Eminent jeweller Viren Bhagat sets up first global boutique in London’s Mayfair 

The jewellery pieces are presented individually at a central desk in the boutique, which clients can view when they visit the store by appointment 

Mumbai: Mumbai-based jeweller Viren Bhagat, considered to be among the foremost gem artists in the world, has opened a new boutique in London, marking his brand’s first foray outside India. The by-appointment-only salon is located in Mayfair and aims to offer international clients access to Bhagat’s handcrafted jewellery. 

At the boutique, as opposed to the traditional way of displaying the jewellery in cases, the pieces are presented individually at a central desk. “To experience our jewellery fully, you need to experience it with every sense—its light, its movement, even its tactility in your hand,” Viren Bhagat was quoted as saying by the New York Times.  

According to the jeweller, the brand’s approach remains unchanged despite international expansion. The jewellery-making process can take up to nine months, with great attention to detail. The brand’s creations are known for their craftsmanship and rarity, as only 40 to 60 pieces are produced annually due to the precision required and the limited availability of high-quality gems like Kashmir sapphires, Burmese rubies and natural pearls.  

Bhagat’s journey began in Mumbai, where as a child, he learnt about colour by sorting vegetables in a market. He later drew inspiration from European design, particularly from Bvlgari’s creations in Rome. Over time, he incorporated Indian heritage into his designs, balancing modernity and tradition. Now, his sons Varun and Jay have joined him in the business.  

The reclusive Bhagat, a fourth-generation jeweller, is known for his meticulous design process and creations of high-end luxury jewellery. He was the first Indian jeweller to be on the cover of Christie’s catalogue about 20 years back. He designs the jewellery himself, and understands the stones in a way that has earned him the epithet ‘the gem-whisperer’. His designs blend Indian traditions, Mughal architecture, and European art deco elements and have been showcased in major institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.  

In less than three decades since its inception in 1991, the House of Bhagat has taken a leading position in the jewellery business of India, and became known around the world through the works of Viren Bhagat, which usually end up in museums and private collections. Bhagat does not retail his products online, preferring all interactions with clients to be in person. His jewellery can be seen only by appointment at his office in Mumbai, at FD Gallery in New York and the Mayfair boutique, as well as at auctions and in exclusive private exhibitions. 

Retail Jeweller India News