The many lives of Kajal Naina Sherchan

Founder of internationally renowned jewellery brand Kajal Naina shares her winding life trajectory from art to dentistry to finally jewellery design.

Nepalis interested in designer jewellery are most likely familiar with the name Kajal Naina, a jewellery brand out of Hong Kong and the brainchild of Kajal Naina Sherchan. The brand became very well known in Nepal after actor Priyanka Karki wore a custom-made mangalsutra from Kajal Naina for her wedding. But unbeknownst to many in Nepal at the time, Kajal Naina was already an award-winning jewellery brand. In 2018, the brand bagged two awards—Bronze A’ Design Award in Jewelry, Italy, and an Outstanding Achievement for Jewelry Design at Saul Bell Design Award for the brand's ‘Laliguras’ (Rhododendron) series. The brand also won first place in the People’s Choice Category of the 2019 International Jewellery Stars Award.