Inside the Mind of the Modern Meenakar

Colour, technique, and motif—these are the fundamentals that guide Sunita Shekhawat when conceptualising a piece of jewellery. Deeply inspired by the beauty and majesty of Rajasthan, Shekhawat’s creative journey began over three decades ago, and today, her brand Sunita Shekhawat Jaipur is widely recognised for its timeless modern heirlooms. She pioneered a contemporary colour palette that broke away from traditional red and green enamelling, giving the ancient art of Meenakari a striking new edge, earning her the title of ‘The Modern Meenakar’.

Rajasthan’s vibrant palette, architecture, textiles, and decorative arts continue to inspire her even today. Reflecting on the lifelong muse that defines her design sensibilities, Shekhawat says, “Whether in the grandeur of palaces like Umaid Bhawan or in the quiet charm of village life, what fascinated me was that regardless of scale or setting, the emotion behind craftsmanship remained the same.”

For the jeweller, the process of turning a concept into a structured piece of jewellery starts with an idea or a story. “The idea is then translated through motifs and brought to life using traditional techniques. From there, the challenge is to create structure and form while preserving the emotion and artistry at the heart of the design,” she adds. The aim, ultimately, is to balance heritage with innovation, transforming inspiration into something timeless and wearable.

When Rajmata Gayatri Devi inaugurated Shekhawat’s boutique in 1999, it provided a much-needed boost to the then-emerging designer. A full circle moment came 25 years later, when Shekhawat was honoured with an award named after the legendary queen who had championed the jeweller in her early days. She recalls, “In fact, the very first cheque  Ireceived was signed by her as ‘Rajmata Gayatri Devi of Jaipur’, which inspired us to adopt the name Sunita Shekhawat Jaipur. She was not only an inspiration to me but to generations of people, and her legacy continues to guide the way we preserve and reinterpret our heritage today.”

Read the full story in the special ‘Joaillerie Market’ issue of LuxeTrope, on stands now.