Zoya and Alice Cicolini Unite to Create a Lhasa-Inspired Fine Jewelry Capsule Celebrating Uncut Diamonds and Enamel Craftsmanship
Zoya, the distinguished fine jewelry brand under India’s Tata Group, recently marked a milestone in its history by embarking on its first international creative collaboration. Joining forces with British designer and curator Alice Cicolini, Zoya has unveiled a limited-edition jewelry capsule inspired by the architectural splendor of Lhasa, Tibet. This exclusive 19-piece collection intricately blends traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities, featuring uncut diamonds, satin-finished 18K gold, and the intricate enamel technique—a signature art form of India.
The inspiration behind this unique collaboration draws deeply from the layered and textured architecture of Lhasa, where historic buildings rise in interwoven layers, evoking a rich sense of history and spirituality. Alice Cicolini, renowned for her expertise in tracing the journey of artistic motifs across cultures, reinterprets these architectural forms into jewelry designs that balance texture, form, and color. Her approach embraces a playful yet meticulously researched design language that harmonizes traditional Indian jewelry elements with a refined modern aesthetic.
Zoya has long been celebrated for its innovative use of colored stones and diamonds, and this partnership takes their craft in a new direction by focusing on enamel artistry. Enamel work requires exceptional patience and skill, especially when combined with uncut diamonds, whose raw beauty contrasts with the polished glow of satin-finished 18K gold. The result is a collection that embodies both visual complexity and tactile richness.
The palette of the collection is soft yet vibrant, featuring hues of sage green, rose pink, and morning dew blue. These colors evoke natural calmness and freshness, complementing motifs like cherry blossoms and chevrons that have cultural significance in Indian design traditions. The use of uncut diamonds lends an organic, untouched quality to the pieces, while the satin gold brings warmth and subtle sophistication. Reflecting on the collaboration, Alice Cicolini expressed, “When Zoya approached me to create a collection celebrating uncut diamonds and enamel, I immediately felt a connection. Here was a house that honors craft, story, and soul—design that dares to be different yet holds deep meaning.”
The capsule includes a diverse range of jewelry pieces—from sculptural rings and bangles to traditional jhumkis (Indian earrings) and layered chains. Each item is crafted with attention to detail and reinterprets classic Indian jewelry forms through the lens of contemporary architectural design. This layering and dimensionality parallel the multi-faceted nature of the women Zoya envisions wearing these pieces—strong, free-spirited, and carrying multitudes within.
A fascinating narrative thread runs through the collection, inspired by the legendary explorer Alexandra David-Néel, the first Western woman to enter Lhasa. Her fearless exploration and thirst for discovery mirror the independent spirit of the modern Zoya woman. This symbolic connection imbues the jewelry with stories of courage, wanderlust, and cultural curiosity.
Revathi Kant, Chief Design Officer at Titan Company (Zoya’s parent group), remarked on the significance of this collaboration: “This unprecedented international partnership in Indian luxury jewelry reflects a woman who wanders freely, carries multitudes, and is brought to life through sculptural silhouettes and feminine energy. Our five years of dedicated enamel craftsmanship laid the foundation for this collection. In Alice, we found a true partner who shares our devotion to celebrating India and helped us create a capsule that is both boundary-breaking and redefining.”
The development of the collection spanned five years, underscoring Zoya’s contemplative design ethos and Alice’s extensive experience with enamel techniques. Over the last decade, Alice has worked closely with skilled artisans in Jaipur, India, not only to preserve traditional enameling methods but also to push their evolution in modern design contexts. Her work has gained international recognition, exhibited at prestigious venues such as the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), Sotheby’s, Somerset House, and has involved collaborations with renowned institutions including Fortnum & Mason and the Carpenters Workshop Gallery.
This collaboration is more than a fusion of design aesthetics—it’s a dialogue between East and West, tradition and innovation. The jewelry transcends mere adornment to become carriers of cultural memory and female empowerment. Lhasa’s spiritual architecture embodies resilience and freedom of spirit, themes that Zoya and Alice have woven into each piece, offering wearers not just beauty but a connection to a profound cultural heritage.
The exclusive capsule is available by private appointment at select Zoya boutiques, emphasizing its rarity and bespoke nature. For collectors and aficionados, owning a piece from this collection means possessing a wearable work of art, one that celebrates heritage craftsmanship while embracing contemporary narratives.
Looking ahead, Zoya aims to continue expanding its international collaborations, exploring cross-disciplinary innovations that further position the brand on the global luxury stage. The partnership with Alice Cicolini exemplifies how traditional Indian jewelry artistry can find fresh expression and recognition worldwide.
In sum, the Zoya x Alice Cicolini collection is a stunning testament to the enduring power of craft, culture, and design. Each piece acts as a miniature architectural marvel, layered with history, symbolism, and feminine strength—quietly telling a story of time, artistry, and fearless exploration. This collaboration not only enriches Zoya’s heritage but also redefines the future of Indian fine jewelry on a global canvas.