Love Language: Introducing the Expressive Creations of Zome Jewellery

Those of us with a passion for jewellery understand its ability to communicate one’s inner thoughts and emotions. For designers like Meghna Biswas, the woman behind Zome Jewellery in the United Arab Emirates, the process of transforming coloured gemstones and precious metals into beautiful creations is an ever-evolving love language. Her feminine mineral colour palette immediately captured my attention, as did her interesting background in interior design and her ethos of storytelling and personal expression through jewellery. I spoke to Meghna to discover her signature pieces, her favourite gemstones, and her approach to craftsmanship. 

I have always believed that there is power in surrounding yourself with beautiful things. Not just jewellery, of course, but art and objects that tell a story and demonstrate a commitment to craftsmanship and quality. So, you can imagine how intrigued I was to discover that Meghna Biswas started her career in luxury interior design, developing beautiful spaces and transforming walls, floors and ceilings into works of art. Her transition to jewellery happened naturally but was driven by a desire to create wearable art and combine that with personal expression, colour and individuality. 

The result is Zome Jewellery – a brand that weaves blue, purple, lilac, pink and fresh green mineral hues into intricate pieces, complete with filigree, millgrain, enamel and engraved details for elevated femininity and charm. Meghna draws inspiration from art and architecture, as well as Indian perspectives on adornments, to create what she describes as “miniature sculptures”. Another facet that caught my attention is Meghna’s expertise in colour theory, which you can find out more about in the highlights from our conversation below. We all have colour preferences and a sense of what ‘matches’, but how does this differ when one has training in the art of colour? I made a point of finding out! 

Katerina Perez: Where does the name Zome originate from, and what is its significance to you? 

Meghna Biswas: The name ‘Zome’ carries a deep personal and architectural significance for me. It is a blend of my daughter Zoey’s name and my own, Meghna, symbolizing the fusion of our spirits and the love that forms the foundation of this endeavour. Additionally, ‘zome’ in architectural terms refers to a type of geometric structure known as a ‘zonohedron,’ and it is used in the construction of geodesic domes. This architectural reference is fitting, given my background in interior design and architecture. It reflects my approach to jewellery design—structural, thoughtful, and influenced by geometric and organic forms.

KP: Can you share some of your favourite pieces in your collection and tell us why they exemplify your signature style?

MB: One of the signature pieces in the Zome collection is the Aurora earrings. Inspired by the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights, these earrings feature tanzanites, peridots, and amethysts set in a flowing, organic design that mimics the movement of the aurora borealis in the sky. This piece showcases my love for bringing together different textures and hues to create a dynamic, visually striking effect.

Another defining piece is the Verafleur Ring, which embodies the essence of spring and the flourishing of flora, crafted from a vibrant combination of multi coloured sapphires and diamonds. The design is inspired by the first blooms of spring, where colours vividly come to life after the winter months. The Verafleur Ring not only highlights Zome’s dedication to vibrant colours and intricate detailing but also demonstrates our commitment to creating pieces that resonate with the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

The third piece, the Symm Ring, is a testament to my love for symmetry, precision, and the unexpected. It features a base of pastel unheated sapphires arranged to create a serene and harmonious backdrop. Atop this array sits a flawlessly cut pink tourmaline, placed at an intriguing angle that breaks the symmetry.

KP: Are there any Zome collections that you are particularly proud of? 

MB: I am deeply connected to the Celestia collection, which marked Zome’s entry into the world of fine jewellery. This collection is inspired by the vast cosmos, utilizing deep sapphires, mystical tanzanites, alluring amethysts and twinkling diamonds to evoke the mystic beauty of the night sky. The pieces in this collection are expansive yet richly detailed, designed to capture the splendour of celestial phenomena and the infinite allure of space.

The most recent collection is the Axia collection. This represents a culmination of everything Zome stands for. It focuses on large central gemstones set in intricate geometric arrangements that showcase a mix of vibrant, colourful gemstones. Each piece in the Axia collection is a sculptural work of art, combining the knowledge and artistic insight gained from all previous collections, be it the use of enamel, filigree work, milligram details or vintage-inspired pieces. 

KP: Do you have a personal favourite gemstone or colour palette to use? I can see a lot of pink, purple, lilac and pastel blue on your website and on Instagram. 

MB: Among the various gemstones I work with, tourmaline holds a special place in my heart, particularly the pink and green varieties. The vast colour spectrum of tourmaline inspires boundless creativity, allowing me to explore and integrate a vibrant palette into my designs. Tourmalines are also gemstones that have been used in jewellery historically, creating the rich and vibrant pieces that we associate with Indian heritage. 

Alongside tourmaline, I am captivated by the subtle allure of spinels. Their range from soft pastels like pink and lilac to the intense depths of reds, deep blues, and greys, offering a dynamic canvas for expression. These hues, particularly the delicate pinks, purples, lilacs, and blues that frequent our collections, resonate with a tranquil elegance, perfectly aligning with the serene and thoughtful aesthetic of Zome. Each colour choice is intentional, aiming to evoke a sense of peace and sophistication.

KP: How do you go about selecting the gemstones you use? What do you look for, and would you say you are guided by instinct?

MB: Selecting gemstones is deeply intuitive yet grounded in a deliberate design strategy. My approach is greatly influenced by my architectural background, where structure, colour, and texture play pivotal roles. I am particularly drawn to the unique beauty of each gemstone, celebrating its natural form by choosing cuts that enhance its intrinsic qualities. Whether faceted, cabochon, or uniquely cut, each stone is selected for its ability to contribute to the overall composition of the piece, ensuring that the final creation is not just visually striking but also meaningful.

KP: I am really interested in your colour theory expertise. What can you tell me about this and how it influences your work? 

MB: My expertise in colour theory has been finely honed through my background in interior design, where the interplay of colours creates ambience and evokes emotions. This experience translates into my jewellery designs, where I explore the emotional resonance of colours and their ability to tell stories. For example, working with bi-colour tourmalines allows me to delve into a broad spectrum within a single stone, offering unique opportunities to create pieces that are not only striking but also emotionally compelling.

In selecting gemstones, I am guided by the feelings and stories each colour represents. This is why I am particularly drawn to gemstones like bi-colour tourmalines and spinels, whose diverse hues enable a rich narrative within each piece. My design process involves an intuitive yet deliberate approach to combining these colours to enhance the natural beauty and character of the gemstones.

I really appreciate the level of thoughtfulness that underpins Zome Jewellery. In-person, the brand’s pieces are beautifully robust, intricate, colourful and comfortable, which is a winning combination for women who appreciate both style and substance. Looking ahead, Meghna is committed to cementing her place in the UAE, while introducing new collections and expanding her reach into new markets. With such a meticulous approach to brand building, I have no doubt that she will achieve success.