SOME KIND OF BRILLIANCE

How do you detail a sparkling four-decade long career journey in a half-hour chat? By uncovering the things that matter the most: A passion for design, a love for gemstones, and a dream of wanderlust. In what is probably her 40th visit to the country for Bulgari’s A Roman Holi gala), Lucia Silvestri, Bulgari’s Creative Director, talks to Grazia about the things that she holds closest

- MEHERNAAZ DHONDY

A love affair with India

If you follow Lucia Silvestri on Instagram, chances are you'll spot her in Rajasthan ever so often. "From 1987 to now, I've probably been to India over 40 times, sometimes more than twice a year," says Silvestri, who was last here in Jaipur, in December, celebrating her birthday. "I love Rajasthan, especially Jaipur - I'm inspired."

Following her destiny

"It's a kind of love story, starting from the gems. When I was very young and had just started working with Bulgari, I met the three Bulgari brothers who became my mentors and teachers. I entered their office in via Condotti in Rome, and immediately fell in love with a table full of gems there were rubies, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds - I knew it was my destiny to follow the energy of the gems."

All day, every day

From the day she entered the Bulgari office, jewellery has been a part of her being. "At every occasion, on vacation or even while working out, I'm always wearing jewellery my instructor always points it out but I always say it's a part of me." Her preferred pieces, she says, are difficult to pick. "I thought to myself maybe earrings because I can't stay without them, but then I thought of necklaces, and I can't stay without them too, and it's the same with rings. Basically, it's everything."