'Roorkie Dreams' is my entry for Torch by Night's Jaipur Jewels challenge. The lovely Amy creates stunning lampwork beads, of which my favourites are the Jaipur Jewels. She made a batch of smaller ones for ten designers to play with, the winner to be voted for on her Facebook page at the end of April 2011.

My family were civil servants in India during the 1800s, in the Roorkie area, hence 'Roorkie Dreams'. We have family rumours of illicit goings-on with a 'native lady' by my great, great grandfather Samuel. The resulting offspring John, born in what was then Ceylon, was sent back to Britain to join the Royal Navy as a 'boy sailor'. I have his RN service record and it says he spoke fluent Hindustani. So much intrigue....I have yet to prove or disprove our Indian heritage but I would so love for it to be true!!

'Roorkie Dreams' features a sublime mix of turquoise rounds with green, pink and purple glass to complement Amy's bead, and is inspired by oppulent sari fabrics and vibrant Indian gardens.