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Last November I spent 2 weeks exploring the ‘Golden Triangle’ of India.  A vast region that includes the capital of Delhi, the majestic Agra (home to the Taj Mahal) , and the poetic Jaipur.  I set off with my trusty photographer Tum who has now accompanied me on 9 JAI inspiration trips along with our expert local guide to fall in love with India.

Tum, is a gifted photographer and friend who has traveled with me for the past 5 years throughout S.E Asia.

I’ve written this blog to share my experience of exploring the grand Taj Mahal and to introduce you to my new TAJ Collection that it inspired.   Although I know I won’t be able to do it justice I hope you enjoy some of the insights that I learned.  Maybe for just a brief moment I can transport you to India and you too can experience the beauty that is the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is probably one of the best known mausoleums in the world. Known as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’, it was built by the request of Emperor Shah Jahan to commemorate the love he had for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Considering it was built in the 17^th Century & the region where it was built, this was an unprecedented act of love that had never been seen.

The Taj Mahal was built in Agra which was known as the paradise of the valley as it lay along the Yamuna river and took 22 years to build.  To add perspective, this wonder of architecture was built in a time with no electricity & no modern tools. 

The beautiful building behind me is just one of the grand entrance gates to enter the Taj Mahal.

This is the first view you get of the TAJ as you walk thru the entrance gate.  Notice the height of the arches, this reason for the sheer size was so that the elephants could enter.

This photo was taken as soon as I entered the grounds of the Taj Mahal.  As you can see the grounds are spectacular, full of geometric gardens and many reflection ponds.

I was astounded to learn of all the consideration that went into the planning of the Taj.  Did you know, that there are 4 towers that surround the mausoleum which were built at a 3.5 degree angle in consideration of earthquake tremors?  The architects also took into consideration the saturation of the ground based on its close proximity to the Yamuna river, so they laid down copious amounts of wood prior to creating the foundation in order to absorb the water and any future moisture that may come its way.

The complexity of the grounds and thoughtfully they are laid out can’t be captured in a photo.

The architectural design and execution is a testament to the expert artisans and craftsmen who came from all of the world to create this work of art.  The design of the Taj is completely symmetrical, again, an outstanding feat considering the times.  The hundreds of master artisans created exquisite inlay flower designs that were carved into the Makrana marble (to this day known as the most desirable marble mine in the world because of its purity) and set with emeralds, jade, onyx, cornelian.  Just to give you an idea, the lotus flowers that covers a major portion of the Taj Mahal are created by using 64 individual pieces of jewels.  The combination of the purity of the marble and the inlay design of the gemstones creates a remarkable sight during full moons.   The marble lets the moonlight flow through and the opaque gemstones of the floral motifs begin to glow, a true vision of beauty.

I wanted to capture the Taj at an angle so you could appreciate how precise the symmetry is.  Each side is identical to the other.

The detailed craftsmanship of the artisan work is truly remarkable.

The more I experienced and learned of this beautiful work of art called the Taj Mahal, the more I wanted to create a collection that would pay homage to not only the timeless design but the simplicity of the clean lines that create this wonder.

To introduce the TAJ Collection, I’ve decided to create in solid sterling silver.  The design that became the TAJ silhouette was a motif that not only could be seen carved throughout the beautiful marble work at the Taj Mahal, but was a signature motif seen throughout the ‘Golden Triangle.

Our new Taj Collection pays homage to the geometric designs found throughout the Taj Mahal. A timeless silhouette that dates back to the 15^th century.

Created in solid sterling silver with hand applied oxidation.

I hope you love my new TAJ Collection and I look forward to presenting it for the first time with my friend Courtney Cason on Tuesday, June 14^th at 10pm ET on QVC PLUS.

Please join me on our JAI Jewelry for QVC Facebook page and our JAIJewelry_ Instagram account to enjoy the world of JAI.

-Safe Travels /\ Scott

I love the simplicity of the design, especially as we ease into our linen whites and the carefree style of summer.