This time was the longest I’d been away from Jaipur and, I have to say, I’d missed it in more ways than one! Most of my team lives here, who I’m grateful to be physically reunited with. The little flat that I call my office is now functional, and yes, it finally isn’t boiling hot anymore out here. As I gave Jaspy and Ben massive goodbye hugs to last the next few weeks, I felt that familiar tingle of excitement again… of doing what I love, in the thick of things – in our workshop, and the tiny lanes of the pink city I’ve now made my own, obviously.
True to style, the hotel staff greeted me with those wide smiles I’m used to, and my good old chaat and pani puri guys looked just as happy to see me again as I was seeing them. There seems to be a buzz in the Jaipur air as it does this time of the year — festive season is coming, and there’s an unsaid energy that can’t wait to welcome the celebration. I myself am super excited about Durga Pooja and Diwali and the multiple weddings I’m supposed to be attending — besides of course, counting down the arrival of my favourite bit — winter!
I just know there are some beauties lying in wait for me… pieces hiding in the summer heat, ready to show themselves to me (and to you via me)! Everything I have found and am bringing to you, I’m very thrilled about: lots of vintage and antique pieces, and some newly created beauties, waiting to be worn and taken to beautiful places and made amazing memories in. I’ve laid my hands on an array of pieces in different metals, and can’t wait to showcase them through the duration of the Travelling Dukaan.
As always, feel free to ask me questions, compliment the pieces and dream about them… I do. Fun fact: a lot of times, I can’t afford a lot of the pieces I put up, but I enjoy admiring them and giving them a platform for you to do the same — even if you don’t buy them! True joy lies in the appreciation of the workmanship of handmade Indian jewellery and spotting those one-off antique stunners, am I right? Especially as heritage crafts get rarer, it’s a privilege to feast your eyes on, and spot them, like we do here in India.
PS: Do send love to my team — they’re the real heroes of the Travelling Dukaan, which is no mean feat! Here’s to the immense pride for everything we put out, and heaps of love to everyone supporting, appreciating, enjoying and buying. See you at the Dukaan!
If you’ve forgotten how it works, here’s a quick refresher:
