The ultimate guide to bling

Wondering how to accesorise without over-doing it? Here’s a list of do’s and don'ts...
Some like it in all its grandeur — big, bold and beautiful. Some like to tone it down with a salwar or a sari. Either ways, women don’t compromise on their jewellery, that’s for sure.
With more vintage collections entering the market, women now have a choice to go classy with their stones.India has been witness to a history that is rich and pregnant with culture. Colourful extravagance, rubies, emeralds — our culture is a sparkling box of jewels.
Rajiv Arora and Rajesh Ajmera, one of the country’s leading experts on the subject and one of the most prominent jewellers believe that their jewellery can be described in three words as — big, bold and beautiful. “India has a rich culture behind it and we think banking in on that rich culture has been our biggest advantage. The style that we create has a universal trademark on it. The soul is still very much India,” says the duo.
Accessorizing is always a little tricky. The inevitable question of how much is too much always remains. However, in our country weddings are such big affairs that it is almost impossible to stay simple with regard to jewellery. For the young ones, especially the girls, weddings mean bling, jazzy clothes and boredom. But, now, jewellery patterns have evolved into a fashion that is now, trendy and classier. It isn’t about the gold anymore. It’s more about vintage jewellery and unconventional varieties — something that will help them stand out.
Rajiv Arora says that although traditional is always a bride’s best bet, now the new-age bride is opting for more patterns. “Earlier, selecting jewellery was a parent’s job. Now, the girls are choosing their own earrings and sets. The times have changed.” Quiz him on what is hot this season and he says, “We have been analyzing the market; and by analyzing, we mean that we’re looking at all designers, Indian and international. In 2012-13, tribal and ethnic jewellery is going to be big, that we know.”
We, Indians, have always been quite superstitious when it comes to certain kind of jewellery. Some say that not every woman can wear diamonds because it can destroy them. Some say, wearing your own stone can bring one immense wealth. Ask these experts whether there’s an inkling of truth here or is it just an old wives’ tale and they reply, “We actually think the men are more inclined towards the superstitions. Women are more bothered about how they actually look,” smiles Rajiv and adds, “They are just superstitions. But in north India, people do believe that Blue Sapphire (Neelam) is bad luck and it can affect your life. Navratna (nine gems) is a lucky charm.”
Wearing them right
- While accessorizing, a lot of your jewellery depends on the kind of attire you have chosen for the occasion. If you sari has heavy zari work, go easy on the jewellery. You don’t want to end up looking like a disaster there. Opt for a single vintage chain, and a cocktail ring to balance out your heavy sari work.
- The focal point of your attraction should be one single piece. Something that will stand out and also lift your face and neck. The ultimate goal is to receive a compliment on how YOU look, not how the piece looks. You’re not a jewellery mannequin.
- If you feel your hands are too skinny, then multiple bracelets would look good. Silver or even tribal bracelets would look elegant.
- Earrings are a tricky piece of jewellery. Sometimes, you choose a really heavy one and it ends up hiding behind your hair. So if you’re choosing a heavy earring, make sure it compliments your hairstyle as well.