There is sartorial elegance associated with heritage jewellery. Inspired by the begums of the Mughal Empire, Noor Jahan, Jahanara, and Mumtaz Mahal, Art Karat is presenting a collection that showcases extensive meenakari, enamel and kundan work. Curator Kamal Modi says, “Noor Jahan was considered to be one of the first jewellery experts in the country; she brought in the art of enamel and meenakari onto metal. The collection showcases items inspired from the collections of these Begums.” He adds that versions of what have been only seen in museums and history books are now available through this exhibition.
The jewellery is made in silver, with a gold vermeil, the collection focuses on Kundan along with other works like pave, carved gold work and south Indian temple work. The silver jewellery uses semi-precious stones like amethyst, opal and citrine. The collection includes necklaces, bracelets, bajubandhs, tikas, rings and pins. Each of the jewels has been designed by Asha Kamal Modi. Asha launched her line of fashion jewellery over twenty three years ago and draws inspirations from Nature and Indian heritage. You can see that the Amrapali has been sufficiently highlighted in her designs. Asha has designed for films like Devdas, Monsoon Wedding, Kamasutra, Paheli and Zubeidaa . The timing perhaps is right for silver feels Kamal Modi. “While you cannot put a pin on which is better, such regal jewellery works very well with traditional and western evening dresses,” he says. Asha Kamal Modi is now working of a line of jewellery based upon the temples of Khajuraho and Konark
This concept extends beyond being status symbols to , being jewels that can actually adorn ladies. The jewels are priced between Rs. 3000 and Rs. 1, 00,000.
