Amidst the razzle dazzle of jewellery extravaganzas, interesting trends surface. Simple additions, elaborate designs, unique twists… it's all about discovering something new and exciting for your treasure trove. This year's amalgamation of fashion and gorgeous jewellery was no exception.
Fun with beads
Beaded jewellery has always been popular, especially those that use semi-precious stones to string up a large pendant. But this year saw pretty gold beads doubling up as gorgeous neck pieces. Either just as a single strand with a pendant or multiple strands that cover the décolleté line, the beads can be glossy, matted, with antique finish, rhodium finished and even elegantly carved with enamel and precious stones as embellishments. Alpana Gujral's pearl and gold beads raani haar was a stunner and CVM Exports too had some neat diamond studded and coloured stone studded gold beads.
Maangtikas get some gorgeous acquaintances in the form of precious baubles for the hair and head. This season saw a whole lot of dainty and elaborate tiaras, awe-inspiring regal head jewels and sparkling head bands. Highlights included Gehna Jewellers' majestic diamond tiara that wrapped the model's head like a band and Golecha's Jewels' elegant tiaras made of diamonds, pearls, rubies and emeralds. We also loved Amrapali's pearl and gold head ornament that is a bridal winner.
Lace work
Elegant lace has left its intricate traces in jewellery crafting too. C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons displayed jewellery in diamonds, rubies and emeralds in ‘minute shimmer and lacy designs'. Also spotted on the ramp were large diamond collars and chokers in lace patterns. Johara Jewels' Parisian Couture range further reiterated the lacy trend with its tubular earrings and giant choker, in this graceful style.
Royal lines
The opulence of the Mughals and the magnificence of the Nizams were rekindled in the form of lavish jewels. Royal inspirations this year can be used as stand alone pieces for a red carpet appearance or for a regal bridal look. We loved the gorgeous haath phools, raani haars, cummerbunds and kaan phools that adorned the models. Collections like Tanishq's Jewels of Falaknuma, Alpana Gujral's Mughal's vision of Paradise on earth and Amrapali's Mughal inspirations are interesting ranges to look forward to. Some eye-catching pieces include Amrapali's multi turquoise and jade cummerbund and Alpana Gujral's pearl and diamond haath phool.
Playful tassels
Tassels for gowns and sarees maybe passé. But ruby, emerald and pearl tassels adds a fun spirit to jewellery. Not just in contemporary jewellery, tassels lend a pretty touch to traditional styles too. Golecha's Jewels' fusion range with tasselled rubies, pearls and emerald earrings and Rosily Paul's five strands of pearls with three black beaded tassels draped over the shoulder stood out. Our heart also went out to Alpana Gujral's medallion pendants with tassel ends hanging from pearl strands matched with fringed pearl earrings.
Other common styles that ran through many collections were peacock motifs, large emerald stones and chokers in traditional and modern styles.
Bejewelled catwalk!
The rising gold prices notwithstanding, it was a celebration of jewellery crafting and styling at the second season of Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council's (GJEPC) India International Jewellery Week (IIJW). A relief from the umpteen fashion shows doing the rounds, the focus here was more on the stunning jewelled accessories from 32 of India's best design houses and designers, rather than eye-ball grabbing ensembles and Bollywood showstoppers.
The show kick-started with the Gitanjali Group's unveiling of its new brands and collections, which had something for all women and all occasions. Tanishq showcased its Jewels of Falaknuma collection that was inspired from the regal Nizams of Hyderabad while Amrapali featured three collections – silver, Art Deco and gold with jadau work.
C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons displayed exquisite bridal as well as elegant cocktail jewellery whereas Anmol Jewellers set the mood with Manish Malhotra's flowing lehengas and anarkalis, live classical music and classic Indian jewellery.
Other brands and designers who participated in IIJW included Alpana Gujral, Kays Jewels, Gehna Jewellers, Surana Gems & Jewellery, Golecha's Jewels, Kashi Jewellers and others.
The highlight of the event was Paris-based designer Boucheron's ‘The Queen of the Night' collection that wrapped around Sonam Kapoor's neck during her last walk at the grand finale. A gorgeous neckpiece that resembled floral branches crafted in rubies, diamonds and sapphires, it was a fitting end to the jewellery extravaganza.
anushya@thehindu.co.in