During the exhibition, visitors were drawn to the tactile artistry of the brand’s designs blending emeralds, rose-cut and round diamonds, and 18-karat gold. An emerald-studded glove proved to be a standout piece
Paris: Leading luxury jewellery brand Mahesh Notandass Jewellers found itself at the centre of an unforgettable scenario in Paris last month when its creations were showcased at the Sino-French Design and Art Exhibition held in the Louvre Museum—an event that coincided with the now infamous jewel heist. Held at the Carrousel du Louvre, the exhibition brought together leading designers and artists from around the world to celebrate the fusion of heritage, technology and contemporary art.
The prestigious event is supported by the French Ministry of Culture, the Chinese Embassy in France, and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and promotes cross-cultural dialogue. For Vandana M. Jagwani, Creative Director, Mahesh Notandass Jewellers, participating in it marked a moment of pride for Indian craftsmanship. The brand’s presentation included a series of intricate designs blending emeralds, rose-cut and round diamonds, and 18-karat gold, capturing both heritage and modernity. The standout piece — an emerald-studded glove — was a highlight of the exhibition.
As visitors lingered over the emerald glove, tracing the delicate goldwork, Jagwani realized that beauty speaks a universal language, regardless of the place of origin. “Seeing people so eager to experience our work firsthand was deeply rewarding,” Jagwani recalled.
The showcase was part of a wider initiative exploring the co-existence of Eastern and Western aesthetics under the theme ‘Revitalizing Heritage, Technology-Driven Innovation, and Fashion Crossover’. Visitors at the Louvre, accustomed to seeing masterpieces in paint and marble, were drawn to the tactile artistry of Jagwani’s collection — jewellery that blurred the line between adornment and art. “Jewellery has always been more than ornamentation,” Jagwani said. “It’s story-telling in form and metal, an extension of identity.”
The exhibition at the Louvre was organized with precision. Weeks of logistical preparation went into transporting each jewel — from export permits and insurance papers to armoured logistics. Security was seamless, both from the museum’s end and the brand’s own seven-member team on site. “The Louvre has mastered the art of invisible vigilance,” Jagwani observed. “Everything functions perfectly, without intruding on the visitor’s experience.”
Yet, even the world’s most secure museum isn’t immune to the unexpected. During the exhibition, news broke of a jewel theft elsewhere in the Louvre one morning. For Jagwani, it was a shocker as she worried about her own jewellery that was still on display inside the museum. “We were worried, naturally,” she said. “But when we went back in, everything was immaculate.”
Looking back, Jagwani said the showcase was about more than prestige. “To have Indian craftsmanship stand alongside global art at the Louvre — it’s symbolic. India was once the world’s jewellery capital; now, the world is rediscovering that heritage,” she declared.
Founded in 1983, Mahesh Notandass Jewellers has flagship stores at Bandra and Andheri, and a fine jewellery boutique at the JW Marriott, Juhu – all in Mumbai. In 2020, it introduced Vandals, a sub-brand focused on lab-grown diamonds and sustainability.
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