Today we’d like to introduce you to Shalini Kasliwal.
Hi Shalini, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My husband Giorgio and I have worked together for over a decade, combining our shared vision with two different cultural perspectives. I am half Italian and half Indian, and I grew up in Bologna. I am the eighth generation of the Gem Palace in Jaipur, founded in 1852, a historic house long trusted by royal families and international figures. From an early age, I was immersed in Jaipur’s jewelry traditions, particularly its refined craftsmanship and vibrant colored gemstones.
Although I later became a lawyer in Italy, I felt a strong pull to continue my family’s legacy beyond India’s borders. Today, together with Giorgio, I focus on developing The Gem Palace brand internationally, especially in the United States and Europe, translating centuries of jewelry tradition into a contemporary, global language.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In Europe and the United States, the brand was known by a circle of Collectors who were already familiar with India and its jewelry culture, often through their own travels to Jaipur, where they have often met my late father Sanjay. This made the market receptive and provided a strong foundation to build upon.
The real challenge was introducing innovation while remaining true to tradition. This meant experimenting with elements that are not part of classical Indian jewelry, such as the use of rose gold, and reinterpreting iconic forms like the chandbali for a more contemporary way of wearing. From this process came the Fan Earring, which has become one of our longstanding bestsellers. Today we create it not only with traditional rubies, emeralds and sapphires, but also with colored tourmalines, aquamarine and citrine, reflecting a more modern and versatile approach to fine jewelry.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a jewelry designer involved in every stage of the creative process, from selecting each stone to exploring setting possibilities and overseeing the work in our Jaipur workshop until each piece comes to life. My greatest passion has always been colored gemstones, particularly those associated with Jaipur such as the emeralds.
Nature is a constant source of inspiration in my work. Elements drawn from Rajasthan fauna such as peacocks, elephants and birds appear recurrently throughout my collections, not as literal motifs but as forms and rhythms translated into jewelry. I am most proud of having built a distinctive language that bridges tradition and contemporary design, while remaining deeply connected to craftsmanship and centuries old manufacturing techniques. What sets my work apart is this balance, the ability to honor a centuries-old heritage while continuously reinterpreting it through a modern, personal, double-cultural lens.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My earliest memory with jewelry dates back to the mid-Nineties.
My mother Silvana used to take Samir and I from Italy to Jaipur for a couple of months when we had summer holidays from school.
I indeed have memories from one of those trips, my father allowed Samir and I to roam around by ourselves in the workshop of The Gem Palace. I was approximately 7 years old, I could not really understand that I was surrounded by the most precious gemstones.
I remember a lot of colours and friendly faces in the workshop. That was the beginning of my love story with jewellery.
Therefore my approach with jewellery was sort of very naive since the beginning. I have always been used to be surrounded by beautiful pieces and that allowed me to express the most playful side of my personality. I never took this as a job, but rather as a wonderful journey I have been very lucky to be take part in.
Pricing:
- The majority of our pieces are one of a kind, which means prices can vary. Listing a single price wouldn’t accurately reflect the individuality of each piece.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegempalaceeu/
