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Showing posts from June, 2018

Fun trivia: Tanzanite

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  Remember Kate Winslet's famous neckwear - Heart Of The Ocean, from the blockbuster Hollywood film Titanic. It had become a rage at the time of the film's release and with that, the demand for the rock had gone up world over, especially the US. Although it was referred to as a diamond in the film, it was a Tanzanite stone in reality. Stumbling upon this crucial piece of information, I was intrigued to know more about this rare stone and here's what I found out. #1 Tanzanite was discovered by Jumanne Ngoma in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of Manyara Region in northern Tanzania, near Arusha and Mt. Kilimanjaro.    #2 The world's largest rough Tanzanite was a 16,839 carat (3.38 kg or 7.46 lb) stone mined by TanzaniteOne in 2005.   #3 It is believed that Tanzanite was formed by an act of God. The lightening had struck the hills, the fire had burnt out the hillocks and after the Earth cooled down, the rocks deep inside turned blue.  #4 Tanzanite is an

The best of Fine and Fashion jewellery in one: Demi Fine Jewellery

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Fine jewellery is for keeps. They are everlasting jewels . But fashion jewellery is just the other way around. You buy them more often. They wear out faster than you think. So how about something in-between. Something that offers the best of both worlds. You can stack them for long as well as buy them often. So, here's presenting to you the demi fine jewellery. Just so you know, demi fine jewellery borrows the best elements from both the conventional categories. While the jewels are made of solid gold and silver, the adornments used are of affordable range. With that, the overall cost is customer-friendly. Not to mention, the design variety too is vast. No wonder, the world is enthusiastically warming up to this brand new range. But what about India? Will India embrace it like the westerners? Yes and no. The fine jewellery is not just a rage but also it is deeply rooted in our culture. People here buy gold as an auspicious metal that symbolises Goddess Laxmi - the Godde

Synthetic diamonds: the next big thing

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The world's leading diamond company, De Beers has launched a new segment of jewellery that come studded with synthetic diamonds  - Lightbox Jewelry. But there is nothing to worry about. In fact, many of you may want to buy them. With growing popularity, many other reputed jewellery companies too may follow suit. But how will lab-grown diamonds that are in the eye of the storm ever since they came in light, become a sought-after entity.   Here's why! When you can't beat it, join it and De Beers has done just that. The company always believed in selling naturally obtained diamonds . For the same, it also offered certificates. Its patrons as well as the industry vouch for their offerings. But on the sidelines, it also conducted thorough research on how to keep the contamination of natural diamonds supply chain in check. Apparently, its findings suggest that the lab-grown diamonds have potential to make it big in the global gems and jewellery market and therefore, i

Breaking news: PNG Jewellers now has a new address

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PNG Jewellers is one of the oldest retail brands in India. Dating back to 1832, this retail brand specialises in typical Indian jewellery, especially Maharashtrian designs. With a unique footprint across the major gems and jewellery markets and online , the brand has now moved to an even more happening location of Mumbai. From Nehru Nagar in Vile Parle east, the outlet has been relocated to the main hub Irla in the west. With that, the retail giant hopes to attract more customers while upholding the legacy of purity, trust and commitment.  The inauguration ceremony took place in the esteemed presence of Mrs. Sapna Sudhir Mungantiwar, wife of Maharashtra state finance minister at a grand event on June 28, 2018. Also, present were the CMD Saurabh Gadgil and Executive Director Parag Gadgil for the opening of the  swanky 5,000 sq ft store .   Just so you know, within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, PNG Jewellers also has a presence in Borivali, Thane, Panvel and Kalya

Did you know?: Arsi Ring

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Arsi Ring is the new cool in the jewellery industry. More and more women are taking a shine to this traditional Indian design. They are not just teaming it up with their enthnic wears but also sporting it up with their western outfits. But did you know, how the  Arsi Ring came into existence? Arsi literally means mirror and therefore, the ring with a mirror embedded in the centre piece is rightly named so. It was designed to allow royal women to check their looks even when they are not at their dressing table.   But today, this ring has become the toast of the town. Women from different walks of life flaunt it as a statement jewel. Moreover, it is now available in different designs. From antique looking to diamond -studded, you can choose from a wide variety of options. Indeed, it's a revival of an ancient handcraft! Author: Deepa Mishra Disclaimer: All images used in the blog have been sourced from Google purely for the purpose of informative reference.

