: Every piece of jewellery crafted by US-based designer Preethy Gerald tells a story. A ring with a diamond, ruby, and emerald-studded lotus; a pair of earrings with a patch of cloud lined with diamonds, filled with amethyst and gold with two dangling pearls; a heavy gold necklace depicting the grand procession of Lord Shiva with his family to bless a newly-wed couple.
The designer was in Madurai for the first time en route to Nagercoil and Tuticorin to showcase her bridal collection among others. This was a special trip as she had customised a bridal necklace for a wedding in Nagercoil next month. She calls the 250 gm necklace ‘The grand chariot’. While the pendant is in the shape of a chariot where Shiva and Parvathy are seated with Ganesha and Karthik, the long chain depicts his procession on decorated carriages such as the annam , peacock, and caparisoned elephants, with drums, flowers and other offerings.
Rich in detail, the theme-based pieces are crafted with precious stones of various colours and cuts.
Preethy is excited about her masterpiece that found many admirers and even a buyer in Madurai. At her exhibition in the city, Preethy patiently explained to visitors how she creates every piece.
A gold waistband weighing 205 gm was another cynosure. It featured exquisitely carved deities. Strongly influenced by Nature and temple architecture, Preethy says she first sketches the designs on paper. “I give those designs life through the final product done in gold, diamond, pearl and a whole range of precious stones.”
She creates a range of modern and traditional jewellery. Trained in software designing and animation, Preethy went to the US from Mumbai after she got married. It was then that she began experimenting with jewellery making. A course in gemmology and jewellery designing further helped her understand the intricacies of precious metals.
“Women love to own a piece of fine jewellery of an exclusive design,” she says. While initially orders came mostly from friends and family, her business has now reached a happy place. “My mind is filled with designs and I am constantly packing stories into each ornament,” says Preethy.
Her designs show the effort she takes to create each piece, be it a necklace, a stud, a ring, bracelet, or waistband. “I take inspiration from everything...a twig to a raindrop or a floating cloud,” she says. She has tied up with pearl divers in Tuticorin to create earrings with uncultured pearls. “There is a growing market for it,” she says.
.Preethy calls her line Stardust (diamond jewellery), Paradise (gem stones), Made for each other (bridal collection in gold).
For details visit www.bdzjewellery.com
