India was my first solo trip outside Europe, with six weeks of adventure that took me deep into the heart of Rajasthan, specifically the city of Jaipur, one of the world’s gemstone capitals. After a long flight, arriving to Jaipur sent a shock to my system, immediately struck by the colours, smells and its energy made me feel very excited to discover the Pink City.
I was very fortunate to have a friend working in Jaipur, introducing me to some of the best city spots for a lovely dinner as well as the locals, from the workshops of the family run Gem Palace jewellers to the Jaipur Polo Club. On the second night, I had been invited to join wedding celebrations at the old palace, dancing until dawn. During the day, I examined gemstones while sipping chai tea offering a moment of calm amid the vibrant chaos of the city via tuk-tuk.
Within the first week, my jewellery understanding had expanded 10 fold, my mind had been widened outside of the Hatten Garden bubble. Indian traditional jewellery and craftsmanship helped me explore new creative possibilities, particularly through traditional techniques in stone carving and metal work. The locals were very inviting, sometimes too inviting! Touring workshops and being handed diamonds as large as cherries was common occurrence.
Exploring the chaotic streets with beautiful ancient palaces and forts, the vibrant colours in textiles and the integration of the surrounding nature. Thousands of stones presented to me everyday, from gem dealers and jewellers, it sent me into a designing frenzy. These elements instinctively drew me to begin sketching designs.
One of the most memorable experiences was celebrating Hariyali Teej in the old palace with the Maharaja. Dressed in traditional attire, I joined a procession into a sea of thousands of people who celebrated with music, dance and devotion to Shiva. Through the ritual, I gained a deeper understanding of Hinduism’s profound symbolism and its enduring traditions as I surrounded myself with locals sharing their stories and relationship with their faith.
Nature preservation and the protection of animals and wildlife are very close to my heart. During my trip, I visited an ecological sanctuary in the countryside, that has rescued elephants and camels from inhumane tourist operations. I also had the opportunity to visit a natural park dedicated to protecting and conserving the leopard population. Seeing one of these elegant predators in its natural habitat was a truly unforgettable experience.
Spending time with the local wildlife in their natural surroundings is so important to me. It helps me understand the local efforts in wildlife conservation and always reinforces my love for natural world.
On weekends, I enjoyed polo matches an elegant tradition that added a touch of regal leisure to my journey. The sunsets over Jaipur painted the sky in shades of gold, creating some breathtaking scenes. Evenings were spent in beautifully designed bars where I would sit for hours. Finding pockets of peace in this chaotic city was such a pleasure! Evenings usually finished with dancing in the Old Palace or The Leela Palace, wondering around these incredibly colourful patterned interiors was so magical.
The last 2 weeks, I had organised for trips to Udaipur, Pushkar and Delhi further expanded my understanding of Rajasthan’s spiritual and cultural depth. Each city had its own spirituality and character. Udaipur had this beautiful palace on a lake, with kingfisher perched on a lake provision. I also celebrated the colourful festival of Holi in Udaipur which was a trip highlight. In Pushkar, a spiritual town, hiking to the Savitri Mata Temple to watch the sunrise produced spectacular views. This was enjoyed with the local monkeys who were starting to have their breakfast.
Jaipur was more than a city; it was a living tapestry of tradition and innovation a place that awakened my creative spirit and deepened my appreciation for the beauty of handcrafts, history and human connection. This trip marked a pivotal moment in my love for jewellery design a journey of discovery that continues to inspire my work and my view of the world woven together by the magic of Jaipur’s timeless charm.
Pink Paradise is a collection inspired by my personal experiences and Rajasthan’s vibrant culture. It studies its Festivals, Wildlife, Spirituality and all that represents Jaipur’s way of life its ornate palaces, sunlit courtyards and blush sandstone walls that symbolise harmony and craft. This collection uses luminous pink pearls, bright precious stones, local carved techniques and even Percy’s own tooth. Together these pieces weave Percy’s love for nature, symbolism and cultural depth and is a love letter to the experiences along the way.