Trivia: Tennis Bracelet

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Tennis Bracelet has now become a staple of fine jewellery. It is essentially a bracelet adorned with a series of diamonds throughout its length. But do you know how it got its name as Tennis Bracelet ? Did I hear that since it is worn by tennis stars, it is named so. Sorry to disappoint you, you are only partially right. Yes it has a connection with a tennis star but that's not about it.   The history of Tennis Bracelet dates back to 1987. At that time, Chris Evert was a tennis sensation of the women's US Open tournament. During one of the high-voltage matches, her bracelet came unclasped and fell on the court. In the middle of the game, the tennis star asked the officials to stop the game and insisted on carrying out a search operation. The game could not be resumed until her diamond bracelet was back on her wrist. Since that day, this kind of diamond bracelets came to be known as Tennis Bracelet .   That's not all. After the news spread like wildfire, more and

How to get generations talking about your bridal look?

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The answer is to do the unexpected. Ditch the conventional styles and go in for something unique. Something never before seen. It essentially involves exploring different cultures and then, modelling your bridal look. This experiment can take you to the minimalist path as well as the Bohemian way. However, do not forget to ensure the lavishness of the final ensemble. After all, it's your big day and therefore, ensure the spotlight remains on you. How to go about it? Let's go step by step. Look away from red lehenga Almost all the brides in India wear a red lehenga. So when you choose a different hue, you are sure to surprise everyone and I am sure, your look would be talked about for generations. A lot of like-minded people may hail you as a bride who broke the stereotype. Minimal yet bridal choices You may be a minimalist and do not believe in sporting heavy bridal jewellery . But remember, the guests at your party would not be on the same page.

Cultural cocktails you can't wait to try!

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One trend that is hot in Bollywood is teaming up of western clothes with Indian jewellery . Of late, many actresses have given a try to this unique mix and match formula. Impact? Each one, who went the east-meets-west way, simply slayed the fashion game. While women set their next fashion goal, men skipped a heart beat. You too can try this Bohemian style and make heads turn in the next wedding or a party you attend. How? Already you can see in the cover image wherein the actresses and models have teamed up their mangtikka that is a typical of an Indian bridal ensemble  with a western outfit and so seamlessly that not even once you flinch over the oddity of this cultural cocktail. Together, they look elegant, they look unique and yes, edgy too. That's not all. You can also pair up your traditional necklace , whether Rajasthani Polki design or even a choker with your evening gown and see the effect! I bet, all eyes would be set on you. So get ready to enjoy the attentio

5 classic jewellery that are always in vogue

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Trends come and go but the classics never fade. Their sheen is as mesmerising as they were some centuries ago. No wonder, they are revered as evergreen jewels  even today. With each passing generation, its relevance seem to have only increased while its popularity sees a new high. Let's take a look at some of the stunning designs that have stood the test of time while enjoying the classic status in the gems and jewellery industry. Without much ado, Jhumka is the first name that comes to my mind when talking of evergreen jewellery. It never went out of fashion ever since it stepped out from the temples of South India and affirmed its place in the mainstream jewellery line .   Diamonds  are the universal classic element of any jewel and till date is looked upon as an expression of unconditional, everlasting love. Whether as rings or dainty studs, they are here to stay, forever.   Emeralds have been around since 4,000 years and till now, there is no one

It's time to revive your boss lady image!

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Your colleagues are used to seeing you in a typical power suit and with that, hardly any jewellery . At the most, you team up your office wear with a dainty pair of studs, an understated bracelet or a lightweight pendant. But not anymore. The trendsetters have given you a fresh style goal to revive your boss lady image and mind you, it is not boring at all. Excited? Keep scrolling down. The more you see, I am sure the more you'll be thrilled.  When in doubt, go the bohemian way - this is the new style mantra world over. Not just Europeans and Americans, even Indians are boldly trying out different bohemian styles in clothing as well as jewellery . This trend has also wound up the corporate women. They too sportingly giving a boho touch to their office look and how!  That's not all. They are also trying out combinations that until few years ago, were hard to fathom. Who would have thought this vintage neckwear will have a quintessential partnership

Top 5 rings of the year 2018

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Rings are women's first love. For any occasion, whether birthday or anniversary, you can win them over just by presenting them a trendy ring. It not only makes their day but also ensures they make heads turn wherever they go and in this context, statement rings are ruling the roost this year. A big centre piece with gemstones thrown into its design, has become the flavour of the season. Let's take a look at some of the exquisite ring designs that are on top of their game. Arsi Ring There is no woman who does not have a thing for an Arsi ring. Originated in Rajasthan, this traditional jewel has now taken the whole nation by storm. From celebrities to working professionals and homemakers, everyone is charmed by its rustic look and feel. Designed with a mirror in its centre piece, the ring was conceived with a purpose to allow women to check their looks even when they are tied up with their daily chores but now it bedazzles onlookers as a statement piece.

Our rollicking affair with bangles!

