Munnu Kasliwal
Munnu Kasliwal | |
|---|---|
| File:Munnukasliwal.jpg | |
| Born | 7 July 1958 Jaipur, India |
| Occupation(s) | Jewlery Designer and Connoisseur |
| Spouse | Kalpana Kasliwal |
| Children | Siddharth Kasliwal, Samarth Kasliwal |
Munnu Kasliwal was a jewelry maker who was owner of the Gem Palace in Jaipur. Kasliwal was born on July 7, 1958 in Jaipur, India. Although not widely known such as Bulgari or Cartier, Kasliwal created jewelry for many celebrities including Nicole Kidman and Diana, Princess of Wales in 1992.[1] Kasliwal came from a long lineage of jewel craftsman and used traditional Indian and Rajasthani techniques.[citation needed] He was inspired by the Mughal Empire, said to be his "Hallmark of Style".[2] Kasliwal attended Xavier's Secondary School.[2] He then attended the University of Rajasthan where he pursued a degree in Business Management.
Kasliwal was described as a "seducer" by Muriel Brandolini.[2] For Kasliwal, inspiration was all around him. India's very rich history brought upon all of the beautiful pieces that Gem Palace offered. Kasliwal used intricate enamel work called kundan. Instead of being mainstream, Kasliwal did the opposite hence why he was considered a secret until one found out about him and his various collections.[citation needed] Kasliwal did the most he could to obtain precious gems to work with for his pieces. He once rode through the mines of Golconda accompanied by winding roads to acquire a rare stone. He knew he would be risking his life or would there would be a high possibility of a automotive accident.
In 2001 Kasliwal created a collection for Metropolitan Museum of Art.[3] and showcased intricate pieces resembling those seen during the Mughal Empire. Five separate collections were created, inspired from the likes of the Greek and Roman Empires.
Kasliwal died on August 12, 2012 from brain cancer.[4] The operations and ownership of the emporium was passed along to Siddharth Kasliwal.[5][6]
References
- ^ "Munnu Kasliwal". The Telegraph.
- ^ a b c "Munnu Kasliwal, a Favorite Jeweler of the Connoisseurs, Dies at Age 54". The New York Times.
- ^ "Munnu's Collection for the Met". Munnu the Gem Palace.
- ^ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/9585005/Munnu-Kasliwal.html
- ^ "SIddarharth Kasliwal Launches Handmade Jewelry Collection for Munnu the Gem Palace". Forbes.
- ^ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/victoria-lautman/jaipur-gem-palace_b_1841745.html