SAYIDATY MAGAZINE, JAN 2026
by Sarah Murtada
How did you begin your journey in jewelry design, and what inspired you to reintroduce Indian heritage in a contemporary style with Tripat?
My journey began quite naturally, driven by an age-old passion for things that hold stories: childhood memories, mythological symbols, architectural details, and traditional arts and crafts. I grew up in a culture rich in traditions, and it was easy to be drawn to the symbolism inherent in everyday forms.
My choice of jewelry specifically stems from my grandmother, Tripatt, whose love for timeless pieces deeply influenced me. This passion remained dormant while I studied fashion design until 2021 when I worked with a Dutch jewelry designer, and that's when I realized this was my true calling. I began sketching and experimenting relentlessly.
Through Tripat, I wanted to create jewelry that felt like a family heirloom, but was lightweight and contemporary—pieces that carried emotional significance without being heavy, and suited to everyday life with a playful and modern spirit.
How do memory, symbolism, and emotion influence your creative process?
It all begins with memory. It might be a pattern I loved as a child, an item my mother wore, a festival, a legendary story, or even a fabric pattern that makes me feel a sense of belonging. These fragments are transformed in the studio into familiar designs with a new spirit.
For example, the Aam Panna pendant is inspired by my favorite childhood juice; I placed the emerald stone, called “panna” in Hindi, as if it were flowing from a mango, in a playful touch.
Symbols are important, but emotion is paramount. I want jewelry to feel alive, to speak to the wearer in a personal and quiet way. For me, a "modern heirloom" is a piece that carries a memory and a sense of belonging, worn every day.
The first Tulip Series collection was inspired by the Amsterdam tulip. What inspired you about it?
The tulip pendants are very close to my heart; they were the first collection I designed in celebration of my love for Amsterdam. I wanted to reintroduce the tulip, a symbol of Dutch culture, in a modern and imaginative way.
During my visit to Keukenhof Gardens, I was captivated by the variety of colors, especially the dark, almost black tulips. They were majestic, and I knew immediately that I wanted to translate this feeling into an everyday piece.
Movement was key; I didn't want to fix the stone in place, but rather let it move and sway freely within the gold setting . This sense of freedom and joy is what I wanted to instill in the piece. Despite its sculptural nature, it remained lightweight and easy to wear, which is essential for me because I rarely take my jewelry off.
Tripat Jewelry - Image from the brand
All Tripat pieces are handcrafted from recycled gold and ethically sourced stones. What is the importance of craftsmanship in your philosophy?
Conscious craftsmanship is at the heart of Tripat. Using recycled gold and ethically sourced stones is a sign of respect for the material, the craftsman, and the planet. I have two unwavering principles: no harm to the environment and ensuring fair and transparent treatment for everyone involved in the work. My future goal is to achieve B-Corp certification, building a brand that reflects the values I believe in.
How do you choose what Indian crafts to reinterpret, and what to preserve as is?
I see my designs as a dialogue between the past and the present; respect for origin and craftsmanship, while allowing the design to breathe and evolve to feel contemporary.
How do you see the jewelry market in the Gulf, and where does Tripat find its place in it?
The region understands well how to balance heritage and modernity. There is a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and storytelling, with a growing desire for personal and contemporary pieces, and this is where Tripat finds its natural place.
Tripat jewelry is designed to be used, not stored. How do you envision its relationship to your customers' daily lives?
When a piece has meaning, it becomes part of daily rituals. Our designs are customizable and blendable, making them unique to each individual. One client engraved a special message on her tiger claw pendant and wears it daily as a reminder of strength, and that's exactly what I want: personal, authentic jewelry that can be worn every day.
What are your future plans for Tripat?
I'm working on new collections that explore different places and crafts, with a deliberate expansion in the Gulf and building a global presence through select partnerships. But the essence will always remain: slow, thoughtful design, and timeless pieces that transcend time.
