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The glitter of ornaments of Ashutosh Gowarikar’s Jodhaa has caught the fancy of women
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All that glitter A model exhibiting a piece from the Jodhaa Akbar collection
Gold has always been a woman’s best friend. Whoever thought that the soaring price of the sparkling yellow metal will dampen the spirit of traditional gold buyers need to look at the swanky showrooms that continue to attract buyers. Bracelets e
mbedded with gemstones are popular as are designer talis.
The “Jodhaa Akbar” collection of Mughal and Rajput designs is the latest rage on the fashion circuits. Controversy over Ashutosh Gowarikar’s directorial venture has done wonders for Tanishq who designed the jewellery used in the film.
Chunky pieces worn around neck and clinking gold bangles and anklets have dominated trends in the last couple of years. If the rich and famous have been grabbing the heavy-weight pieces, those with limited resources are rooting for slinky, hollowed out pieces or ornaments made from non-traditional materials.
“A variety of chokers and chains are made hollow and the reduction in weight compensates for the rise in gold prices. For the fashion-conscious, the designers offer light-weight sturdy designs,” observes Maddirala Mrunalini, a buyer. The wide range in the market bears testimony to the skills of the jewellers and their tailor-made personalized designs that provide craftsmen good opportunity to display their talent.
Shukoor, a goldsmith, says the advent of machines, especially in the branded jewellery segment, has not affected the uninterrupted flow of orders. Precious and semi-precious stones are a rage, finding use in nose studs, earrings, bracelets, bridal crowns, rings, anklets, amulets and necklaces of different metal or style. Meenakari and kundan styles, often worn as chokers and necklaces have been influenced by the Mughal dynasty.
Contemporary designs with an international appeal are in great demand in metros. “I am against stashing heavy and chunky jewellery which will not be of much use to me. I would rather prefer contemporary stuff with platinum or white gold,” says Swathi, a software professional. Since she is getting married by the month end, Swathi is keen on collecting smart jewellery that can be accessorised with her wardrobe.
Diamonds have also entered almost every middle class household. Extremely popular are white gold and diamond bangles. Uncut and rose-cut diamond jewellery, pieces set in tourmaline stones, polki, chakri and kundan sets, a blend of diamond and ruby sets, diamond and emerald sets, diamond and sapphire sets as well as white-gold, silver and platinum jewellery are common favourites.
Meanwhile, the “Jodhaa Akbar” catalogue is an eye-opener. Nearly 200 craftsmen took 600 days to design and mould the pieces using 400 kilograms of gold, precious, semi-precious stones and pearls to bring out the authentic look of the Rajput era in the 16th century.Weighed down by the 3.5 kilograms of jewellery, Aishwarya Rai who played Jodhaa Bai in the film aptly remarked that in her portrayal of Jodhaa, carrying the ornaments was the most difficult part.
RAMESH SUSARIA
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