IN CONVERSATION WITH NIKITA & NAMITA ON THEIR FAV PIECES & STORIES BEHIND

IN CONVERSATION WITH AZGA’S FOUNDERS ON THEIR FAV PIECES & STORIES BEHIND

By Aditi Agrawal

In the world of modern jewellery, where trends often come and go, sisters Nikita and Namita Bhandari of Azga have crafted a brand that’s both timeless and deeply rooted in heritage. Born and raised in Jaipur, a city steeped in the splendour of Mughal art and architecture, the Bhandari sisters grew up surrounded by the colors, forms, and stories that would later inspire their designs.

Azga, their brainchild, is an homage to these influences—a brand that beautifully blends traditional Indian aesthetics with contemporary sophistication. Guided by a shared passion for intricate craftsmanship and a love for meaningful pieces, Nikita and Namita have created collections that aren’t just about jewellery but about carrying forward stories, memories, and an unwavering connection to their roots. 

In this conversation, they share the intimate stories behind some of their favourite designs and the journey that has shaped Azga into what it is today.

Presenting one of Namita’s personal favourites— Jardin Earrings. These earrings are distinct not only for their sculptural appeal but also for their lightweight structure, which makes them effortlessly versatile. Namita explains, “The Jardin Earrings really stand out because of the play of form; they have this remarkable three-dimensionality that almost everyone finds captivating in person. They’re super unique and truly worth a place in any wardrobe.”

Crafted in collaboration with enamel artists, the design was born out of a series of experiments, each iteration refining its intricate details. "We wanted to create something elaborate yet light, and the Jardin Earrings were the result of pushing the boundaries on both fronts,” Namita shares. 

When asked about how she would style it, Namita suggested a crisp white shirt and blue denim, a combination that lets the earrings stand out and effortlessly transitioning from day to night. 

While Namita brings a flair for contemporary playfulness with pieces like the Jardin Earrings, her sister Nikita lends a sense of heritage and nostalgia to Azga’s collection with her personal favourite—the Hisbiscus design. This intricate motif, steeped in Mughal art, has become a hallmark of Azga’s aesthetic, appearing across cufflinks, buttons, and earrings. For Nikita, the Hisbiscus design is much more than just a beautiful pattern; it’s a tangible connection to her childhood, filled with memories of Jaipur’s traditional block prints and the ornate designs found in Mughal architecture.

First introduced in the form of buttons and cufflinks, the motif quickly gained popularity, prompting Nikita and Namita to adapt it into earrings. These petite yet statement pieces have become an everyday staple, merging timeless elegance with an easygoing appeal. Nikita explains, “We really saw that people were loving it, so we thought, why not make it into something that we could style ourselves?”

For styling, Nikita prefers a thoughtful, sentimental approach. While she adores the Hisbiscus earrings as an effortless daily accessory, she reserves the cufflinks for special occasions, often styling them for her father or husband. 

With their distinct favourites and styling insights, both Namita and Nikita invite wearers of Azga to not only adorn themselves with jewellery but also to carry a piece of history, reimagined for today’s world.