Alok Lodha: The Delhi Jewellery House Beloved by Royalty

November 21, 2022

By Katerina Perez

7 min read

A Family House of High Jewellery dating back to the late 1960s, Alok Lodha, also known as Bejewelled, crafts exceptional jewels from its home in Delhi, India. His passion for rare gemstones and beautifully crafted necklaces, brooches and tiaras has secured an enviable following among global connoisseurs and royal families across the Middle East and Asia. Here, I speak to the company founder and his son to learn more about the jeweller’s history.

Alok Lodha grew up in the small but disciplined jewellery atelier operated by his father, Mr Kesri Chand. It was based on a narrow lane of Old Delhi, one of India’s oldest and busiest markets. Today, Alok Lodha is a brand recognised for its craftsmanship, creativity and commitment to unique, one-of-a-kind creations.

Mr. Alok Lodha

Mr. Alok Lodha

It started as a humble endeavour in a small atelier, but my father slowly garnered an unwavering reputation and trust from the jewellery community, explains Alok Lodha. The quality of creation was of superlative importance, but beyond that was an honest work ethic, good faith and respect for people.

Sapphire and diamond High Jewellery ring and brooch by Alok Lodha

Sapphire and diamond High Jewellery ring and brooch by Alok Lodha

 Sapphire and diamond High Jewellery necklace by Alok Lodha

Sapphire and diamond High Jewellery necklace by Alok Lodha

 Sapphire and diamond High Jewellery ring by Alok Lodha

Sapphire and diamond High Jewellery ring by Alok Lodha

Mr Lodha was only 19 years old when he found himself at the reins of his father’s business in 1985. Determined to chart his own course, he opted to stage the brand’s first trade show in Dubai and later opened a store at The Hyatt Regency in Delhi. Thus began a journey that would establish his name and that of his family on the international stage. The grand opening of his Kuwait showroom and completion of the Alok Lodha fine jewellery workshop, one of the first in Delhi, was the finishing touch in a swift rise to prominence and prestige. 

The Lazarus necklace set by Alok Lodha featuring 96.60 cts of cabochon pigeon blood rubies from Mozambique and diamonds

The Lazarus necklace set by Alok Lodha featuring 96.60 cts of cabochon pigeon blood rubies from Mozambique and diamonds

It continues to be an adventure, Lodha says during our conversation about the past, present and future of his eponymous business. By 1995, our repertoire became more nuanced, including our first foray into high jewellery and commissions from the royal families of the Middle East and Asia. In 2000, Kuwait became integral in our explorations of extraordinary jewellery with its discerning clientele. 

High Jewellery diamond earrings by Alok Lodha

High Jewellery diamond earrings by Alok Lodha

 The Cadre de Miroir earrings by Alok Lodha featuring rose-cut diamonds

The Cadre de Miroir earrings by Alok Lodha featuring rose-cut diamonds

 Diamond necklace by Alok Lodha

Diamond necklace by Alok Lodha

 High Jewellery drop diamond earrings by Alok Lodha

High Jewellery drop diamond earrings by Alok Lodha

Kuwait has always been a special destination for Alok Lodha. Some of his first clients were Kuwaitis, and later, after exhibiting across the Persian Gulf, he still found there was a strong synergy between Kuwaiti tastes and his own designs. The connection goes deeper still: the House of Sabah, the ruling family of Kuwait, was the first royal household to purchase jewels from the brand. Today, the business has two homes: one in Kuwait, which opened in 2000, and a flagship presence in New Delhi. 

The Clove of Viridian ring by Alok Lodha featuring emeralds and diamonds

The Clove of Viridian ring by Alok Lodha featuring emeralds and diamonds

 Emerald and diamond High Jewellery earrings and necklace by  Alok Lodha

Emerald and diamond High Jewellery earrings and necklace by Alok Lodha

 The Halo of allure necklace by Alok Lodha featuring emeralds, pearls and diamonds

The Halo of allure necklace by Alok Lodha featuring emeralds, pearls and diamonds

 Emerald and diamond ring by Alok Lodha

Emerald and diamond ring by Alok Lodha

 Emerald and diamond High Jewellery necklace by Alok Lodha

Emerald and diamond High Jewellery necklace by Alok Lodha

But what might one discover in these two destinations? Alok Lodha Jewels does not believe in rushing jewellery. It is willing to wait years to find the perfect gems to bring a piece to life. Lodha explains: “A truly rare piece of jewellery needs time to come together. I have been privately collecting old mine stones since the 1980s, and one of my recent great treasures is a 184-carat Colombian emerald. It is immensely joyful to chance upon the most precious stones and save them for the right time and the right customer who appreciates them as much as we do. That is what matters.”

Alok Lodha necklace with a 87.51-carat Colombian emerald and 4.65 cts rose-cut diamond suspended from a string of pearls

Alok Lodha necklace with a 87.51-carat Colombian emerald and 4.65 cts rose-cut diamond suspended from a string of pearls

Old mine-cut and rose-cut diamonds are signatures of the House of Lodha, as are precious rubies, emeralds and sapphires in faceted and carved forms. To find inspiration for new creations, Alok Lodha will often take “peaceful walks in nature” to ponder a stone and determine how it can be best presented to its full advantage. He adds: “Gems of the highest grade are procured, evaluated and graded personally by me, be they Burmese rubies, Basra pearls or Golconda diamonds.” Some highlights include The Floraison necklace with 83.45 carats of old- and round-cut diamonds in white gold, as well as the Tasawur brooch with a 51-carat pear-shaped Colombian emerald suspended from a knotted ribbon of white diamonds totalling 30.3 carats. I am particularly fond of the Estée earrings with 20 carats of pear-shaped Colombian emeralds set in a starburst pattern with a further 7.20 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds. 

