True connoisseurs know their gold and diamond jewellery. They can spot an exclusive, handcrafted piece from one of those mass-produced blings, from a mile ahead. That’s why they would, perhaps, like shopping at Bhima Boutique, Bhima jewellery’s new retail space at its landmark store on M.G. Road. Here each piece, be it necklaces, earrings or bangles, is a true work of art, painstakingly handcrafted to perfection. And each one is a statement piece that you would never want to take off! Take for example, the spectacular neckpiece of pear shaped emeralds that flow into a big locket offset with round diamonds, rubies, pearls and even more emeralds. Or the statement diamond necklace, which on closer inspection is like a rose bush in full bloom – diamonds crafted into the shape of tiny roses – complemented by a locket of rubies that dance merrily inside a glass enclosure. Or even the coral necklace inset in exquisite filigree work topped by a swish of Kundan stones that appears as if it’s cascading out of a pot of gold…
But that’s not all. Bhima Boutique is also about a new kind of shopping experience, especially for those used to jostling the crowds in jewellery stores across the city. Just like you would in the privacy of your home, here too you can sit back in comfy armchairs, surrounded by artwork and quietly plush décor, sipping hot beverages, and peruse the jewellery to your heart’s content. “For a while now, we had been thinking about an exclusive space to showcase our most exquisite pieces, a place where the crème de la crème of our customers can come and choose jewellery. The showroom was thus conceptualised like a glorified living room,” says Gayathri Suhas, partner, Bhima, who spearheads the initiative. “Each piece on display has been handcrafted by karighars who work exclusively for Bhima. So when we say a necklace or an earring or a bangle is a unique piece, we mean it!” adds the petite Gayathri, with a smile.
The boutique showcases three brand new lines, namely ‘Ethnic’, ‘Cocktail’ and ‘Diamond’. Ethnic features distinctly traditional South and North Indian jewellery, sometimes, intricately blended together, but always with a few spectacular twists that have to be seen to be believed. Examples of this are the maang tikka (or a brooch, depending on how you view it…) of rubies set in pulinakham design, the antique chandelier jumka with fat pearls and a three-string reversible jadau-meenakari necklace. The Cocktail collection, says Gayathri, “are trendy statement pieces that can be worn with Indian wear and Western wear, especially for upwardly mobile women.” Here you have a diamond-fluorescent enamel bracelet that looks like pulled wires, a necklace that looks like a wreath of leaves painted in enamel and a cone shaped jumka, in dull gold, that looks like a bell at the end of an olive branch. For its diamond collection, meanwhile, the boutique has gone on a overdrive. Brooches, bracelets, statement necklaces, lockets… you name it they have it, either as stand alone diamonds or teamed with complementary precious stones.
The prices start from Rs. 80,000. A ‘Victorian’ line featuring old world pieces is on the anvil.
