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Showing posts from July, 2018

PNG Jewellers invites franchisees

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The 185-year-old establishment, PNG Jewellers has adopted a new expansion strategy. Now, it has set up a franchising division that has opened its doors to like-minded partners. The partnership can be based on either Franchisee Owned Franchisee Operated (FOFO) or Franchisee Owned Franchisee Operated (FOCO) model. Since 1832 in the business, PNG Jewellers is the name to reckon with. Over the two centuries, it has not only grown in size and stature but also created its brand value. Captialising on the same, the company now hopes to  penetrate completely new markets with the help of local businessmen,  expand faster in an already established market or in a known market and yes, save on capital expenditure.  “The popularity for our brand of jewellery reflects through our diverse portfolio of customer-base that includes a unique segment of people coming in from far-off locations where we do not have physical presence. This move therefore was the next natural step for our

The curse of the Hope Diamond

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French merchant Jean Baptiste Tavernier had stolen a 115-carat blue diamond from the eye of a Hindu idol in India and later, sold it to King Louis XIV of France in 1669. From here on, the curse started showing its effect. King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette were beheaded during the French Revolution. After that, Lord Francis Hope of England inherited the diamond. He, along with his American showgirl wife, squandered all their fortune, sold the diamond and were eventually reduced to poverty. The stone was later bought by Evalyn Walsh McLean in 1912. Her son was killed in a car accident, her daughter committed suicide and her husband left her for another woman but ended up in an insane asylum. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History later bought the Hope Diamond in 1958 and hasn't suffered from owning it but the postman who had delivered the jewel almost died after being hit by a truck. His wife and dog passed away not long after, however, and his ho

Not all red stones are ruby!

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Ruby may be the birthstone of July but is equally loved by all. With sparkling diamonds , it's red hue blends beautifully to makes for a gorgeous combination. Even when it is set in gold, the sight is something to behold. No wonder, it is one of the most desired gemstones of all.  The sad part is, not all can afford to buy ruby . But that does not mean, they should be eluded of the rich red stone. They can have their fill of a beautiful red and gold or red and diamond combination with it's stunning substitutes. They sparkle as lustrously as the ruby stone does, yet cost just a fraction of the latter's price.  Excited? Check out your options.   Andesine Feldspar comes the closest of all, when it comes to ruby look-alikes.  Garnet too scores big as a ruby's replacement.  Another ruby-like stone, Rhodonite too can adorn your jewels with its red hue.  May not be like a ruby crystal, yet Carnelian can add the red hue to yo

Are you game for a Kayan-Lahwi neckring?

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Jewellery itself is so fascinating but when you see something unusual, you just can't stop gushing about it and this is what happened to me too when I laid my eyes on Kayan Lahwi women's neckring . The neckwear may not be a masterpiece vis-a-vis aesthetics but the interesting trivia that goes with it, makes it all the more alluring. Hailing from Myanmar, the Kayan girls, as young as five years old, start wearing this brass coil around their neck and since it is a tedious task to coil and uncoil around one's neck, it is only removed when needs to be replaced with a longer one.  Some of you may get excited to give it a try. But remember, the picture is not very rosy on the other side. Although the neck appears to be longer, in reality, the appearance of a stretched neck is created by deforming the clavicle. The clavicle is first lowered and then, the neckring is coiled around the neck. Otherwise, the area around the neck and collarbone gets bruised and discoloured.

Where in the world live insect jewellery is worn?

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Live insect jewellery ? Yes you read that right. Through history, live insect jewellery has been popular. Many attractive insects are worn in many culture as jewels . FYI, the Egyptians may have been the first to do so, wearing Scarab Beetles into battle. Apart from that, the Mexican Maquech Beetle and Giant Madagascar Hissing Cockroach too have been used in jewellery by them. But they are not alone to have this bizzare penchant. In Britain too, the Victorians loved live insect jewellery . Often they would sport huge, vivid live beetles attached to their clothing by tiny, fine gold chains . Author: Deepa Mishra Disclaimer: All images used in the blog have been sourced from Google purely for the purpose of informative reference. The models, celebrities or products showcased in these pictures are not to promote any brand in any manner.     

