"The collection is a story of my life" - Neelabh

"The collection is a story of my life" - Neelabh

"The collection is a story of my life" - Neelabh

"The collection is a story of my life" - Neelabh

"The collection is a story of my life" - Neelabh

"The collection is a story of my life" - Neelabh

Neelabh Jewellery Collection

Neelabh on social media : https://www.instagram.com/gehenna_gate/

Jewellery Hard-Feelings is introducing to you Neelabh from India to London, his immersive jewellery collection he brought to London is the story of his life and adventures that shapes how he is and shows how jewellery can play a very special role.

Close or far from you, they are object that link you to your past present and future, and with us, jewellery passionate, we tell their story and they in their own terms tell ours.

Glimpse of Neelabh Jewellery Collection

Through the lens of JHF, Neelabh graciously shares his jewellery collection—a deeply personal narrative of his life. His work is a poetic and inspiring testament to the emotional depth of jewellery, challenging the notion that it is merely a superficial accessory. For those who relate to his journey, or even those who may overlook the power of jewellery, his collection reveals its true essence: a vessel for untold stories and raw emotion. Neelabh is an extraordinary, creative, and remarkable individual with whom to engage. His perspective on life and the art world is refreshingly forward-thinking, offering insight into a more profound, emotionally charged vision of creativity.

Let’s dive in his collection together

Gold plated jewellery

Neelabh necklace’s

As our conversation naturally flowed towards fashion and the jewellery industry, Neelabh began unveiling his collection with the flair of a true magician. One particular piece caught my eye- a stunning, bold necklace that seemed to carry the essence of both India and London. The moment I held it in my hands, I couldn't help but scream, 'I'm obsessed- it reminds me of a traditional Afghan necklace.' While I fully recognize that this necklace is distinct from Afghan traditional jewellery, as a creative jewellery lover, it was the first connection that sparked in my mind, and I couldn't resist sharing that thought.

And this is the magic of jewellery: how one piece can transport you across cultures and traditions, sparking connections between iconic styles from different corners of the world.

What made this encounter even more special was Neelabh's eagerness for me to try it on. This intimate interaction with jewellery creates powerful moments where a single piece can bond people and tell stories that transcend borders. Born and raised in Paris, with Italian and Syrian roots, my own 'traditional' French jewellery looks nothing like this, and I found it captivating to explore someone else's culture and history through such a magnificent piece. 

Let's take a moment to truly appreciate this necklace and its power; thank you, Neelabh, for sharing it with me and now with us.

I’ve always been captivated by Indian jewellery- intricate textiles, vibrant gemstones, and rich traditions. But what truly stood out was seeing Neelabh’s unique blend of his culture and life experiences reflected through his collection. Whenever he revealed a new piece, our conversations became livelier and more fun. It’s an experience I’d recommend to anyone seeking fun and the chance to immerse themselves in the beauty and storytelling of jewellery.

These earrings are so cool and distinct, unlike anything I’ve seen on the market. Neelabh shared how he styled them for an Indian wedding, pairing them with traditional jewellery, and I was speechless. I’m obsessed. The little faces on these fish-shaped earrings are the perfect finishing touch, making them even more special. They immediately reminded me of Satta Matturi’s Nomoli Totem collection, which I found absolutely breathtaking. The craftsmanship, the story behind it, and the sheer beauty of these pieces are incredibly inspiring. Once again, jewellery can spark a journey, connecting you to another story, another creation.

My favourite piece from Neelabh’s collection is this breathtaking antique pendant, steeped in stories and mystery. Neelabh told me about a memorable day he visited an antique shop with his ex-partner. The shop owner was known for never selling his prized antique jewellery, yet for unknown reasons, he made an exception, offering this pendant to Neelabh’s ex-partner for Neelabh himself. It was a moment that felt almost fated, and the story behind it adds such depth to this already remarkable piece.

Originally, this pendant had a practical purpose for Indian women, as it was used as a liner applicator and believed to hold magical powers. As I marvelled at the intricate details, I was captivated by the unique minerals within bloodstones/chalcedony, adding to the pendant’s allure. Neelabh also shared his affection for this piece, saying it evokes cherished memories and the stories of women who once wore it, obviously because it is magical. In a fascinating twist, he mentioned that pendants like this were sometimes even used for poison in the past. Indeed, jewellery like this is far more than just a shiny object; it’s a keeper of histories and secrets.

A necklace that Neelabh wears all the time when he travels. We call that a lucky charm.

Bracelets that Neelabh bought at a Jaipur store called Amrapali- Neelabh turned those two bracelet into a choker, the owner of the shop was impressed by his creativity and never thought about doing this. Should we all get a Neelabh ?

Tie, a Korean friend offered to Neelabh, made out of wood. Neelabh use it as an artwork in his living room- jewellery is an art form as it finest.

Neelabh first jewellery pieces

The story behind Neelabh's first jewellery pieces begins with cultured baroque pearls he found in a shop in India. To him, these pearls evoke a sense of bones and darkness, their organic, irregular shapes sparking raw creative freedom that marked his first step into the industry. When worn, the pieces feel powerful, architectural, unmistakably poetic, and distinctly him.

Initially, the necklace wasn't meant to feature baroque pearls, but Neelabh reimagined it entirely, crafting something unique from his own vision. I find baroque pearls endlessly inspiring in their beauty and poetry- no two are ever the same; each holds its own story. And through his work, Neelabh has crafted an incredible new chapter for them.

While explaining the idea behind those baroque pearl necklaces, Neelabh shared that if he hadn't moved to London, he would have continued doing this.

My takeaway from this immersive conversation is that you can find a place in the jewellery industry, creating pieces that hold profound stories, yours and theirs, regardless of your background. Take ownership of your art.

At the end of our inspiring time together, Neelabh shared that he’s considering a future as a jewellery designer. I truly believe he could flourish on this path, now or later. His creativity, combined with his warmth, is undeniable. There will always be a place for him in this industry, where age, gender, family, and faith hold no boundaries for those driven by passion and vision.

Thank you, Neelabh, for sharing your story with me and Jewellery: Hard Feelings.

If you’re intrigued by Neelabh’s artistry and would like to learn more, please contact him directly or fill out our contact form to keep the conversation going and help build Jewellery Hard Feelings into a community that champions new voices in the industry.

Next
Next

YI Craft-Tradition through Jewellery Hard-Feelings lenses.