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Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Urvashi Nighojkar

We recently had the chance to connect with Urvashi Nighojkar and have shared our conversation below.

Urvashi, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
The most important thing to me is integrity.
With integrity, intelligence and energy are channeled toward constructive goals. Even if someone is less brilliant or energetic, their trustworthiness makes them valuable in any team or leadership role. If I have to choose only one, I would start with integrity. The others matter too, but integrity is the foundation that keeps everything aligned.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Urvashi Nighojkar, founder of Gemnomads, a creative bespoke bridal and fine jewelry brand dedicated to high quality craftsmanship with ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones. Our passion for craftsmanship shines through in every one-of-a-kind, high-quality piece we create, thoughtfully adorned by our cherished customers.
As a leading creative fine jewelry brand, we collaborate with emerging, exceptionally talented jewelry designers to bring you unique, on-trend pieces tailored to your individual taste. With ethically sourced, certified diamonds and gemstones from around the globe, each design is a masterpiece, carefully set and custom-crafted in-house by our skilled bench jewelers to uphold the highest standards of quality.
As we celebrate 26 years of dedicated craftsmanship, we continue to embrace our tradition of excellence, using environmentally friendly techniques and a commitment to superior artistry. We are a family-owned business, proud to serve clients across 180 countries and beyond.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My family has been the foundation of integrity, work ethic and purpose in our business. My parents, sister, husband and son all have shaped me to be a disruptor, innovator in the fine jewelry space. They inspire me to turn ordinary days into quiet acts of resilience, consistency, and care.
Whether it was my parents working tirelessly or the way they approached even the smallest tasks with pride, I learned early on that showing up fully, honestly, and consistently mattered more than any shortcut or quick win.
I saw what it meant to finish what you start, to honor commitments, and to give your best effort, even when no one is watching. Those lessons have stayed with me, not just in how I run my business, but in how I approach people, decisions, and creativity.
My family showed me that success isn’t about rushing, it’s about building, layer by layer, with patience, purpose, and integrity. That foundation is at the core of everything I do today.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
That’s a beautiful and introspective question. I would say to my younger self “You don’t have to rush. Everything meaningful will come in its time, just keep showing up with heart, and trust that you are already enough.”
“To the girl I once was, thank you for dreaming softly and working quietly. You didn’t know it then, but every small step was leading you here. This brand is your courage, your patience, your story in gold and diamonds.”

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
My mission is to create fine jewelry that would never compromise on quality of craftsmanship and conscience. We are striving towards utilizing sustainable materials, applying energy efficient practices, and maintaining high quality craftsmanship. The above remains my lifelong commitment.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
Designing fine jewelry is where I feel most connected to myself, it brings a sense of calmness and clarity. Every curve, every setting, every detail carries that energy. It’s more than just design — it’s a reflection of balance, emotion, and care.
My hope is that each design we create brings you a sense of that same peace, a quiet reminder of beauty, both within and around you.

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