I grew up loving colour, shapes, textiles, trims, quilts, art, music and dance. But the thing I loved most was jewellery. I trained in Fine Arts Photography and practised that for several years. I rediscovered my love of jewellery after moving to Hong Kong in 1994.

In Hong Kong, the region's obsession with Jade fascinated me - I had no idea of its value and variety of colours and qualities. Jade was strung into necklaces and bracelets by Chinese Knotting, traditionally done in silk thread. I started to experiment with Jade and Chinese Knotting and combined these elements with traditional Indian jewellery from my heritage. About 15 years ago I converted this passion into a business and started a line of my own creations, which grew into Sagiri Dayal Jewellery.

In the years since, as I've travelled around Asia, I've added other unique elements to my work. I have incorporated elements ranging from silver and enamel pieces from Thailand, cinnabar from China, pieces from Istanbul, silver beads from Bali and vintage and antique brooches and pendants from Europe and America. These diverse influences have resulted in a very unique style, and I aim to create pieces that are bold and stunning, just like the women who wear them.

I am known for my heritage collection pieces that are one-of-a-kind and handmade with Chinese knotting. In the past two years, I have also started a new contemporary collection consisting of wearable pieces. It was inspired by my two daughters - who were always searching through my collections to find pieces they could easily wear. These designs are stackable, modern and fun. My jewellery has garnered a devoted clientele in many major cities including London, New York, Hong Kong and New Delhi.