Inspiration from Princess Sophia Duleep Singh
SUFFRAGETTE ICON 1876-1948
Our Always a Princess necklace draws inspiration from a piece worn by Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, the granddaughter of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, daughter of Maharaja Duleep Singh, and goddaughter to Queen Victoria. Sophia was a prominent suffragette icon and is remembered for her activism and humanitarian efforts, notably serving as a volunteer Red Cross nurse during the First World War. She moved gracefully through Edwardian aristocratic society, using her influence to garner support for the suffragette movement.
The Story behind the Sohavi Always a Princess Necklace
More than a year ago, an image arrived in a direct message—its sender forgotten, but its impact unforgettable. The photo of a necklace, worn by Sophia Duleep Singh, it was distinctive and sparked the vision for our own personalised initial necklace. This piece, now part of the Sohavi collection, is more than an adornment; it's a tribute to the enduring power of personal identity and expression.
Heritage and Royal Legacy
Sophia's blood coursed Indian Royalty her grandfather was the lion of Punjab. You cannot tell Sophia's story without talking about her father's forced annexation from Punjab by the British and his forced separation from his mother, Maharani Jindan Kaur at the tender age of 8. He eventually came to England to visit Queen Victoria who became deeply enamoured with him, and subsequently, he spent much of his life in England
Life at Elevedan Hall
Within the stately halls of Elveden Hall Duleep Singh longed for the Lahore of his childhood and lost Sikh Empire. He married Bamba Muller raising their family of 6 children at Elveden which he remodelled with interiors of Indian textiles and rich velvets, gilded ceilings, marble and carved wood. Exotic décor inspired by Mughal and Sikh court aesthetics was almost theatrical in scale. The home became a haven of opulence and celebration, hosting lavish gatherings, dazzling parties, and spirited hunts for the aristocracy's elite, where he also attained the title of a prized huntsman. The young princesses and prince's must've enjoyed an exciting and extraordinary upbringing waking up to the sound of wild exotic animals in the gardens.
Society and Style
After the death of their father, Queen Victoria gave Sophia and her sisters a grace-and-favour apartment overlooking Hampton Court Palace, Sophia shone as a star of high Edwardian society—she was widely featured in society and press especially in the women's fashion pages and society columns, resplendent in exquisite gowns and often commentated on her fashion style and glittering jewels. Her presence was at once regal and modern, bridging the grandeur of her ancestry with the spirit of her own age.
Debutants
Princesses Sophia, Bamba and Carolina Duleep Singh
Inherited Heirlooms and Artistic Heritage
Sophia inherited several pieces of opulent jewellery from her grandmother, Maharani Jindan Kaur, including traditional Kundan pieces passed down by her father. Among these were the renowned Chand Tikka, forehead ornament crafted from gold, polki diamonds, rubies, and emerald, seed pearl and emerald necklace, and a gold bangle. While these Sikh heirlooms comprised a modest collection, for Sophia they symbolised much more than family treasures. Each piece represented artistic heritage, the displaced Sikh Empire, her grandmother's imprisonment and exile, her father's lost sovereignty, and her own complex identity within Britain.
Personalisation: Jewellery as a Signature
Mirroring Princess Sophia's approach, the modern muse treats her jewellery as a ritual—an expression beyond fleeting fashion trends. Jewellery becomes a statement, a reflection of personal beliefs and identity, a canvas for stories dear to the wearer. Every glance at a cherished piece serves as a gentle reminder of inner strength, values, and individuality. Touching jewellery throughout the day becomes a quiet, instinctive act—a silent guide to personal authenticity.
Expressing Style Beyond Fashion
Sophia's necklace transcended fashion: it was a political statement. The initial and the Latin inscription hinted at her longing for her heritage and the lost Sikh Empire. Although Sophia and her siblings did not speak Punjabi in their youth, the Princesses visited Delhi in 1901 and Sophia stayed in Lahore to learn the language and explore the city. This experience awakened her social conscience and on her return to London, led to her commitment as a suffragette
Jewellery becomes her signature
S for Sophia her initial necklace was not only an accessory, but a reflection of the way she moves through the world: Indian royalty with a sense of purpose - confident, thoughtful, and unapologetically herself. Jewellery isn't just a purchase it's an expression of who you are. The right jewellery doesn't just match an outfit. It matches a version of you, not to impress others but to feel more like your authentic self. Sophia was passionate about many causes and felt a strong sense of righteousness about women taking up equal space in society. From 1909 she was a member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) whilst she concentrated on fundraising she met Emmeline Pankhurst who immediately recognised the publicity the Princess could raise for the suffrage.
Jewellery as a Manifesto
Jewellery, for the modern muse, can articulate beliefs and values—whether those relate to sustainability, feminism, or cultural pride. Each piece, from a ring crafted with ethical gemstones to a charm symbolising empowerment or a custom-engraved design celebrating heritage, becomes a daily affirmation. Ancient symbols transform into expressions of devotion, protection, spirituality, and faith. Amulets and talismans offer comfort and ritual throughout the day.
Throughout daily life, we touch necklaces, play with rings, and fiddle with earrings—each act forging a connection. Metals, shaped by nature's forces, hold vibration and memory; worn intentionally, they become conduits of love, remembrance, and legacy, serving as gifts, surprises, tokens of affection, and heirlooms that carry stories across generations.
Personal jewellery thus transcends adornment, becoming an emblem of identity, ethics, and intent, granting the modern muse a voice that speaks beyond words.
The Sohavi Philosophy
At SOHAVI, designer Nicci Dhamu is dedicated to crafting jewellery that celebrates individuality. Each piece is designed to be layered, personalised, and worn with intention, so every necklace, bracelet, or ring tells your unique story and empowers you. For us, style is not just about what you wear—it reflects who you are, what you believe in, and how you wish to be seen.
Discover the collection. Wear your story. PROMO CODE WELCOME10
Discover the Legacy
Explore the new exhibition at Kensington Palace, showcasing the daughters of Maharaja Duleep Singh, his wife Maharani Bamba, and his mother Maharani Jindan Kaur. The exhibition launches on 26 March.