Sneha Ladha, Founder, Jatan, writes exclusively for Op-ed Moped
Every iconic brand begins with a personal journey, and Jatan is no exception. What started as a simple search for earrings that wouldn’t cause discomfort during long wedding festivities has blossomed into a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and effortless elegance.Jatan journey is more than just a jewellery label and it is a heartfelt response to a problem I experienced firsthand – “Why should we have to choose between style and comfort?”
In the search for lightweight jewellery that blended elegance with ease, I found myself sketching out designs, crafting pieces that I wanted to wear. What started as a personal need soon evolved into something much bigger—a brand dedicated to creating jewellery that speaks of style, comfort, and heritage.
From the very beginning, I made a promise to myself: I would never compromise on the core idea that sparked Jatan—weightless jewellery that doesn’t sacrifice beauty. Earrings were where it all began, but as I connected with more women who shared the same struggle, I realized there was a need for an entire line of jewellery that offered the same ease and elegance.
Slowly but surely, I expanded Jatan into curating complete jewellery sets designed for all kinds of celebrations. Whether it’s a vibrant haldi ceremony, a carefree bachelorette party, an intimate Sufi night, or a grand carnival celebration, every collection is crafted to be effortlessly light and endlessly stylish. And because I believe jewellery is deeply personal, customization became an essential part of the brand. I wanted Jatan to be a space where everyone could find or create pieces that felt like an extension of their personality.
But turning this vision into reality was no easy feat. It took me eight months of what I fondly call my own jatan—relentless effort, patience, and perseverance—to find artisans who could bring my designs to life while upholding the exceptional craftsmanship that Indian jewellery is known for. My journey eventually led me to the heart of West Bengal, where generations of skilled karigars have kept the tradition of handcrafted jewellery alive.
Collaborating with these artisans has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. Jatan is not just my story; it’s also theirs. Together, we are keeping a centuries-old craft alive, ensuring it continues to shine in the modern world. And in doing so, we’re also providing sustainable livelihoods for these talented artisans whose dedication deserves to be celebrated far beyond our borders.
It’s an overwhelming and humbling feeling to see how Jatan has grown—from a personal solution to a platform that empowers karigars and brings their timeless artistry to a wider audience. For me, jewellery has never been just an accessory; it’s an experience. At Jatan, every piece carries a story—of heritage, of passion, and of the tireless craftsmanship that makes each design truly special.
When you wear Jatan, I hope you feel what I felt when I first created it: the joy of comfort meeting beauty, and the pride of wearing something that’s deeply rooted in tradition yet designed for today.
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