Au Naturale

We are basking in the afterglow of the India International Jewellery Week (IIJW), which brought some of the best jewellery pieces in limelight. One of the strongest trends that made its presence felt on the IIJW ramp was jewellery inspired by nature.

Whether it was designer Shobha Shringar’s collection that showed off large floral pendants on two strands of carved gems or the lotus-shaped choker by Charu Jewels, nature motifs have held a universal appeal.

Secrets of the garden
Floral designs rule the roost when it comes to jewellery. The feminine shapes of flowers and their colours, which range from soft pastels to blazing crimsons and emeralds lend themselves well to jewellery.

Delicate or bold a flower in bloom represents the singular magnificence of a woman. Both rough-cut stones and perfectly carved ones add depth and intensity to liven up the colours of the floral designs.

fawn over
What are flowers without the cute critters that accompany them? Jewellery in the form of a honeybee clinging onto a honeycomb-inspired gold bracelet or frogs perched majestically on top of a lily pad pendant make quite a statement. Even twigs and branches, if incorporated wisely, can create a neat yet organic look.

Buoyant feathers
Delicate, subtle and ‘almost-there’ jewellery pieces are the number one choice for occasions that demand nuance and elegance and an aerial creature symbolises just that! While miniature-sized birds and butterflies are a perennial favourite with jewellery lovers, airy wings and fragile feathers moulded from light-coloured metals such as silver, white gold and platinum are gaining popularity too.

Best of the bestiary
It’s a challenge to transform beasts and their beauty into metals and jewels but some of the leading jewellers of the world such as Chopard have done this, blurring the lines between dreams and reality.

Who would ever imagine a polar bear on a finger or a pair of seahorses dangling from the ears? To celebrate Chopard’s 150 years, Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele, co-president and artistic director, has launched over a hundred creations that celebrate the animal world.

This is the first of its kind collection devoted to a single theme and includes bracelets, necklaces, brooches, earrings, rings and even watches.