stone age
Diamonds continue to sparkle. So does golden jewellery studded with coloured stones
Never mind that the price of the most precious metal (at least for us Indians) has zoomed northwards. Yeh dil still maange more! Whatever the price, there can never be a dull moment in the Indian gold bazaar.
Thanks to the new trend of studded jewellery, the yellow metal is the cynosure of all jewellery buyers. Gold ornaments studded with diamonds and other coloured stones have gained popularity among women across all strata.
“Diamonds have always been of aspirational value for women all over the world. We feed the customers’ aspirations. They never ask for any particular design. It’s we, the jewellers, who pamper them by offering them designs conceived by us!,’’ explains Revathy Kant, Head Design and Innovation at Tanishq, Bangalore.
Announces Sulish Verma, designer with Vikas Chain and Jewellery of Delhi, “Gold and diamond will stay in trend this year. Adding a trademark jewellery piece accentuates the charm and beauty of the bride. This season, women would want to give themselves a royal touch. They would prefer to go for old, classic and evergreen jalidar motifs. Polkis and uncut diamonds are in trend as well.”
This interest in diamonds, polki and coloured precious stones is pan Indian. Every woman – be it a careerist or a homemaker – depending on her budget, is going for studded jewellery.
Mumbai-based Shezad Zaveri, Creative director, Minawala Gems and Jewels, says, “This wedding season there will be more women going in for diamond jewellery. The price of each piece will depend upon the cut and quality of the diamond. So depending on one’s budget, one can opt for the type of jewellery to suit them. But my advice to all brides-to be would be – buy only one piece, but buy a quality one. After all diamonds are forever!’’
Another trend this season is voluminous jewellery. Not that there is an increase in the weight of the piece. According to Revathy, instead of going for solid pieces, women are going for larger pieces by opting for jalidar or delicate filigree work, in which though the weight of the piece may remain same or even less, the size would seem to be bigger. So the trend this season is broad cuffs on the wrist instead of solid bangles or kadas and for the ears it is big danglers and old-fashioned jhumkas. A good trousseau will have a mix of gold and diamond jewellery, incorporating both traditional and contemporary designs.
Jalidar broad cuffs can be designed with a small amount of gold, highlighting it by a central motif made of polki or uncut diamond. Mixing this white precious stone with colourful precious stones like rubies, emerald etc. will further reduce the price. The best part about them is that these kind of cuffs are suitable for both formal and informal occasions and can be worn with both Indian and Western attires.
As Sulish says, “It is important to stay in vogue. One can go for a piece of jewellery where the colourful stones are in complete synergy with the colours of the outfit. White gold is also very popular. One should always go with a piece of jewellery that not just compliments the outfit, but also suits one's personality.’’
Women in the 20-30 age group should preferably go for choker sets, big chunkies, bandgalas etc; whereas those between 30-45 can opt for plain line sets and good strings with four or five lines. Older women should opt for an elegant design with a sober look. At the same time, heavy sets with light designs will also look good on them.
Adds Revathy, “Gold jewellery these days is not restricted to mundane styles but has transformed into many patterns that are truly glorious and breathtaking in nature and appeal. The use of Meenakari has enhanced the look of jewellery a lot. Plus, today’s women are also experimenting with coloured gold – white, pink etc. This adds its own charm.’’
According to Zaveri, “Present day power women are looking for heavy traditional designs with a contemporary twist as they want to be trendy. So the best bet for brides to be is to go for jewellery with colourful stones set in different coloured gold, especially white gold.’’
So what’s game?
Go for jewellery which suits your personality, compliments the outfit and fits your budget, chorus the designers.
