As a designer, entrepreneur, and the voice behind Manpriya Jewellery, Manpriya has built a brand that stands for more than just adornment—it’s about identity, bold choices, and breaking rules. On the occasion of Women’s Day, she reflects on power, resilience, and the lessons that have shaped her journey.
If you could have a long dinner with three women—past or present—who would they be, and what’s the first question you’d ask each of them?
It’s impossible to pick just three! But if I must, I’d start with Suzanne Belperron—a woman ahead of her time in jewellery design. She famously refused to sign her work, saying, “My style is my signature.” I’d ask her: How did you resist the industry pressure to brand yourself, and what was it like to be at the forefront as a female designer in a male-dominated world?
Then, Diane von Fürstenberg, the woman who revolutionised fashion with the wrap dress. I’d love to ask: Did the idea of the wrap dress come to you organically, or was it a deliberate design decision?
And lastly, Zaha Hadid, the visionary architect. I’d ask her: What was the wildest idea you ever had that never got built? Because I have no doubt she dreamed of things beyond what the world could handle.
If I could sneak in two more: Elsa Peretti, the mastermind behind sculptural jewellery, and Shon Randhawa, the powerhouse behind contemporary Indian fashion brand Talitha and my sister. I’d ask Elsa about the biggest challenges she faced and how she overcame them, and Shon about the source of her endless resilience and energy.
You’ve built a brand, a voice, and a platform—what’s one piece of advice you wish someone had told you when you were starting out?
I wish someone had told me to trust my gut without hesitation. The times I followed that inner voice, whether in design, business, or life, led me to my best decisions and the most authentic version of my work. Doubt is the enemy of creativity.
Women’s Day is about celebrating progress, but also acknowledging what still needs to change. What’s one narrative about women that you’re tired of hearing?
That we have to choose between ambition and personal life. It’s outdated. We can have both, in our own way. Success isn’t a formula – it’s about balance, confidence, and knowing our worth.
What’s a moment in your journey—big or small—that made you feel truly powerful as a woman?
Opening my store in Delhi. Coming from a non-jewellery background, I stepped into an industry where women were rarely at the forefront. Many people looked at me with doubt, unsure if I belonged in that space. But I did create a stir, people would walk into the store just to see who this woman in the jewellery world was. It was a huge step, one that pushed me beyond fear and into confidence. That’s when I knew, I belonged here.
If you had to design a piece of jewellery inspired by the essence of ‘feminine power,’ what would it look like?
A pair of cuffs. Cuffs feel like armour. They make you feel like a superwoman, ready to take on the world. They exude confidence, strength, and independence. And most importantly, you don’t need anything else – it completes the look all on its own.
What’s a time you completely ignored the rules (or the ‘shoulds’) and it turned out to be the best decision ever?
Thirty years ago, when I created my Monpri bangles, I was mixing gold and silver, pairing precious stones with semi-precious ones. It was unheard of at the time, but I trusted my instinct. To this day, people talk about those bangles. Breaking the rules has always led me to my best work.
What’s one stereotype about women that secretly makes you laugh because it’s just so ridiculous?
That women are bad drivers and terrible at parking! Let’s put that to rest already.
What’s a so-called ‘flaw’ you’ve learned to love about yourself, and how did that shift happen?
I was never a confident speaker. I was always conscious of how I spoke, whether I was saying the ‘right’ thing. But over time, I realised it’s substance that matters, not delivery. And that confidence comes with age. The more you own your words, the more powerful your voice becomes.
