From the Heart: Meet Fine Jewellery Designer Kajal Naina

Former dentist Kajal Naina’s love for gold and gems saw her switch careers to become a fine jewellery designer. She tells Prestige why.

My goal is to create jewellery that resonates with the wearer on a deeper level, becoming a cherished symbol of their individuality, dreams and most treasured moments. I want my pieces to tell stories, evoke emotions, and be passed down as heirlooms for generations to come.

My jewellery is deeply rooted in my Nepalese heritage. In Nepal, jewellery isn’t merely adornment – it’s a symbol of status, cultural identity and personal milestones. I grew up witnessing the reverence women held for their gold jewellery – not just for its beauty but for the sense of security and empowerment it provided.

Some of my most treasured pieces are heirlooms passed down from my mother and grandmother. Although I don’t wear them often, they hold immense sentimental value, connecting me to the women who came before me – the feeling of touching something that was once worn close to their hearts brings a sense of warmth and comfort.

Every piece gifted by my husband holds a special place in my heart. The most memorable were when he gave me my engagement ring, and his first gift after our marriage, which was a Tiffany necklace he brought back from a business trip. And there’s the Chaumet necklace he surprised me with after our daughter’s birth. Each piece is a tangible symbol of his love and appreciation.

I’ve always had a dual passion for both science and art. While my dentistry career fulfilled my desire to help others and utilise my scientific skills, my artistic spirit yearned for expression. A major life change led me to re-evaluate my priorities and embrace my creative side. Jewellery design naturally emerged as the perfect blend of my love for art and my fascination with personal adornment.

From my upbringing, gold represents a safety net. When I see, touch, and wear gold, I see both my past and my future. I see myself as a child, joyfully getting small pieces of gold from my parents and grandparents on birthdays and special occasions. I see myself now feeling even more special every time I put on my beloved pieces, which always strengthens my confidence. And I see myself years ahead, feeling safe and free thanks to gold.

Giving back to the community is a core value for me, both personally and as a brand. As a mother of three daughters, I understand the transformative power of education and its role in empowering individuals, especially women and children. My husband and I have always supported various causes related to children’s education, and Kajal Naina Jewelry has pledged a portion of its profits to organisations working to uplift women and children in need. I believe that businesses have a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of society, and giving back is a way for us to create a positive impact beyond the realm of jewellery.