Artisans of Kishangarh

26.5866° N, 74.8542° E

“Every stone holds a secret — and in Kishangarh, artisans reveal its soul with patience, reverence, and generations of inherited knowledge.”

In the artistic town of Kishangarh, nestled within Rajasthan’s Aravalli range, semi-precious stones are transformed into sculptural works of quiet elegance. For centuries, artisans here have carved amethyst, aventurine, agate, onyx, rose quartz, lapis lazuli, and carnelian into objects that celebrate both nature’s beauty and human craftsmanship.

These pieces — bookends, trays, boxes, coasters, and decorative accents — are shaped slowly, intentionally, and with a deep respect for the materials gifted by the earth.

Where Stone Meets Heritage

Kishangarh’s stone-carving tradition flourished under royal patronage, when palaces sought intricately carved accents to adorn their halls. This legacy continues today, carried forward by artisans whose skills have been refined over generations.

Their tools may be simple — chisels, hammers, polishing stones — but their knowledge is profound. They understand each stone’s personality: its grain, its translucence, its natural fractures, and the design it wishes to reveal. Crafting is not rushed here. It is a quiet conversation between artisan and material.

The Poetic Language of Stones

Each semi-precious stone carries its own natural character, and Kishangarh’s artisans bring those qualities to life through thoughtful design.

Amethyst — Regal Calm

Rich violets transformed into sculptural bookends, polished coasters, and keepsake boxes that reflect spiritual harmony and luxury.

Aventurine — Green Serenity

Soft greens shaped into serving pieces and décor that evoke grounding, balance, and the quiet beauty of nature.

Agate — Bands of Time

Vibrant swirls and patterns turned into trays, knife handles, and accents that celebrate the stone’s natural artistry.

Onyx, Rose Quartz, Lapis, Carnelian

Each carefully carved to reveal luminous tones — from soft pinks to deep blues and warm ambers.

No two pieces are ever alike. Each creation is a one-of-a-kind reflection of the earth’s palette and the artisan’s touch.

Patience in Every Step

Stone carving is a meticulous, layered process:

1. Selecting each raw stone for its structure and beauty
2. Hand-cutting shapes with controlled precision
3. Slowly refining contours through chisel work
4. Meticulously polishing to reveal depth, color, and light
5. Finishing each piece so it feels smooth, sculptural, and timeless

This process cannot be automated. It requires intuition, calmness, and years of experience — qualities passed from one generation to the next.

A Craft Facing Modern Pressures

Despite the artistry, Kishangarh’s stone community faces difficult realities:

• machine-made replicas challenge handcrafted work
• raw materials are increasingly scarce and costly
• the next generation often seeks more predictable livelihoods
• intricate hand-carving receives little recognition in fast markets

Yet the artisans continue — not out of obligation, but devotion. For them, carving is not simply work; it is identity.

With the world embracing sustainability and slow craft, Kishangarh’s stone artisans are gaining renewed global appreciation.

A Timeless Legacy for Modern Homes

Pieces carved in Kishangarh bring sculptural refinement into contemporary spaces. Their natural tones, organic shapes, and subtle variations offer warmth and quiet luxury — while carrying stories etched over millions of years and shaped by human hands.

These stones do not merely decorate a home. They enrich it with depth, grounding, and meaning.

A Partnership Rooted in Respect

At GAURI KOHLI, we are honored to support the artisans of Kishangarh. Through mindful sourcing, fair collaborations, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, we help bring these extraordinary creations to homes around the world.

Each piece is a testament to the earth’s artistry — and the artisans who reveal its soul.