Iceland, the land of fire and ice, with its volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, lagoons, and the Northern Lights, is inspiring to say the least. It can prompt poets and artists to put pen to paper and come up with masterpieces. No wonder then, that after a holiday in the island nation, jewellery designer Ratika Kaul Haksar came back with ideas in her head and volcanic stones in her luggage.
She’s now created a line of jewellery titled ‘Reykjavik’ (named after the capital of Iceland). The limited edition collection is on display at Nico’s Treasure Trunk, an event by Nicobar. “Nicobar’s clothes are travel-inspired. They focus on all things natural. So this fit us just fine,” says Haksar, adding, “It helps that the colours of the clothes on display complement my jewellery.”
Known for her ostentatious creations, Haksar’s present line is a clear departure from her original design sensibilities. It’s inspired by the minimalist and functional Scandinavian design. The pieces are subtle, monochromatic and made in silver. “I didn’t want anything to take away from the beauty of the stones,” she says.
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There are neckpieces, statement rings, earrings and bracelets, each featuring smooth volcanic stones from the black beaches of a seafront village called Vik. “These stones are shaped by water. They are primarily jagged basalt rocks that have been smoothened by the ebb and flow of waves over several years. I didn’t even have to cut them; I just framed them. The entire collection is handmade,” she explains.
She narrates how one cold morning, as her photographer husband set up his camera in Vik, she suddenly spotted these pebbles. Soon, she started stuffing her pockets with as many as she could find. “I brought back 30. Each stone weighs around 20 to 25 gm and is mostly either round or oval.”
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The colours vary from black and grey to a beautiful olive green and white. She says that the moment she saw these stones, she knew she had to create something out of them. “I’ve holidayed in numerous places. But in Iceland, I felt one with Nature. And with this collection, it’s like I carry a piece of the place wherever I go.”
Nico’s Treasure Trunk is on April 26 at Nicobar Design Studio, 4/22, Rutland Gate 4th St, Nungambakkam, between 11 am and 8 pm. Prices start at ₹ 7,500.