Yash Agarwal stands at the helm of Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas, a storied jewellery brand rooted in nearly a century of heritage. As a fourth-generation jeweller, Agarwal carries forward a legacy established by his great-grandfather in 1930. Under his creative leadership, the brand has evolved into a beacon of artistic jewellery that draws inspiration from India's rich cultural tapestry.
Agarwal's journey into the world of jewellery began with a solid academic foundation. He earned a degree in commerce from Sydenham College in Mumbai before pursuing formal training in jewellery design and gemology at the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA). In 2005, he gained invaluable experience as an intern at Tiffany & Co., which further honed his skills and understanding of luxury jewellery.
His designs are not merely ornaments; they reflect a deep appreciation for art and culture. According to Agarwal, "Jewellery should be seen as a collection of art, not just a commodity." This philosophy is evident in his creations, which are often described as "bold" and "artistic." His latest collection, Amer, draws inspiration from the majestic forts and palaces of Rajasthan, embodying a harmonious blend of history and contemporary design.
“The fort’s design beautifully merges Hindu and Islamic cultural elements, which inspired me to create an entire collection,” – Yash Agarwal
Agarwal's creative process is deeply influenced by his surroundings. Living in Jaipur, a city renowned for its exquisite architecture and rich heritage, he finds a wellspring of inspiration. He often immerses himself in local culture, stating, “We prefer to personally visit places and immerse ourselves in their heritage and culture. Only then do we transform those inspirations into our jewellery designs.”
His family's generational legacy in the gems and jewellery industry shapes his vision. Agarwal sees both himself and the brand as custodians of Indian art and culture, a role that he takes seriously. “This has always been in my genes and DNA,” he reflects, indicating the deep-rooted connection he feels to his craft.
Agarwal's grandfather imparted a simple yet profound principle that guides his design philosophy: “He used to say, never design to please others. When you design for yourself, you become an artist. That has always been our ethos. We design jewellery that we ourselves would be proud to wear.” This approach fosters authenticity in his work, ensuring that each piece resonates with his artistic vision rather than conforming to market trends.
Despite the overwhelming influx of design influences in today's fast-paced world, Agarwal remains committed to originality. He acknowledges the challenge of external inspirations, saying, “There’s such an overwhelming influx of designs constantly appearing which, out of habit, seep into your subconscious. You end up absorbing images of what others have already done.” Nevertheless, he strives to cultivate a distinct aesthetic that reflects India's unique design language.
Agarwal's commitment to his craft has not gone unnoticed in the world of fashion. He has dressed numerous Bollywood stars, including Alia Bhatt, Rihanna, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ananya Panday, and Deepika Padukone. His creations appeal to those who appreciate art for its intrinsic value rather than merely as a symbol of wealth. “They are the ones who really love art and artistic creations. If they want to wear gemstones only as a portrayal of wealth, then I’m not the right person for them,” he asserts.
His admiration for specific gemstones evolves over time. Currently, Agarwal expresses a fascination with rubellites and white-coloured tourmalines but maintains that this is merely an infatuation rather than a lasting love. “At this point of time, I am very attracted to rubellites and white-coloured tourmalines, but it changes. It’s infatuation, I don’t call it love,” he shares.
As the global market increasingly recognizes India's artistic prowess, Agarwal believes that Indian motifs will gain prominence on the world stage. "The world is beginning to recognize India as the geocenter for the motifs it shares with the world," he states confidently. This growing acknowledgment aligns with his vision of elevating Indian craftsmanship to new heights.
Leave a Reply