The Tasawur Brooch by Alok Lodha featuring a 51 ct pear-shaped Colombian emerald and diamonds

The Tasawur Brooch by Alok Lodha featuring a 51 ct pear-shaped Colombian emerald and diamonds

 The Floraison necklace by Alok Lodha featuring 83.45 cts of old cut and round diamonds

The Floraison necklace by Alok Lodha featuring 83.45 cts of old cut and round diamonds

 Estée earrings by Alok Lodha featuring 20 cts of pear-shaped Colombian emeralds and brilliant cut diamonds

Estée earrings by Alok Lodha featuring 20 cts of pear-shaped Colombian emeralds and brilliant cut diamonds

Elsewhere, the brand has focused on its Rosecut collection in the last 12 months, showcasing the unique gem setting practice whereby flat rose-cut diamonds are paired with coloured stones. This technique was developed in India in the 15th century, but still, it offers something refreshing and contemporary to fine and high jewellery collectors in the present. A ring with a triangular-shaped rose-cut diamond surrounded by oval-shaped emeralds is especially striking. 

Emerald and diamond ring by Alok Lodha

Emerald and diamond ring by Alok Lodha

Although gemstones are the driving force behind Alok Lodha designs, other inspirations also play a vital role. Mr Lodha notes that “Delhi has had a defining impact on my sensibility and approach to craftsmanship,” which is evident through the brand’s mix of Indian and European design aesthetics. He continues: “I grew up around artisans understanding every aspect of a stone and unique setting techniques. There could be no better learning ground, as India is home to some of the best hand artisans in the world and is the largest importer of precious gemstones. So while my designs have always catered to an international audience, they are rooted firmly in Indian craftsmanship. It is these techniques and the knowledge that has been passed down from generation to generation that supports our artistic vision.”

Diamond ring by Alok Lodha

Diamond ring by Alok Lodha

When clients visit the brand’s flagship store in Sunder Nagar of New Delhi, they can experience this local jewellery artistry for themselves. Lodha describes it as the culmination of a “lifelong dream”. But, of course, this dream will live on through his three children, Nitisha, Pranav and Ashwin, who are the third generation in the House of Lodha. 

High Jewellery earrings, ring and bracelet by Alok Lodha featuring diamonds and coloured gemstones

High Jewellery earrings, ring and bracelet by Alok Lodha featuring diamonds and coloured gemstones

Looking ahead, Alok Lodha Jewels will be showcasing its High Jewellery to the Middle East, including Bahrain and Qatar, between November 2022 and February 2023 to meet its clients at various events. It is also preparing to unveil a “special floral collection” early in 2023, which will undoubtedly be as excellent as all other creations under the House of Lodha umbrella.

You can visit Alok Lodha boutique in India, New Delhi – 1 Sunder Nagar Market and Kuwait – Shop no. 19-20 Zahra Shopping Complex Salmiya

Jochen Leën: A New Hotel in Belgium is a Temple of Minerals and Gemstones

continue reading

Make a Statement for Less: Incredible Fine Jewellery Under £5,000

We will be showcasing the designers and brands who are exploring brilliant alternatives to costly materials to enable more clients to own a piece of their world

by Claire Roberts

Wise Words: A Curated List of the Best Jewellery Quotes

Here’s a curated selection of the best jewellery quotes to save for the future… 

by Hirshi Sujanti

Ear Lobe Disasters: What To Do About Ripped and Stretched Piercings

Rachael Taylor discovers just how common the problem of ripped and stretched ear lobes is and seeks solutions from jewellers and surgeons

by Rachael Taylor

Museum Worthy: Previewing the Highlights of TEFAF Maastricht 2025

We reached out to the jewellery exhibitors heading to the Netherlands to get a preview of their rarest and most precious creations…

by Sarah Jordan

Sensational Storage: How to Choose the Right Jewellery Box

What types exist, what to look for, which one to give preference to, and how to find the best of the best – for all of this, continue reading…

by Katerina Perez

Arab Deco: Exploring the Latest High Jewellery Collection by Al Zain

Let’s refresh our shared memories of Al Zain through the lens of KaterinaPerez.com and dive into these new creations that are fortuitously timed with the 100th anniversary of Art Deco in 2025…

by Sarah Jordan

Jewellery Obsessed: In Conversation with International Model Farnoush Hamidian

I like to think of this as the first of many articles dedicated to women who are obsessed with jewellery as much as I am

by Katerina Perez

8 Women, 8 Jewels: Female Designers Share their Signatures for International Women’s Day

In honour of International Women's Day 2025, which has the theme #AccelerateAction, we reached out to eight female designers and asked them to share the piece that best exemplifies their design style

by Sarah Jordan

Feminine Energy: Navigating the World of Jewellery with Marceline Paris Founder Anne-Marie Le Flanchec

This is a woman who knows her own mind and isn't afraid to follow her instincts

by Sarah Jordan

Academy Awards: The Best Jewellery of the Oscars 2025 

As the great finale of awards season, the Oscars is the culmination of all the glamour, colours, trends and finery we’ve seen over the last three months. Let’s take a closer look…

by Sarah Jordan

Cool Collectors: Calming Luxury Jewellery to Alleviate Anxiety 

Rachael Taylor dives into the soothing world of jewels that ease a troubled mind…

by Rachael Taylor

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Nature’s Folio:The Boucheron Untamed Nature High Jewellery Collection

Be prepared to feel transported to the French countryside, somewhere in the 19th century, armed with only a graphite pencil and the very earliest monochrome camera…

by Sarah Jordan

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

Writing Adventures:Co-Authoring the Book

Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.