Sapna Mehra: Meaningful Jewelry for the Global Citizen

“Gold becomes kundan only after passing through fire.”

This is a saying that Sapna Mehra heard as a little girl and that resonated loudly years later when she used it to help her surmount difficult events.

In Hindi, “Kundan” translates to “pure gold”. Here, we refer to kundan as a 400 year old jewelry making technique, traditional to India and that Sapna admired from her earliest years when playing for hours on end in her mother’s jewelry box.

Kundan is a method of gem  setting, consisting of inserting gold foil between the stones and its mount. It is often combined with enameling on the “other” side, so that there are equally beautiful surfaces on all sides of the jewelry.

Kundan is a well guarded craft, not taught in schools. So, when Sapna decided that this was the method that she wanted to use to create her jewelry line, it is with great determination and about a year’s worth of research that she finally found the master artisans in Jaipur that would help her achieve her vision.

Sapna uses kundan (she also calls it Recto-Verso jewelry) as a symbol of the enduring strength, perseverance and triumph of the spirit. Her designs appeal to the global citizen with a cosmopolitan style as she juxtaposes traditional and modern designs and patterns and elements from various cultures.

Every motif in Sapna’s designs has a traditional symbolic representation, such as the flower petal pieces that represent joy and celebration. Indeed, tradition is deeply imbedded in every piece as Sapna lives by the Indian tradition of aesthetics that dictates that a piece is not complete until it is worn and appreciated.

The connection with tradition is further enhanced by a connection with spirit that Sapna is introducing in her brand new line, “Seeds of Intention”. This collection came to her as she emerged from a 10 day silent meditation retreat. “Setting an intention brings awareness and clarity to your actions, thoughts and words and sets the course towards living your life to its fullest potential.  Wear the Seed of Intention pendant as a daily reminder of the power your intention”. Choose from the intentions of Peace, Determination, Gratitude, Happiness, Compassion, Wisdom, Mindfulness and Love. What a beautiful gift idea for anyone that is focusing on growing in any of those areas of their lives.

All of Sapna’s jewelry is crafted to last for generations, with modern classic designs that will endure the test of time. What’s more, each piece is beautifully delivered in box snuggled inside a raw silk handmade drawstring pouch. Perfect for gift giving. You can find Sapna’s kundan pieces in The Succulent Wife’s Marketplace on 1000 Markets.  I am so proud to be showcasing her work.