Peepal leaves at our Mīrās shoot location - July 2025
I approached the design of our first collection, MĪRĀS, almost as an experiment - to see what might emerge through me. Guided by a few core design-thinking principles, I began sketching instinctively, with little structure and no formal guidance.
The signature design element in all Peepal Patti craft jewelry is, of course, the peepal leaf, often seen in its perfect heart-shaped form. We explored the many variations of this leaf found in nature and adapted a version that carried the modern vibe we envisioned for the collection.
Form exploration of the peepal leaf
In exploring how leaf motifs have traditionally been used in jewelry, we observed two common patterns (as shown in the image below):
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a single standalone leaf dangling beneath a larger motif, or
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two smaller leaves intentionally placed back-to-back.
The first form offered a perfect canvas to highlight the leaf’s beautiful shape, while the second created a graceful interplay between the two leaves. Nearly every piece also featured small pearls and thin wires anchoring the leaves in place. We wanted to incorporate both of these ideas into our designs - crafting pieces that felt fresh yet still carried a sense of familiarity.
Antique pieces belonging to Maharani Jind Kaur, Queen of Punjab from mid to late 1800s
We also set a few key objectives for the design process:
a) balancing everyday pieces with bold statement designs,
b) creating versatile, multi-use styles, and
c) introducing distinctive product types.
The design journey began with the original inspiration behind the Mīrās Collection: a pair of earrings I inherited from my grandmother (circa 1950s), pictured above. I knew I wanted to reimagine this heirloom as part of the collection. From there, I sketched additional pieces featuring dangling leaves, captivated by the enchanting movement they created when worn. Some of these designs advanced to the next stage of development, while others remain as concepts for now.
After finalizing the range inspired by dangling leaves, I started pushing the boundaries of the original concept and exploring new forms. This led me to experiment with rigid leaves arranged in overlapping rows, designed as studs or ear cuffs. I also ventured into distinctive product types, such as full-ear spreads and helix hooks.
Some designs evolved through multiple iterations during development and ultimately surpassed what I had first imagined. Moments like these are a reminder that it’s often best to trust the process rather than resist it.
Take the Rosh stud, for example. I had initially envisioned it as a lightweight piece - a hollow peepal leaf enclosed within a slender oval frame. The form was designed to be crafted from fine metal tubing, but when the first sample was produced, we encountered challenges at the junctions where the leaf met the oval. The casting process left the joins less refined than I had intended - a critical flaw for a design meant to embody minimalism and elegance.
When the first prototype arrived, it became clear that the design needed rethinking - a touch more weight was necessary to give the stud more presence while still keeping it comfortable to wear. We resolved this by developing a continuous loop design that preserved the spirit of the original concept - and I couldn’t be happier with the result. I hope you’ll love it too.
We explored several approaches to designing multi-use jewelry - pieces that could be styled in different ways or worn on various parts of the body. For instance, we experimented with a necklace that could be wrapped twice to become a bracelet, and an earring with interchangeable components that could shift seamlessly from office wear to an evening look.
The “Aahat” door-knocker earring is a perfect example of this versatility: a playful, convertible accessory that can be worn in three different ways, adding a fun and dynamic element to any look.
The journey of taking mere ideas and sketches to an actual final product that is ready to be shared with the world still feels surreal, and something I will not take for granted. I hope you love the collection as much as I enjoyed designing it!
