What India Taught Me: Lessons from a Journey of Jewels, Culture & Inner Growth

When I first boarded the plane to India, I knew I’d return with inspiration for my jewelry brand, Alliyette. What I didn’t expect was the depth of reflection, expansion, and affirmation this journey would stir in me — as a woman, as a creative, and as a dreamer on a mission. India welcomed me with open arms, vibrant colors, and a spirit so ancient yet alive, I could feel it in the rhythm of every street, in the shimmer of every stone, and in the silence of sacred spaces.

Dressed for the welcome cultural event in Jaipur

I traveled across three cities — Jaipur, Mumbai, and Surat — as part of a global delegation attending the GJEPC Gem & Jewelry Show. Alongside attendees from North America, Europe, and Asia (including an incredible group from the United States!), I immersed myself in the art of jewelry-making, cultural exchange, and deep learning. And let me tell you, the lessons went far beyond gemstones and gold.

Here’s what India affirmed for me:

A few members from the USA group

1. Beauty is Born from Intention

Every palace, every handcrafted textile, every gemstone cut by hand — reminded me that intention shapes everything. The same care that goes into creating a temple or a sari is the same energy we must pour into how we live, love, lead, and show up for our dreams.

🔁 Affirmation: I infuse every step I take with purpose and grace.

Lunch out in the courtyard of the floating palace on Jaipur

2. You Deserve to Be in the Room

At one point, I stood at the Surat Diamond Bourse — one of the largest diamond hubs in the world — surrounded by global industry leaders, press, and pioneers in jewelry innovation. I was invited to speak with GJEPC India media about my work with Alliyette and my vision as a Caribbean woman in fine jewelry. That moment affirmed what I already knew deep down: you don’t need permission to belong. Walk in like you were sent.

🔁 Affirmation: I am worthy of every table, every spotlight, every opportunity.

Interview with GJEPC India Media

3. Heritage is a Superpower

From ancient palaces in Jaipur to the soulful rhythms of Mumbai and the innovation of Surat — India proudly wears its heritage. It reminded me how powerful it is to build a brand (and a life) that honors where you come from. As I grow Alliyette, I do so with the Caribbean woven into every curve, color, and collection.

🔁 Affirmation: My roots are my richness. My culture is my crown.

Welcome reception the convention center in Jaipur

4. Stillness is Sacred

Amid the beauty and bustle, I found small moments to pause like eating India delicacies like paan a tasty snack made of fruits, nots and spices, sipping sugarcane juice under the shade of palm trees in Surat, or watching the sun dip behind the Amber Palace in Jaipur. Those moments whispered: you don’t always need to hustle to receive. Sometimes, you just need to breathe.

🔁 Affirmation: I allow rest and stillness to be part of my becoming.

Looking out from the courtyard of the floating palace on Jaipur

5. Your Vision Will Take You Places

This journey was confirmation and a reminder that the ideas I once scribbled in notebooks and the dreams I whispered to myself when no one was watching — they're real. And they're taking flight.

🔁 Affirmation: My vision is valid. My path is divine. I trust the timing of my becoming.

E-Carat Lab Grown Diamond Factory in Suret

6. Divine Timing Is Always At Work

There were moments on this trip when things didn’t go as planned — delayed flights, long bus rides, unfamiliar foods, and whirlwind schedules. But every detour led to something beautiful: a new connection, a powerful insight, a reminder to trust the process. India taught me that alignment doesn’t always look perfect — but it feels right when you surrender to it.

🔁 Affirmation: I trust that everything meant for me is finding me in divine time and perfect flow.

Paan - a delicious India delicacy made with nuts, fruits and spices wrapped in “betel leaf”

I returned home from India a little jet-lagged and deeply affirmed. Whether you're building a business, writing your story, healing from something unseen, or just figuring it out one step at a time — know this: every journey is a mirror. And everything you need to rise is already inside of you.

Until the next adventure,

With love & light,

Cloyette