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Costume jewellery,
today, is being sought by one and all. It offers variety at a much
affordable price. Ask for anything, it is there: intricately crafted maang
tikkas, kadas (bangles), baajubands (armlets), paazebs
(anklets) or bichiyas (toe rings). Costume jewellery comes
in metal, plastic, jute, etc. Some of the pieces use semi-precious
and precious stones encased in metal. According to market sources, the
fast-moving items are beautifully crafted bracelets, necklaces, finger
rings and earrings. Till a few years ago, the market was limited to
women. But today the metrosextual man also has staked his claim and it
is common to see young men wearing chunky bracelets and single ear
studs. Costume jewellery can be categorised as the following, if you
leave out the crystal creations which are almost as costly as Wooden: This jewellery depends mainly on oak,
ash and pistachio woods. Current fashion trends can be easily
accommodated in these creations, as they are available in different
finishes, including antique, and often are decorated with beads and
cut glass. Stone: Synthetic and semi-precious stones are ideal
for costume jewellery and they look grand when combined with other
base material like wood, metal or shell. The quality/cut of the stones
affect the overall look. Terracotta: This eco-friendly
material is used for ethnic jewellery mainly based on traditional
motifs. When teamed with semi-precious stones or wood, it is used to
create exclusive designs. Metal: Stainless steel and brass
are the most popular materials for costume jewellery, especially as
the prices of precious metals like gold, silver and platinum have
skyrocketed. The finish is the most important factor in this variety.
Floral and geometric designs are popular and occasionally we find
metal jewellery painted in different colours. Jute: This has
become popular in the last few years and usually the items are
handcrafted to impart a distinctive look. Being a flexible material,
great care has to be taken to ensure that the aesthetics and design
novelty are maintained. Shells: This naturally occurring
material in different colours and designs is handcrafted in trendy
designs. Very often these are decorated with inlay work and the
combinations consist of painted shells in different shapes. Frequently
it is used with synthetic pearls. Beads: This is the most
common costume jewellery. Beads are made of different materials and
are also available in antique and matte finish. The costlier ones are
handcrafted and help to highlight any dress, formal or casual. Bone:
Such jewellery, made from animal bones, is preferred by
youngsters. These funky treasures make a unique style statement, and
come in both rough and polished varieties. Pendants made of bones are
much sought after. Ivory: In vogue for centuries, right now
it is out of fashion due to the need to save elephants the world over.
Plastic: It is one of the most used materials to create
attractive jewellery pieces. The jewellery is available in an
exhaustive and exclusive range of designs right from delicate plastic
beaded pieces to chunky, coloured chokers. From geometric stretched
bangles to funky bracelets, the choice is endless. Leather: Available
in hip and unconventional designs, leather pieces are worn usually by
the youth. Handcrafted and finely finished, leather beaded jewellery
is also popular. Stone-studded leather items in different shades,
shapes and sizes are sought after. Embroidered leather jewellery is
also a fad. Glass: This has been used since centuries to
manufacture beautiful and high fashion pieces. Tear drop, floral,
animal figures are popularly demanded by the youngsters. This is
available in antique and rough finish to cater to varying tastes. —
MF
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Heard
the best anecdote about costume jewellery? Few years ago the managing
director of Art Karat was pleasantly taken aback to find the former
Maharani of Gwalior coming in to make some purchases. "Your
Highness," the director stammered, "Your coming to our
establishment is an honour, but then why you, a billionaire, are
buying our gold-plated silver jewellery?" Replied the Maharani
laughingly, "Nowadays the servants are not as trustworthy as they
were in the olden days, and the insurance stipulates that the costly
jewellery can be taken out for only a few hours for occasions. But
the most important reason is that when I wear costume jewellery,
nobody will think it is not real treasure." 