India’s rich and complex design heritage as a source of inspiration is widely known. It’s no wonder, then, that leading designers from the West have turned to India for inspiration. Jewellery by Harry Winston, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels feature many India-inspired motifs, and are among their most iconic designs.

To create dialogue and draw attention to India’s contribution to this legacy of design, Saffronart is hosting a one-of-a-kind jewellery conference on 6-7 October in Mumbai. The Timeless Legacy of Indian Jewels is the first of its scale in India. Several experts from the jewellery industry will speak on topics ranging from the art of enamelling to gemset weaponry.

In an interview with Saffronart, Minal Vazirani and leading jewellery historian Usha R Balakrishnan discuss the 5,000-year-old legacy of Indian jewellery, the influence of Indian designs and craftsmanship on leading international jewellery houses, and the eminent speakers who will share this history and knowledge.