A Woman with Range

Being Neighbourly x Shikha S. Lamba, Shikha S. Lamba Jewellery

Author/ Being Neighbourly
2 July 2025

I draw inspiration from a variety of sources. I use an assortment of semi-precious gemstones in my jewellery, and often the stones inspire the design,” says Shikha S. Lamba, Founder of Shikha S. Lamba Jewellery of her creative influences.

As we speak, she’s sitting at her Mid-levels work desk, with most of her gemstones and materials around her, looking very much a creative force.

“Additionally, I find inspiration in natural elements and motifs from different cultures and architectural styles.” Lamba is also an avid reader of all things fiction and non-fiction, and is much respected for her voluntary work on behalf of women and children in Afghanistan.

However, Jewellery design was not her initial career choice or even on her radar. “I stumbled into it, somewhat accidentally, when I couldn’t pursue my desired fields. One of my aunts suggested it to me after I graduated, knowing about my passion for art and design.”

Lamba established her Hong Kong company, Shikha S. Lamba Designs, after moving to the SAR in 2007. She says that most of the materials she uses are sourced from her native India, with the exception of a few semi-precious gemstones.

“I personally select and purchase 99% of the gemstones I use to ensure the quality meets my standards and is appropriate for the jewellery I want to make. Over the years, logistics have been somewhat challenging—especially during the COVID years—since my workshop is located in India and my business in Hong Kong.”

Another challenge in recent years has been carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands, which means that Lamba’s days of fine sketching are behind her. But, thankfully, her craftsmen, who she calls karigars, understand her rough sketches well, having worked with her for nearly 20 years.

“Once the sketches reach my craftsmen, depending on the type of jewellery being created, they may require the use of CAD (computer-aided design) to produce the wax models, or the wax models may be crafted by hand. Throughout this process, I keep the customer updated regularly.”

Many of Lamba’s designs feature filigree and Ajourè techniques that involve creating beautiful, intricate designs in metal. She also has a passion for vintage styles, that lend old-world charm to her designs.

“My classic filigree designs are timeless. While I prefer not to repeat designs and create many one-of-a-kind pieces, there are a few items that have consistently remained popular with clients over the years.”

Lamba offers custom designing and redesigning of older pieces of jewellery as well. The custom process typically begins with a few conversations with the client to understand their specific requirements. Next, she presents various options through mock up sketches, and, if applicable, choices for gemstones. “Once I provide a rough estimate of the costs and receive approval from the client, my karigars begin crafting the jewellery.”

With a passion for books and stories, Lamba is herself a storyteller, one who aims to craft jewellery that is durable and can be redesigned and reworked.

“Fast fashion, in itself and where it concerns jewellery is a major concern for me. As a story-telling designer, I believe in creating jewellery that accumulates memories and stories as it’s worn, and continues to do the same for those who come to wear it in the future.”

“I enjoy combining elements from different cultures to craft a distinctive narrative, fusing design elements from various parts of the world in a necklace or pair of earrings.,” she enthuses.

What’s the best work advice you have received?

“I don’t quite remember who told me this, but one piece of advice has stuck in my head. It’s that I cannot rely solely on my work to represent me or make my brand stand out,” says Shikha S. Lamba, Founder of Shikha S. Lamba Jewellery.

“People want to connect to people and not products, in most cases, especially when you sell through online sources. For someone like me who is a bit of an introvert, putting myself out there alongside my work has been a bit of a challenge. I find it much easier to meet people in person than to connect with them through reels, videos, and so forth, but I’m getting better at it,” she says.

Shikha S. Lamba Jewellery
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