QUEENIE SINGH: Queen of all things Precious

Absolutely true to her name, the ‘queen’ of hearts, former Miss India, a Mathematics graduate, an international style icon and of course, a critically acclaimed jewellery designer, Queenie Singh’s work has adorned the likes of Hilary Clinton, the Queen of Morocco, Paris Hilton, Naomi Campbell and as well as almost All Bollywood stars.

Queenie Singh’s jewellery embodies her own sensibilities and values – One of glamour, quality and an unquantifiable element of uniqueness. Wherever in the world you might be, a ‘Jewels By Queenie’ piece is as eminently recognizable as Queenie herself.

She shares some candid moments with SnK, and here is what a session of coffee with Queenie is

I want to start with knowing the story behind your name. Also why Singh and not Kaur?

My father named me as Queenie. I was born after two sons and he decided that I would be the Queen of his heart, which I was. My passport says it’s Kaur but I just want to have a direct association with my father.

You entered modeling and beauty pageants at a time when families were not as broad minded as they are today. Was it a challenge?

My father was totally against it and it was a struggle to convince my family; but I worked on it and convinced him that I will continue my studies and do my masters and keep my grades on the top. I was a Delhi girl so it was a proud moment for the capital city when I won the pageant.

How come you decided to not move towards acting in films (an expected route) and took up designing? How early on did know what your calling was?

For my family and myself, I had started designing jewellery while I was still a teenager. I loved it and was passionate about jewellery although I studied Mathematics I developed my passion into my work.

Do you recall the first piece of jewelry you designed?

My first piece was a diamond art deco bracelet which I designed for myself. My first collection was that of diamonds and colour stones (precious and semi-precious). It was a glamorous one and was an instant success as well.

Did you formally educate yourself in designing and can you share what goes on in your mind while you create such fresh designs from the mind?

Beautiful things, attractive stones, trends, glamorous women, embroidery and colour combinations are all a part of what goes in my mind while I design, I have both formal education and tremendous experience in this field.

Does it just come naturally that you have the design in mind or you explore as you go?

A bit of both, when it comes naturally in my mind I put it in action straight away. Generally good quality stones are a big inspiration.

One can always tell it’s by Queenie when they see a piece from your collections. Do youspecially try to keep a signature look?

The fact that it looks like a Queenie piece is a natural phenomenon as the design comes from Queenie’s heart and mind.
 

What would you say is your favorite piece of jewelry you designed?

I have no favourite piece of jewelry. However, I am partial towards cuffs as they make a statement yet spell importance.

Can you describe the relationship you have with your clients because you might be the only designer I’ve met who shares such a great rapport and relationship with every client.

My jewellery is one of a kind and I love to see it adorned by beautiful women and every client who buys a piece becomes a larger family of Jewels by Queenie.

Who are your favorite style icons and also your favorite designers?

Queen Rania is one of my only few style icons as she optimizes style and class. She is a women of substance. I am not partial to any designer it really depends on the collection of the season. Fashion is frivolous and so is my choice regarding it.

 The million dollar question – Your fitness mantra? How do you manage to stay so fit?

Consistency, discipline and balance. I don’t believe in diets because then you swing from high to low.

What kind of diet plans and exercise regimes do you follow?

Yoga and Pilates is a combination of both. Meditation is followed by yoga.

What would you say on the stereotype that is deep rooted in our society that women can either be high career achievers or good mothers/homemakers?

Unfortunately in our society it is the older mother in law, a women who creates problems for the younger women. Awareness and education and fairness to the fairest is what makes women more comfortable to be able to pursue a career and yet keep a healthy balance with a role of being a mother, wife and a daughter in law.

How do you manage time amongst travel, work and your children?

You always make time for whatever you love. I believe there is enough time as long as you prioritize, don’t be lazy and remain focused.

What’s the best piece ofadvise you ever received?

“Not to be petty”, my father gave me this advise about 20years ago.

Your daughter Tiara has written a book. How much of her writing skills does she imbibe from her mom?

Tiara is a bright young beautiful girl with a mind of her own and her own writing skills, which stems from emotion. I have been a columnist for 6 to 8 years and have written in The Times of India, The Asian Age, Deccan Chronicle and the Hello magazine. We both have different styles.

What are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about my family, my friends and my work in that order. I love traveling and delving in fashion.

What do you love doing when you have time in your hands? Hobbies?

I love catching up with movies and TV shows. I love to travel. Everything else that I really enjoy I incorporate it into my routine even if it’s just a hobby.

What would you want to achieve that you haven’t achieved yet?

Seeing my children stable and successful.

*Jewels by Queenie was started in the year 2003.