Butterflies and blossoms

Nature-inspired jewellery is the new fad...Sujata Reddy speaks to three such trendsetting designers.

Nature-inspired jewellery is the new fad...Sujata Reddy speaks to three such trendsetting designers.

Varuna D Jani
I’ve recently launched four lines. The heirloom collection has one-of-its-kind pieces, studded with precious stones.

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I don’t follow fads. My jewellery is high on the practicality quotient. Many of the chunky solitaire sets are detachable, so can be worn separately to suit the occasion. I’ve also given a 3-D look to many pieces.

The haute
couture line is for connoisseurs. It has ornaments shaped like animals. The snake rings have really caught on. This line is for those for whome jewellery is a passion and not just an investment.

Some of the pieces took my karigars over 500 hours to craft...and stretched over six months. A few weeks ago, I went to a party wearing one of my animal rings. And all eyes were on it. I design for women who are looking for comfort. Most brides can’t bear the weight of cumbersome earrings and neckpieces. The rich have moved from collecting solitaires. Standalone pieces are the buzzword today. Clutter free designs and statement jewellery are also in vogue. Not too long ago, customers were sceptical about experimenting with gold. Wacky designs were reserved for other metals. The outlook has changed.

Pet peeve: Bargain hunters. There are a few who discount the value of labour and the finesse it gives to the piece. That’s sad.

Jamini Ahluwalia
I work mostly with chord and wood. Sometimes, I include semi-precious stones. You can get a trinket for as little as Rs 100 from my line.

My new collection has lots of flowers, leaves and starfishes. A section is stocked at Bunglow 8, the rest will be out this summer.
People today are more receptive to experimenting. They want to match clothing and jewellery trends. Tackling the herd mentality is still a problem.. but I still try to convince most of my customers to make their own style statement.

My signature style is subtle, with a quiet colour palette. I don’t use vivid pinks and purples. I’m a dreamer, I get flashes which I promptly jot down.

Women who bought jewellery from me when they were in their teens, still flaunt some of the pieces 20 years later. That’s very flattering!

Pet peeve: Copy cats, I find them so depressing.

Shaheen Abbas
My best friend, Shabana Khan, and I brainstorm on designs together. The animal collection has butterfly hoops, rings, anklets and clips. It has been very well received. The first reaction to the line was, “it’s sooo cute and fun.”

Earlier, fashionistas associated innovative jewellery with fun and the whimsy. Not any more. We’re proved that jewels can look rich and still retain the fun element.