Diamonds are forever

Designer Priti Patel feels that danglers & rings with diamonds will be popular this year, writes
Vimla Patil

Priti Patel is a diminutive woman who sits ensconced in her plush design studio in Mumbai, seeing clients only by appointment. But the buzz that goes out from her otherwise silent boutique helps to set fashion trends among hi-end families and celebrities in Bollywood because she is arguably one of India’s top jewellery designers today. Priti, whose brand is called Aadya Jewellery, has become popular among the elite of India as an ace designer of exclusive diamond and coloured stone jewellery. She is getting ready in a big way for the festive season ahead. "This year, dangles, chandeliers and jhumkas with cut and uncut diamonds—-specially teamed with rubies, emeralds and more often with semi-precious stones—-and rings as well as unusual bracelets are in vogue.

Society women and celebrities have so many parties and events to attend that they are tired of wearing ‘sets’ with matching necklaces and bangles . It is so much more fun to get lots of rings or earrings and match them with various designer ensembles. ‘, I have designed a wide variety of fabulous earrings and rings for the coming season. Also, unusual bracelets are in vogue,’’ says Priti.

"I look forward to a busy season this year because more and more women are earning big money today and their desire for jewellery is increasing by the day. Every affluent woman thinks it is her privilege to possess exclusive jewellery which is designed just for her personality. And why not, I say. Our women have been blessed with a liking for jewellery from time immemorial, and when they earn, their wealth includes diamonds and jewellery. I am happy to be the medium which helps them to realise their dreams," she adds.

Priti has a keen eye for designs from India’s royal past. The Nizam’s collection, the absolutely riveting jewellery of the maharajas and maharanis and the unimaginable jewellery pieces from the Mughal era are extraordinarily beautiful. But they cannot be worn in their original design by today’s active women because, firstly, they are too costly and, secondly, they would be uncomfortable to wear, she feels.

‘’I have taken many vignettes of this past treasure and give each piece a contemporary touch to make it more acceptable and wearable for today’s women. So my designs are royal in look and modern in styling, giving women a feeling of exotica with comfort. My designs include a generous use of Burma rubies. These were famous in the bygone eras and India’s royal families used to collect them in large sizes. They are unique in colour and very pricey now. Kenyan emeralds are also beautiful in colour and look exquisite when set with diamonds. I have brought back the beauty of coloured stones—-precious and semi-precious—-with combinations of cut and uncut diamonds and am looking forward to a successful season," says a confident Priti.

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