Women’s History Month: Nataliya Mehta of La Muse Gems
Women’s History Month conversations with women designs on their passion for jewelry, their brand, what they love to wear and more…
Nataliya Mehta/ La Muse Gems / Los Angeles, CA
U.S. born Nataliya Mehta is of Indian heritage. She travels back regularly to visit with family and also works with artisans who produce her collection of juicy gemmy pieces that mix her background with a contemporary eye for shapes and details. Her main colors in the collection are vibrant emeralds, deep orange citrines, and multi-colored sapphires and tourmalines.
When did you first realize that you had a passion for jewelry?
“When I was a little girl. I would always watch my mom get ready and while she was putting her outfit together, I would try on her jewelry. I would also collect knick knacks and accessible pieces when I was younger, like sterling silver bracelets.”
What type of jewelry caught you eye when you were you were a young girl?
“When I was around five years old- I loved statement pieces, like rings and necklaces with large stones. I noticed they had always pulled together my mother’s more simple outfits.”
What was the first gift of jewelry you ever received and at what age
“A pair of diamond earrings when I was born, that I still have to this day.”
When did you get into the jewelry business?
“I have been designing jewelry for the past three years. I began by custom designing pieces for myself and then when I had friends and people I’d meet asking about the jewelry, I decided to launch my own label La Muse Gems at the end of 2023.”
What is your aesthetic?
“Bold and standout statement pieces. I am from Indian decent so I am influenced by traditional Indian jewelry but modernized and relevant for today. I am enamored by the latter Art Deco vibe when Eastern influences inspired the movement so I also tie in some detail or element to my pieces.”
La Muse 14K gold “Rose Rani Huggies,” of earrings that seamlessly marry the elegance of roses with the royal essence of “Rani” meaning queen in Hindi.
Favorite piece you always wear?
“A curved diamond bar necklace, which is a part of my line. It works with everything—alone or layered.”
Necklace that Nataliya always wears
Favorite pieces of your designs?
“The Pink Prakash Square Ring and Divya’s Emerald Web Pendant.”
Pink Prakash Square Ring (named after Nataliya’s great grandfather, Prakash translates to shining forth)
La Muse Divya’s Emerald Web Pendant.
Most cherished inherited or sentimental piece?
“A simple gold bangle passed down from my great grandma to my grandma, to my mom, and to me. I never take it off and plan to continue the tradition of passing this sentimental piece down to the next generation.”
How do you wear your jewelry?
“I choose meaningful pieces and then mix them up and pile them on .”
Nataliya mixing up her jewelry
