I grew up in Lucknow – the city of tehzeeb and tameez. My childhood was spent with an early exposure to the finer things in life. Whether it was my mother’s kanjivaram saris, her intricate pashmina shawls, her love for Ghalib and the Madhushala, the exquisite chikankari outfits she would design or her priceless collection of glass bangles from across the country. My favourite was a gold chain with a flower and leaf motif filled with vivid green enamel. My eyes would light up with fascination every time she wore it- wondering when I would be old enough to inherit it from her. 

Like all parents, mine too nudged me towards many interests – bharatnatyam, lawn tennis, painting, even classical music for a daughter who isn’t even fit for bathroom singing! They really did believe I could do anything. 

But through all that juggling one thing remained constant – my fascination for jewellery. 

I remember how I would swing by after school, at my parents’ store (they are first generation jewellers) and try on all the jewellery I possibly could – much to my father’s disapproval who would pack me off to the house to freshen up, play and do my homework. Even the staff would indulge me while I pretended to be a customer carefully trying on everything with serious purpose. 

I went on to graduate from NIFT where I had a formal fashion education and fell in love with it. I started writing as a Fashion Journalist for Vogue India and later Grazia India. Those were good times but I was looking for more. 

I had always resisted joining our family business because I wanted to prove a point. Now that I had, I was free to do what I wanted. 

Life came a full circle and in Raabel I found something I believed in fiercely. It was and is my happiest place.

I imagined it as a world where women could indulge in design and not think about re-sale, investment and practicality. Raabel is jewellery for the pure joy of jewellery. Unapologetic indulgence. At Raabel we’ve never believed that jewellery was made for lockers. It’s meant to live, breathe, age and evolve with you. The whole idea is to make traditional Indian designs and techniques accessible at a fuss free price and experience. 

All I’ve ever wanted was to share my passion for Indian jewellery and gemstones with as many people as I can and as the obvious next step towards that end, I give you www.raabel.com 

If you’ve made it till here, I know we share a common love and I hope you enjoy being a part of the Raabel story. 

Love, 

Madhur & Team Raabel