Romancing the Stone

A talk with Vincent Peach, the Nashville jewelry designer, on his love of India

Interview by Dave Mahanes / Photos courtesy of Vincent Peach

Dave Mahanes: Vincent, how long have you been traveling to India?

Vincent Peach: I’ve been traveling to India for seven years now.

DM: What brought you there? Business, pleasure, or both?

VP: Business brought me to India, initially, to purchase diamonds. 90% of the world’s diamonds are cut and polished in India. Also, some of the best jewelers and diamond setters in the world are in India. India is a major hub for diamonds, colored stones, and manufacturing worldwide. Now, my trips are a mixture of both. Michelle and I enjoy the hotels and history of India. The unique Palaces and grand Haveli Hotels offer an experience like nowhere on earth.

DM: What does your journey through India look like?

VP: India has a rich and vibrant history with a multitude of cultural experiences. We frequent heritage hotels and historical sites to learn and enrich ourselves along the way. Balancing work and pleasure make being away from home much more enjoyable. Every city and province has its own unique cultural identity, ranging from the colors that they wear in their clothing to the types of foods and spices they use. In addition, the country has an array of climates, from desert and tropical to mountainous.

DM: What’s the culture like?

VP: The first thing that comes to mind is people are very friendly. Our experience has been that Indian people are extremely generous and honest. It is a culture that is very peaceful at heart.

DM: What other aspects of India are you drawn to?

VP: India is a blended history of two worlds colliding. I am drawn to the old-world luxury and British colonial influence mixed with 1,000-year-old Indian traditions and culture. It’s also a very inspiring place for my designs because polo and horses are such an essential part of the culture there. Polo has been one of the most popular sports for over 900 years in India.

DM: Tell me all about the food.

VP: The food starts with market stands on the streets in every town. Think of burlap bags filled with chilis, ground spices, and raw ingredients. Unlike our plastic culture here in the U.S. of microwaveable meals and frozen food, food, and its ingredients have been purchased the same way for 1,000 years in India with scales and weights. Indian food is rich and spicy, mostly vegan, but chicken, lamb, and mutton are also served in specialty restaurants. Don’t expect to find silverware at the table; a cultural norm is to eat with your hands. In place of a fork is fresh-baked naan, similar to bread or pie crust. My personal favorites are Dahl, Butter Chicken, and Lall Mas with pappadam. The equivalent of our chips and salsa at the table would be raw red onion with masala powder and lime, fresh sliced tomatoes, and cucumbers.

DM: What are some of your favorite places to stay there?

VP: Rajmahal Palace RAAS in Jaipur is one of my top favorites. Rajmahal Palace is one of the most beautiful hotels on the planet. It has housed guests from Queen Elizabeth and Jackie Kennedy to royalty from various nations. Every room has its unique color scheme of vivid and vibrant colors of pink, turquoise, greens, and much more. Luxurious themed rooms all have marble bathrooms, crystal chandeliers, and personal butler service. Peacocks roam freely throughout the property, adding appeal to the eyes and the ears. Some of our other favorites are The Imperial in Delhi and the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur.

DM: What’s the best way to get to India?

VP: There is no quick way to get to India. With a minimum flight time of 35 hours, it is not an easy trip. Flying Business Class is ideal for the long journey and will save you days recovering from jet lag. Helpful Hint—Search flights from JFK/New York to Jaipur or Chicago/O’Hare to Jaipur. Book the connecting flight separately or with frequent flyer miles. Also, make sure to find a carrier that has lay-flat seats, which will turn into a bed. (Many times, I can fly Business for the price of Coach using these simple tricks.)

DM: Vincent, I sure have enjoyed our conversation. A trip to India is on my bucket list! Thank you so much for your time.

VP: You’re welcome!

Vincent Peach Fine Jewelry Flagship Store / 2225 Bandywood Dr, Nashville, TN 37215 / (615) 915-0943 / Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays / vincentpeach.com Vincent Peach Fine Jewelry Store / 1310 Clinton St # 107, Nashville, TN 37203 / (615) 378-1374 / Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00am-5:00. Closed Sundays / vincentpeach.com Rajmahal Palace RASS / Sardar Patel Marg, Shivaji Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001, India / 91 141 414 3000 / raashotels.com/rajmahal/ The Imperial / Janpath Ln, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India / 91 11 2334 1234 / theimperialindia.com Taj Lake Palace / Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India / 91 294 242 8800 / tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/taj-lake-palace-udaipur/ Grand Havali Hotels / Bawari Gate, Nawalgarh, Rajasthan 333042, India/ 91 77278 88278 / grandhaveli.com