November 01, 2025

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INDIA'S BEJEWELLED PAST

Arguably the most striking medium of our preserved culture, jewellery is as integral to Indian heritage as it can get From idols being decked up in ornaments to the phenomenon trickling down to classical dancers and brides, followed by royal dynasties with a penchant for treasures and the emergence of the concept of family heirlooms, there are certain pieces of jewellery seeped in history, some stretching back thousands of years. Amid evolving traditions, power changing hands from empire to empire, and often theft, there are some designs that have gone down in history for their remarkable craftsmanship, caratage and value. HELLO! brings you some of the most opulent pieces of jewellery that were once part of royal treasuries.

OLD LEGACIES, NEW DREAMS

A brand-new generation from two former princely states of India bring their sharp acumen as entrepreneurs and conservers of a dazzling royal past. From philanthropic acts of uplifting women, to lessons of love for literature and elaborate dishes from royal kitchens, heritage is passed down to the new generation of royalty -- our cover stars notwithstanding. Having known each other for years, Princess Mriganka Singh of Jammu & Kashmir and husband Nirvan Singh Sandhu of Patiala, Princess Inayatinder Kaur of Patiala, and Rajkumar Martand Singh of Jammu & Kashmir exude warm camaraderie as they come together for HELLO! at JJ Valaya's agship store in ew elhi interlinked through marriage and friendship, forging their own way in the modern world"There are many royal pegs in my life -- in fact, I think I was royal in my previous birth," says the Jodhpur-born Valaya, who styled and dressed the quartet in his regal designs. "It's extremely special to see the younger generation of royalty. his is my natural affinity, you know It s as though we belong here not to the new money generation that s all about ashiness. I'm most at ease in this era -- sophisticated, classy, and statement-making." Read on to see the young royals in glamorous avatars, as they let us into the little-known details of their lives and vision for the future.