Singular Textures of Anand Shah
Ace jewellery designer Anand Shah unveils a 22-karat gold collection enhanced with textures. The nature-inspired pieces depict floral patterns and gem-set graceful peacocks perched on them. Known for his innovative use of alternative material juxtaposed with gold, Shah presents a collection of statement rings and earrings using glass and mother-of-pearl.
“I have been experimenting with colored glass for a couple of years. The medium fascinated me and although my loyalty towards the sacred yellow metal remains steadfast, I like combining alternative material to lend an exciting design aesthetic, which may appeal to the woman of today,” remarks Anand Shah. One of his latest collections also features mother-of-pearl articulated as petals and florets in his largely nature-inspired bridal suites.
The Regal Musings of Yash Agarwal
Yash Agarwal, Partner & Creative Director of Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers, Jaipur, has a knack of evoking the majestic splendour associated with Rajasthan and all things royal. Each of Agarwal’s collections is built around a strong inspiration and for that, he spends months researching on the subject before he starts sketching on paper. His chromatic and imperial jewels feature atypical styles and this time is no different.
‘Rajbari’, the new collection depicts a cultural interplay between European and Indian ideologies. The collection is an eclectic depiction of styles and periods during the time when royalty and luxury were synonymous.
The collection revolves around the woman, who is well-travelled and influenced by her noble household. Her passion for collecting precious jewels and objets d’art is profound. The high point of the collection is its exquisite craftsmanship and remarkable designs.
Combining the symmetry of striking Indian silhouettes, the jewels feature intricate wirework that resembles embroidery-like filigree work. The collection boasts of French collars, Lariats, Riviera necklaces, modern girandole earrings, and many such vintageinspired jewels. Crafted in lustrous and vivid high-quality gemstones, the collection integrates rare jewellerymaking techniques and uses various gold finishes. Precious gemstones such as emeralds, rubies, diamonds and sapphires are contrasted with amethyst, coral, pearls, rock crystals, turquoise, and more, to redefine luxury. The Rajbari collection is Agarwal’s modern interpretation of the bygone era.
Colour Me Beautiful!
Nidhi Garodia, the head designer and partner of Sanskriti, has come a long way. Winner of erstwhile Solitaire Design Awards, Nidhi started her journey into the designing world with a bang!
After marriage, Karan and Nidhi Garodia decided to steer clear of the regular diamond jewellery business and decided to infuse a rainbow of colours in their collections.
What stood in the brand’s favour was the unexpected combination of colours Nidhi opts for in her creations. “When we entered the market a decade ago, Indian jewellery was all about diamonds and jadau, and plain gold segments. As much as I adore these jewellery categories, I felt the play of colours was missing; also, most gems used in the collections were calibrated or employed as centre stones,” recalls Nidhi. “We are a nation who loves colour and I decided that coloured gemstones would be the heroes of my pieces. I can humbly say that coloured gemstones in a variety of combinations, especially in the couture category, were not so popular then. In one sense, I was one of the few who popularised it in the Indian market.” Frosty, pastel colours are set cheek-by-jowl with vibrant orange and blues in her jewellery. For IIJS Virtual, Nidhi unveils yet another collection of beguiling beauties.
Sonali Sheth Invokes The Spirit of Modernity
Sonali Sheth, head designer and owner of Sphere, introduces a fresh take in her gold jewellery collections at IIJS Virtual. Adding elegant and graceful touches to her seemingly simple designs comes easily to her. Her unique compositions evoke a hint of subtle glamour and heartbreaking delicacy.
The Amigo is a classy collection symbolising the role of a best friend, who has our back in challenging times, and is the first one to applaud our achievements, explains Sonali. “We’ve used a simple matrix of marquise diamonds in a modern setting, to create a sophisticated front with a dramatic brushed gold at the back. This lovely contrast creates a shadow effect which is unique and very pleasing to the eye.”
The Belleza collection is about finding beauty in smaller things, states Sonali, adding, “Like the silvery dew drops on leaves that brighten a cold and foggy winter morning, or the glorious spread of colours on trees that delight us on a dull autumn day.” The collection is articulated in tricolour gold and embellished with diamonds.
All her collections are available in 18- and 14-karat gold. The latter is for those who love her designs but cannot afford the price tickets. “I want to reach out to more customers who have an eye for detail and design, but have limited budgets.”
Sculpted For Your Ears!
Naman Kala, proprietor, Kalajee Jewellery, Jaipur, introduces three different collections of earrings and balis at IIJS Virtual. The brand is known for its wide variety of 14-karat gold ear studs, jhumkis and more, and each time we try and add some novel concept to our collections, states Kala. “We do make 18-karat earrings if the customer wishes,” says Kala, “but the Indian customer is now gradually getting used to 14-karat jewellery due to the factor of affordability.”
The Opaque collection consists of ear studs using the framework of textured and opaque gemstones such as malachite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, tiger’s eye, and gold, white and black mother-of pearls, all centred on diamonds. They are basic but bold ear studs that make a statement. The Oversized earrings make innovative use of gem-beading underscoring the antique beauty synchronised with modern forms.
The ear studs come in various forms such as round, cushion, kite, etc, and accented with delicate gem-beading work consisting of emeralds, yellow, blue, and pink sapphires, rubies and more.
The Colourful Balis are fashioned in crescent shapes, and suffused with diamonds and accented with a hint of colour by way of enamelling or gemstones. These are your perfect accessories to take you from brunch to buffet!
