Kajal Fabiani Hiranandani launched her eponymous jewellery brand almost a decade ago, and has since become known for contemporary fine jewellery that offers timeless appeal. For our first blog post, we only thought it would be fitting to catch up with Kajal and get a glimpse into her life, and the brand she’s created.What was your relationship with jewellery and design growing up? When did you first realise you had a passion for it?
My mom has always adored jewellery and I loved watching her choose a piece to wear and the way it could completely transform her. As I grew up, we would often travel to Hong Kong, Dubai and Bombay and I would accompany her as she would visit her regular jewellers and shops. I think it was the exposure to this world of design that sparked a passion for jewellery.
What inspired you to create your own brand and what was the idea behind it?
I actually got the idea for KAJ while I was shopping for jewellery for myself. Over a
decade ago, I was looking for fuss-free, versatile pieces that I could wear for a work meeting and then to dinner right after, but couldn’t find anything I liked.
What inspired you to create your own brand and what was the idea behind it?
I actually got the idea for KAJ while I was shopping for jewellery for myself. Over a
decade ago, I was looking for fuss-free, versatile pieces that I could wear for a work meeting and then to dinner right after, but couldn’t find anything I liked.
I’ve always travelled a lot and this also impacted the kind of jewellery I wanted to
buy. I didn’t want pieces that I had to constantly worry about and lock away, but
practical ones that I could wear whether I was in London to Bombay.
buy. I didn’t want pieces that I had to constantly worry about and lock away, but
practical ones that I could wear whether I was in London to Bombay.
These situations, combined with my love for fashion and art sort of led me to decide to fill this gap in the market. I enrolled in courses at GIA where I learnt about the processes and techniques behind jewellery making and of course, the raw materials, and that’s how I’ve gotten to where I am today!
What has been your most memorable experience with KAJ to date?
I think every time I see an idea or sketch come to life in a real piece, is just incredible for me. I remember during my first trunk show, in November 2012, I had a bunch of my friends visit and buy pieces they liked. Afterwards, I would see them wearing my pieces to weddings or a dinner we’d go for together, and this made me so happy. To see people wearing your product, whether in 2012 or today – always feels amazing.
Who are you creating jewellery for?
People who enjoy dressing up and styling themselves. Those who are experimental but also know what they like.
Tell us about your newest Resort Chic collection?
This collection was inspired by the idea of the destination wedding. When you travel for a wedding, it’s always difficult to carry very large, expensive pieces and so I wanted to create a collection that was appropriate to wear to a wedding but also versatile enough that you could wear these same pieces as you continue your holiday.
Easy to wear during both the day and night, this curated collection offers statement jewellery that is perfect for your next destination wedding and beyond.
Rapid Fire
Your favourite travel destination: London because I’m a city girl and I just really like walking around, visiting my usual favourite spots, I like that familiarity.
The last book you read: Happiness Becomes You by Tina Turner
A famous brand of jewellery you love: Cartier because their designs are classic and timeless.
If you weren't a jewellery designer you would be: something in the fitness and nutrition space.
The stone you most connect with: I love diamonds, the way they sparkle and how they can uplift a whole look. Even when I’m not feeling my best, I feel like diamonds can just elevate your mood and even outlook.
What has been your most memorable experience with KAJ to date?
I think every time I see an idea or sketch come to life in a real piece, is just incredible for me. I remember during my first trunk show, in November 2012, I had a bunch of my friends visit and buy pieces they liked. Afterwards, I would see them wearing my pieces to weddings or a dinner we’d go for together, and this made me so happy. To see people wearing your product, whether in 2012 or today – always feels amazing.
Who are you creating jewellery for?
People who enjoy dressing up and styling themselves. Those who are experimental but also know what they like.
Tell us about your newest Resort Chic collection?
This collection was inspired by the idea of the destination wedding. When you travel for a wedding, it’s always difficult to carry very large, expensive pieces and so I wanted to create a collection that was appropriate to wear to a wedding but also versatile enough that you could wear these same pieces as you continue your holiday.
Easy to wear during both the day and night, this curated collection offers statement jewellery that is perfect for your next destination wedding and beyond.
Rapid Fire
Your favourite travel destination: London because I’m a city girl and I just really like walking around, visiting my usual favourite spots, I like that familiarity.
The last book you read: Happiness Becomes You by Tina Turner
A famous brand of jewellery you love: Cartier because their designs are classic and timeless.
If you weren't a jewellery designer you would be: something in the fitness and nutrition space.
The stone you most connect with: I love diamonds, the way they sparkle and how they can uplift a whole look. Even when I’m not feeling my best, I feel like diamonds can just elevate your mood and even outlook.