Trivia: Naulakha haar

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Naulakha Haar is a famous necklace esrtwhile belonging to the landlord of Bihar - Maharaja Rameshwar Singh of Darbhanga. Not many people may know that he had the third best gems and jewellery collection (after Nizam and Gaekwad) of post-independence India. The most famous of the Darbhanga jewels was the 'Naulakha Haar' - a long necklace of pearls, diamonds and emeralds . Originally, this necklace belonged to Peshwa Bajirao who acquired it for Rs nine lakh and that's how it got its name 'Naulakha'. For the unversed, 1 lakh is equal to 0.1 million. At that time, it remained with Peshwas till 1857 when it was sold by Peshwa Nanasaheb to Rana Jung Bahadur of Nepal for a pittance. In 1901, Maharaja Rameshwar Singh bought it from Nepali Prime Minister Dhir Shamsher Rana who was forcefully removed from his post and fled Nepal. Its exact selling price is not known but it is said that Rameshwar Singh paid in cash as Shamsher Rana was short of fund and urgently nee

Top 5 Rakhis for your loving brothers!

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Looking for Rakhis for your dear brother? Look no further. Here are the five best designs in gold and silver that I have curated from a wide range of PNG Jewellers' Rakhi collection . The jewellery retail brand has sourced some of the finest designs for Rakshabandhan this year. From floral patterns to religious symbols and fancy designs, here you'll be spoilt for choice. Check out, I am sure you will love them too. This gold rakhi tops my list for it's lavish design. The floral pattern, adorned with red and green enamelling and to top it all, the beautiful engravings. Simply breath-taking!  Here's another piece in PNG Jeweller's collection that made me take a second look. The outline pattern, the floral design and the cleanlines, together offer the gradiose that the occasion commands. Through this silver Om Rakhi , most sisters, just like me, would love to bestow their loving brothers with the blessings of the divine.   Even in sil

Rakhis that last forever!

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Rakshabandhan is a celebration of sibling love. On this day, in India, sisters tie a  Rakhi  to their brothers and in return, brothers vow to protect them from the world and its evils. But as soon as the day is over, the Rakhi wears out. It’s indeed heartbreaking to let go of the sacred thread that marked the beautiful moment, just the day before. But when I recently stumbled upon  a stunning range of Rakhis , carved in gold and silver, I was overwhelmed. It was a eureka moment for me. I had discovered  a Rakhi collection  that would last as long as my special bond with my dear brother. Check out! Gold Rakhi Silver Rakhi This is just a small preview of  PNG Jewellers’ stellar collection of gold and silver Rakhis . Log in now to view the entire range of precious Rakhis! I am sure, you would find a design that would best describe your bond with your brother and thereby, make this year’s Rakhabandhan a memorable one. Author: Deepa Mishra Disclaimer: All images

Gold and silver Rakhis up for grabs!

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Rakshabandhan is a celebration of sibling love. On this day, every year, sister and brother, revive their bond. While the brother promises to protect his sister at all time, sister prays for her brother's wellbeing. No wonder, the brother-sister bond lasts till the end of time.  But when it comes to Rakhi , it wears out the next day. Isn't it heartbreaking? Of course! So how about a Rakhi that can last as long as your bond - till infinity? The idea of gold and silver Rakhi stems from this very thought. An everlasting Rakhi!   Now where to buy these precious Rakhis ? You do not have to go anywhere. A lot of reputed online jewellery retailers have rolled out special Gold and Silver Rakhi collections on their e-commerce site. Sitting in the comfort of your home or office, browse your options online .  There are Rakhis with religious symbols, there are designs with floral motifs and then, there are also a few pieces adorned with geometric patterns. With variety

How about diamonds for your dear sister, this Rakshabandhan!

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Sibling bonds last longer than any other relationship. From childhood to adulthood and through the autumnal times, this one relationship keeps you going. In them, you find a friend, a confidante and also, a support system. There is no one other than your sibling who understand your better. They are also the keeper of your so many secrets. But if you have a sister, her motherly love and a mentor-like influence is something that you can't thank your luck enough for. How about cherishing this special bond this Rakshabandhan with something as lasting as your bond? Something that stays with her forever. Something that reminds her about you. Something that she will never part with. Only diamonds can make up for something that special. While adorning her with the sparkle of your love, a diamond jewel will also become her prized possession. After all, it has been gifted by her dear brother. What are your options ? This year, when your sister ties you a Rakhi, treat her to a stun

Rakshabandhan keeps the e-commerce industry abuzz

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There is no slack season when it comes to e-commerce. Buyers are making the most of the attractive offers running here all year long. But the way this medium has become an integral part of Indian festivals is intriguing. Especially for Rakshabandhan that involves sending Rakhis and gifts to siblings, it has become a boon. The tradition of posting Rakhis to brothers living in different cities was always prevalent in India. A month prior to the festival day, sisters would courier the sacred strings to their brothers. However, a lot of time, it would be reported undelivered. Therefore, when online stores came in picture, with their swift services and assurance, more and more sisters took to online stores to send Rakhis. Even when it comes to expensive  gold and silver Rakhis , the presence of reputed jewellers online serve the purpose. Thanks to their certified offerings, customer-friendly exchange and return policies and also, insurance covers in case of loss and da

Show off your love for animals!

