By Richa Wadhera
So this piece has nothing to do the fact that everyone I know is getting married, or is already married. But us girls love jewellery, so it certainly helps to know people who have done recces and know where to get the best stuff! In the last few years, I’ve been to tons of stores with my girlfriends, tried on a range of sets {in both tasteful and some rather vulgar sizes}, and flashed various sized engagement rings for my guy friends when they've taken me ring shopping. I’ve even tried on a full polki matha patti, and I’m seriously looking for an event {and a surprise inheritance from a distant great-aunt} to justify buying it.
The obvious result of all of this, apart from me falling in love some beautiful, old school pieces, is that I got a huge insight into what jewellery costs. And now more so than ever, I firmly believe that if you aren’t in love with a piece, do not invest in it. Forget about what your friend wore, or what the big stores tell you are selling the most. I’ve seen now that jewellery can reflect your personality as much as your clothes can. I’ve seen dramatic cocktail rings that only some girls I know can totally pull off, and other subtle pieces that my friends have said have ‘me’ written all over them.
I, for one, am a believer in looking at leisure. I don’t want anyone leaning over me, pushing multicolored sets under my nose, telling me everything looks beautiful on me. I want someone who will listen, who gets me { yes, in a partner as well, but that’s not the subject in question!} and then shows me designs that suit my personality, or the look I’m going for. I’ve met some wonderful designers in Delhi, who’ve customized for my friends and me, and I’m sharing this page of my little black book with tremendous pleasure!
Mudita Khaitan | Mudita’s forte is polki set in 22 carat gold. Her inspiration is jewellery from the yesteryears – royal, majestic - the kind that never goes out of style, and can be passed from generation to generation. Her chandbalis are very popular, as are her bracelets and other pieces in syndicate polki {for jewellery virgins, this is a higher grade of polki.} She also does contemporary diamond jewellery on order, like sets, tennis bracelets and chandelier earrings.
By Appointment Only | Contact Mudita at 9810353000
Rajni Abichandani | Believe it or not, my dad discovered Rajni, and am I glad he did! She showed me beautiful, subtle traditional polki and meena work, embellished with pearls and other stones, and every day wear diamond pieces, most of which she can customize budget or size wise. She even showed me these cool earrings that have changeable drops, so you can match them to any outfit by changing the drop stone color, at home! She also holds exhibitions regularly.
By Appointment Only | Contact Rajni at 9871082209
Babita | She has a very small line, but the great part is that she specializes in custom made, bespoke pieces. She has designs in kundan, diamonds, precious and semi-precious stones. I’ve seen my girlfriends wear her statement making cocktail rings and bangles, living up to the designer’s USP – always make the bride feel special.
By Appointment Only | Contact Babita at 9810150338
Neety Singh | My mum discovered Neety, and was so taken up with her stuff, she offered to take me to pick something out! Precious, fine jewellery, all manufactured in house in her workshop, Neety deals in polki, diamonds, gold and precious stones. She works mainly with traditional designs, though a lot of her stuff goes really well with occidental outfits. For brides, she does sets, bangles, contemporary rings and earrings, and all her gold and diamond jewellery is hallmarked. Currently, balas and jhumkas are the rage, as is yellow gold.
Find her on facebook | Neety Singh
By Appointment Only | Contact Neety at 09891376999
Priya Chawla | I went to her workshop with my mom just to take a look. Half an hour and a chat with her later, I walked out with these dramatically beautiful chandbalas! Living between Delhi and the US, you can call her in either place, and after a chat, she will show you different versions of your vision. I don’t just mean sets, earrings, bracelets, head pieces etc, I literally mean pieces with different inspirations - from old school royal, to vintage, to pearl inspired, and bespoke pieces. The best part – every piece of jewellery is independently certified by a government approved gem laboratory, stating the content and authenticity.
Find part of her collection at www.sivajewels.com, but you owe yourself a visit.
By Appointment Only | Contact her on 9999695002 {Delhi} or 0019253951114 {US}
Sushma Rishi | Mostly working with Kundan, polki and diamonds, Sushma also works with different precious stones in her designs, all of which are set in gold. Her designs are more contemporary, but if you are looking to go classic and traditional, she goes that route as well. She usually does stunning full sets, but if you are looking for, say, a ring or a bracelet, she does customized orders as well.
{Contemporary design in Turquoise and gold}
{Classic set}
By Appointment Only | Email her at sgworld@gmail.com or contact her at 9810120148
Sweta Kathuria | If you’re already married, or not getting married anytime soon, there’s still fun to be had with jewellery! Now little girls have a jewellery line all of their own, but I don’t believe this line ostracizes us older girls. Sweta imports adorable jewellery, all the way from Italy, that retails under the brand name PRIMM. Studs, danglers and pendants, all in 18 carat gold, enameled and hallmarked, her pieces make for perfect gifts, or for everyday wear, even at our age. Cute little shoes, butterflies, ladybugs, teddy bears and ice-cream cones, her stuff is fun and elegant, and very well priced. Pick up a few pairs for yourself and your daughter, niece or your little cousin. I’m totally going to buy matching sets for my sister and myself!
Find her collection on Facebook | Prim Couture
By Appointment Only | Contact her at 9810075801
About the author | An ex advertising and publishing professional, Richa currently runs her own company that combines all her passions – dancing, writing, film and the Big Fat Indian Wedding.
{Images courtesy | Facebook pages, websites and personal photographs of respective designers}