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Bangles are not just a wrist ornament . While it has traditional value and has been popularly passed on from generation to generation as an heirloom, its historical significance cannot be ruled out too. Remember during the excavation of the Harappan Civilization, how a doll wearing bangles was discovered and that marked the existence of jewellery  in the Indus Valley Civilization.  Over the years, every culture has put its own spin on this exquisite jewel. Especially the ones worn by married women, have been distinctly carved as per the beliefs and traditions of the region. The designs, the colours and the materials used to make these bangles sets vary from region to region. While Maharashtrian wear the combination of green glass and gold bangles , Bengalis flaunt Shankha Pola. As Balaiya Kada has its roots in Rajasthan, Punjabis sport Bridal Choodas.  Using this deeply rooted bangle-tradition of India, merely by showing bejewelled hands of the models in the TVC, one of

Top 5 Indian temples that will make a great jewel

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You can't get enough of the beautiful carvings on any Indian Hindu temple. Be it the Sun Cut Rock  Temple at Konark or the resplendent Meenakshi Amman temple at Madurai, the beauty of these ancient architectural structure spellbind you. So, how about seeing them as jewellery !     To begin with, here are the top five aesthetically rich temples that we can't wait to see as jewellery .  I am short of words to describe the beauty of this ethereal structure. It is manifestation of the architect's love for carvings, sculptures and yes, colours. In the form a jewel , this architectural design will surely take the nation by storm. The golden sheen of Chamudeshwari temple in Mysore seems to have been cut out for a jewellery design. The sculpting on its dome will infuse an ancient charm into the design, while in entirety it will grace any bridal set.   The Konark Temple of the south is famous for having carved out from a single rock but when

Are jewellery designers inspired by our historical monuments?

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Did someone say - yes! Then say it aloud. Of course, our  jewellery designers are seeking inspiration from the great Indian monuments to carve out statement jewels that are making the heads turn these days. From tombs and temples to palaces and forts, they have encapsulated the magnificence of several rich and varied heritage structures to build a collection that are not only earning them moolahs but also deserving to go down in history as legendary designs.   Let's take a look at some of the masterpieces that will have a spellbinding effect on you.  Jharoka It literally means the window of royal palaces. In terms of function and form, they are awe inspiring. While serving the purpose of offering ventilation to the palatial mansion, these windows are nothing short of aesthetics. As a result, it captured the imagination of our jewellery designers and revived into a jharoka collection, loved by one and all. Jali Inspired by the window designs of our rich p

Pachchikam is back and how!

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Panchchikam is one of the oldest jewellery heritage of India. Originated in Gujarat and Kutch, this style has been recently revived by the jewellery designers. By the looks of it, a Panchchikam design may appear to be unfinished and delicate as compared to Kundan jewellery . This is due to the use of silver as its base metal instead of gold that is commonly used in Kundan and Polki work. With that, it is not only cost-effective but also gives the exquisite look and feel of platinum.  The main raw materials for Pachchikam jewellery is the base material i.e. silver along with uncut glass and semi-precious stones while the colours used are white, blue, red and green stones and white rice pearls. The process of crafting Pachchikam jewellery is quite laborious and time-consuming. A silver casing is first made to insert the stones which are then affixed within grooves. Upon looking closely at the jewellery, the entire craft may appear rather crude but that is where its bea

3D printing a threat to handcrafted jewellery?

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We hear about the advent of 3D printing in jewellery making. It's a welcome change in the world of sparkle and shine. While it has made bulk production easier, even turnaround time has drastically come down. But did this technology pose any threat to the traditional hand-crafted designs ? How has it affected the prospects of karigars who create them? These concerns have sent the whole industry in a tizzy. But there are two sides to the same coin and so does 3D printing. While it looks like a threat to the prevalent set-up, there is a silver lining too. It has created jobs for the new crop of technicians who are trained to man these machines. Even CAD designers have new avenues to explore. Not just replicating designs has become much easier but also time-taken is far lesser now. More and more manufacturers are therefore embracing this technology. But the ease of production is not just the only reason why manufacturers are warming up to 3D printing. The next generation karig

Top 5 never-before-seen Mangalsutra designs!

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Mangalsutra is a marital symbol and hence, married women across India, do not get enough of it. Even if it means blurring the borders and exploring different cultures to flaunt the most unique designs, they do not shy away from it. No wonder, you see a bride from north India wear a two- Watimani Mangalsutra that is a typical of Maharashtra or even a Bengali women flaunting a south designs. To cater to this open-minded generation of women, jewellery designers too have up the ante and have been rolling out some of the avant-garde designs. Check out! I am sure you will be thrilled to wear one of them. It's a Mangalsutra , it's a Surya Haar and therefore, it is a wonderful combination that will go with your everyday as well as festive look. What you notice first? Of course, the ethnic pendant that is a combination of the matt and glossy finish. While this Mangalsutra will infuse a traditional charm into your festive look, as a dailywear too it will give you a