Maria is the founder and designer behind Zhalkesi, a jewellery brand rooted in Tamil culture and everyday rituals. She has been practicing her craft since around 2021, working primarily with polymer clay to create wearable pieces inspired by memory, symbolism, and daily life. Zhalkesi began as a natural extension of her long relationship with art and design, shaped by a desire to tell cultural stories through jewellery.
Maria chose polymer clay for its flexibility and ability to hold texture, colour, and detail. Each piece is shaped, refined, cured, and finished by hand, a process that can take anywhere from a few hours to several days depending on the design. Her collections move between references to traditional forms, such as temple jewellery, and familiar moments like filter coffee mornings, treating both with equal care. Mistakes and material surprises are part of her process, often leading to new finishes and forms. Through Zhalkesi, she creates jewellery that carries story, intention, and a strong sense of place, while remaining open and meaningful to people beyond Tamil Nadu.
