now back at the studio and I’m very happy to be playing around and creating new pieces again.

What’s on your current mood board?

I don’t have a mood board - I prefer creating without a specific direction in mind. The process is fairly fluid.

One thing that never fails to inspire you:

I find limitless inspiration present in nature and the earth.

You’re currently reading:

The Master and the Margarita, by Mikhail Bulgakov.

Your creative process:

It usually starts with the stones, around which I create my designs. Once I have an idea of the design, the craftsmen and I work together to make a first sample of the piece. It may take a few days or even weeks to get the sample to perfection. Here, we are ready to have it made in gold and for it to be set with stones. Finally, after adding some final touches, the piece is polished.

What does your typical 9-5 look like?

My work day involves looking through various stones and letting my creativity wander. It also involves working on the manufacturing process of the pieces in production - this could be anything from making samples, castings, stone setting, polishing and the finishing of the pieces. I check each piece minutely to make sure that it is just right.

The best part about working in Jaipur:

As a jewellery designer I feel blessed to live in Jaipur - being a rich source of precious as well as semi-precious stones, it allows me to find most of what I use within the city.

How do you unwind after a long day of work?

I usually listen to some music, spend time outdoors, or cook!

What’s your favourite thing to do in your city when you aren’t working?

To discover beautiful, peaceful secret spots to watch the sunrise or sunset from. The city is full of hidden gems.

What’s on your side table?

An incense holder, my laptop, a few books and a speaker.

A jewellery icon you admire:

Crivelli.