Watches have been sitting on wrists for centuries. Rings have adorned fingers for even longer. But combining the two into a single piece that honors Rajasthan’s jewelry-making legacy while actually functioning as both? That’s a different challenge altogether.
Gaurav Mehta, the founder and designer behind Jaipur Watch Company, has just unveiled a ring that features an elephant, created in the jadau style, inspired by traditional Rajasthani jewelry, which conceals a working watch beneath a lid that opens to reveal a mother-of-pearl dial.
The design draws directly from Rajasthan’s cultural heritage, where elephant motifs have long been significant in traditional jewelry. Mehta has reinterpreted this classic element using age-old jewelry-making techniques. The piece showcases vibrant green enamel work combined with polki diamonds, all set in 18-carat gold.
The technical specifications tell their own story. The piece incorporates 2.64 carats of fine diamonds throughout its structure, with two prominent 0.50-carat diamonds adding weight to the overall composition. These materials have been assembled using handcrafted methods that jewelry makers in the region have practiced for generations.
What makes the piece genuinely interesting is its dual functionality. The elephant on top operates through a delicate lid-opening mechanism. When closed, it functions as a ring with an intricate sculptural element. When opened, it reveals the watch face underneath, transforming the jewelry into a functional timepiece. You can wear it either way, depending on what the celebration calls for.
“Our vision has always been to go beyond watchmaking by creating objects of timeless beauty that carry the weight of our history. This elephant-inspired timepiece is more than jewellery and more than a watch, it is a living story of Rajasthan’s artistry, meant to be cherished and worn for generations. By blending traditional techniques with a modern design language, we have created not just a timepiece, but a jewel of time. It reflects a part of Jaipur’s heritage while offering remarkable versatility in how it can be adorned,” Mehta said.
Priced at approximately $12,631, the creation represents Jaipur Watch Company‘s continued approach to watchmaking, treating timepieces as opportunities for artistic expression rather than just functional objects. By anchoring the design in Rajasthani craftsmanship while allowing for contemporary interpretation, Mehta has produced something that doesn’t fit neatly into standard categories, enhancing the versatility of Indian watchmaking brands.