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Now-a-days people love to show off their love for animals. On social media, posting selfies with animals is a common practice. Keeping in step with this trend, jewellery designers have time and again rolled out a stunning collection of animal jewels that flambuoyant animal lovers would love to sport. But what's new? That they have moved on from the usual snake, peacock and butterfly designs and have explored the rich the thriling world of animals to the hilt. With that, they have come up with a wonderful collection that figures animals from underwater, land as well as the sky. Excited? Check out. There is no dearth of feline lovers. Those who have cats as pets, dote on them like anything. It would not be wrong to say that their cats are their pride and now with this silhoutte pendant on offer, they can also wear pride.  But those who have furry friends are even luckier. With an origami twist, this pug pendant adds a fun element to the design.    This

Benefits of wearing a tortoise ring

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Tortoise has significance in both, Vastu Shastra as well as Feng Shui. The experts of both the streams suggest that since tortoise is amongst those rare mammals that has longer life-span, the wearer is blessed with the same. Moreover, as per the Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu took the form of tortoise to uphold the earth during the Sagar Manthan (churning).  At the prospect of living longer, many followers of these ancient sciences, have installed a tortoise figurine in their homes.  Keeping the architecture of the house, the figurine is recommended to be placed in the specified direction of the house to ward off the negativities.   But these days, you can also find many people wearing it as a ring . As a result, a range of tortoise ring is making way into the catalogue of most jewellers . Depending upon your size and budget, there is a wide variety of tortoise rings on offer for you.  If you too wish to usher in the benefits of a tortoise ring, make sure you wear it right

The biggest gems and jewellery exhibition is back!

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The dates of the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS), this year has been announced. Spanning across five days, the show is scheduled from 9 August to 13 August, 2018. As always, the venue is Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. But this year it is quite special. IIJS will celebrate its 35th anniversary, during which it has grown in size as well as stature.   On the sidelines of the exhibition, the informative seminars and other events held as various segments of the show, are also why most of the  jewellers  turn up for. So much so that, it's a grooming exercise for the next gen jewellers. They are made to attend the show in order to develop an indepth understanding of the  gems and jewellery  industry.  For the uninitiated, IIJS is one of the important events in a jeweller's calendar. For manufacturers, it is a global platform to meet their existing as well as prospective customers. Here they can showcase their offerings to even the customers from the locations

Earrings that go well with traditional Indian wears

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Bought a gorgeous Indian dress and looking for a suitable pair of earrings ? Look no further. Here are some of the stunning earrings that beautifully merge with any Indian attire.  When talking of a traditional Indian earrings , Jhumka is the first name that pops up in my mind. While it infuses an ethnic charm into your look, the extavaganza is worth beholding.  If you want to underplay the earrings, no matter you are clad in a festive attire, Kudi is the best option to go in for. Big on design, this dainty pair also has its roots in Maharashtra.  But if you want an elaborate design that steals the show, Karnphool that crawls up the ears, is highly recommended. Other than the Jhumka bells, you can also sport different danglers with this bridal pair.  Chandbalis that has an Afgani origin also teams up well with our traditional Indian attires.  Even the Passa that originally sat pretty on one side of the forehead of a Muslim bride, now

Jewels that never go out of fashion

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Some jewellery designs are always in vogue. Irrespective of the era, regardless of the season, they can be seen around all the time. That's not all. Women from all walks of life and across age groups flaunt them without reservations. New trends may come and go but these evergreen designs are here forever! Check out these everlasting jewellery that you must have in your trinket box too. Solitaire ring Whether a college-goer, a working professional or a homemaker, the Solitaire ring is invariably every woman's most desired jewel and has been thus since the time it came into existence. There is no second thought about it that it will continue to enjoy this popularity till the end of time. Hoops Although it gives a retro feel to your overall look, it is still relevant when it comes to fashion. Bracelet Bracelet is always underestimated. It is yet to get its due as the most versatile jewel that goes well with formals, casuals as well as ethnic wears.