Knot just Gold

While Dayal likes to use Chinese Jade and semi-precious stones in big sizes,the designs vary from butterflies in black and white onyx to dragons in amber,roses in resin and Buddha heads. “Initially I would design jewellery for myself but was encouraged by friends to retail my work,” says Dayal,who has exhibited in Delhi and Mumbai,and has priced her work Rs 11,000 onwards.

Does the designer cater to people who wear stones for astrological reasons? “Not really. However,back in Hong Kong customers like to follow the Chinese calendar,so if it’s the year of the dragon you are supposed to wear stones that are opposite to your star sign,” says Dayal,who is also careful about the origin of her stones. “I do not use sea coral and use reconstituted coral instead. Moreover,I travel extensively and pick up anything that comes my way,” says Dayal,who recently picked up large crosses from Morocco and also uses silver and gold plated beads occasionally.