As Akshaya tritiya falls tomorrow (on Sunday), jewellers in the city have come up with a treasure trove of gold ornaments. Most of the designs are a marriage of innovation and tradition. Old styles have been given a new look and embellished with precious and semi-precious stones.
Bhima, Malabar Gold, Joy Alukkas, Prince and Sunny Diamonds have come up with a wide range of necklaces, bangles, ear rings, finger rings and pendants to cater to all kinds of customers.
Malabar Gold has a Chettinad collection that focusses on ‘nagashu' work, reversible necklaces studded with rubies and emeralds. “Our designs such as the Rudraksha maala, Shanghu maala, Rama pattabhishekam…date back to the era of royalty. Nagashu work is fully handmade and is hollow inside, calling for intricate craftsmanship,” says Yasser K.B., executive director, Malabar Gold.
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Bhima's special bridal collection includes antique jewellery (Lakshmi kaashumaala, Dasavatharam, Poothali, Nagapadam, Palakkai…) with matching bangles. Each piece is a classic. For sale are jewels with Jaipuri kundan work, Kolahpuri work and Tamil Nadu temple jewellery. Gajja adigai has uncut rubies, diamonds and gold beads.
Joy Alukkas has an enchanting ensemble of temple jewellery and antique pieces. Inspired from temple sculptures and idols, the pieces use uncut rubies, pearls and emeralds to add lustre to the designs. You can also design your own ornaments and get them made according to your likes and dislikes.
Says Suhas Rao, managing partner, Bhima: “Many customers who want to buy jewellery for a wedding wait for Akshaya tritiya to commence their shopping. We have gold coins with the image of the idol of Madurai Meenakshi and ‘Velankanni' coins, which are made for the occasion of Akshaya tritiya.”
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“Bengali collection and Mughal jewellery in antique matte finish and enamel work studded with kundan stones and dangling ear rings are much sought after during this season,” he adds.
Diamonds are also the season's hot pick. Sunny Diamonds have introduced an ‘Akshaya tritiya' set (earrings, ring, chain and pendant worth Rs. 26,000).
Soaring gold rates have made investment in diamonds a judicious idea, feels P.P Sunny of Sunny Diamonds.
Prince also has a special collection for Akshaya tritiya in addition to their range of antique jewels.