Inside Nita Ambani’s Rs 15 crore Wallace Chan brooch made with a 17.67-carat gemstone

A decade of craftsmanship, rare gemstones and an unconventional design come together in the extraordinary piece of jewellery Nita Ambani recently wore. Called Soaring Spirit, the dragonfly-shaped brooch is a creation by internationally acclaimed jewellery artist Wallace Chan and is estimated to be worth between Rs 12 crore and Rs 15 crore.

Nita Ambani, who serves as a director at Reliance Industries and founded the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), showcased the one-of-a-kind accessory at the inauguration of The Library, a new destination bringing together literature, dining and cultural experiences.

The brooch is as remarkable for its materials as it is for the time invested in making it. Chan spent 10 years bringing the design to life. At its centre is a 17.67-carat tsavorite garnet, complemented by yellow and other fancy-coloured diamonds, rubies and pink sapphires. Titanium has also been incorporated into the construction. Its estimated value stands at $1.5 million to $1.8 million.

What makes Wallace Chan's dragonfly brooch special?

Rather than serving as a conventional decorative accessory, Soaring Spirit draws on the symbolism of the dragonfly. The insect's association with freedom, transformation and possibility forms the foundation of Chan's design.

There is also an interesting detail in the construction. The artist has interpreted the dragonfly's wings through the imagery of an abacus, linking their movement to the ideas of calculation and measurement.

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In his explanation on his official website, Chan describes the dragonfly as a creature that constantly gauges its surroundings. Its wings must account for time, force and height as it moves through the air. The artist uses this ability to reflect on the relationship between an individual and the environment.

The choice of titanium is equally significant. Its flexibility allows the brooch to respond to the wearer's movements, giving the sculptural creation a sense of fluidity rather than making it a rigid ornament.

Nita Ambani's look for The Library opening

For the event, Nita opted for a beige pantsuit, offering a contemporary backdrop to the elaborate jewellery. A delicate lace detail added texture to the outfit, while loose, softly waved hair kept the styling understated. She completed the look with diamond pieces from her personal collection, allowing the dragonfly brooch to remain a standout element.

What is The Library?

The Library is a newly introduced cultural and lifestyle destination built around books, food and community experiences. Its collection features more than 4,500 titles spanning English and regional languages, giving visitors access to a diverse range of reading material.

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Beyond its book collection, the venue also offers dining experiences throughout the day, from breakfast to evening beverages. Workshops, discussions and other creative engagements are part of its programming, positioning the space as a meeting point for readers and those interested in cultural experiences.