‘Inadequate’ is not the first word that comes to most people’s minds when they think of Indian jewellery, but to Natasha Subherwal Mehta, the gap was clear. “Either you got ‘junk jewellery’ at rock bottom prices, or ‘imitation jewellery’ bordering the Indian jadau look at designer stores,” she says. “One would think ten times before buying.” She refers to this in the past tense, of course, because by dipping her own toe in the waters, she breaks the mould. Shimmer Shack, launched last year, is her brand for bold, experimental accessories, not constrained by a wearer’s age, shape or size. “Every piece is unique and bold – meant for women who take risks,” she says. “Anyone can wear them and look sensational! Accessories can turn a banal outfit into something fabulous.” And costume jewellery, she explains, gives a designer a vastly greater palette to work with than gemstones and metal. On a Shimmer Shack shelf, you are likely to find anything from multi-coloured beads to crystals, enamel to zircon, and pearls of different shades (“A personal favourite.”) Currently on the shelves in boutiques in Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore and Kolkata, the exclusive Shimmer Shack, she assures us, is next on her anvil.

Subscribe to Verve Magazine or buy the Verve issue on stands now!