the 7th edition of - solitaire international...he gem & jewellery export promotion council...

he Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) held the glittering 7th edition of the

India International Jewellery Week (IIJW) at St Regis Hotel, Mumbai on September 23-24. The show was powered by Gemological Institute of America, and co-partnered by Forevermark and Platinum Guild International, with Bright Outdoor Advertising as its outdoor partner.

The show was inaugurated by GJEPC chairman Praveenshankar Pandya in the presence of Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra’s chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Nirupa Bhatt, managing director – GIA in India & Middle East, Mehul Choksi, chairman, Gitanjali Group and Shailesh Sangani, convener, promotions, marketing & business development, GJEPC.

Praveenshankar Pandya, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “In sync with Prime Minister

Narendra Modi’s vision of showcasing the best of Indian creativity and craftsmanship to global customers, IIJW is an initiative to showcase the finest in indigenous Make In India jewellery. Be it design or innovation, or top-of-the-line craftsmanship, technology and quality, Indian jewellers are comparable to the best in the world.”

The leading retail houses and top designers who showcased their latest collections at IIJW 2017 include Nakshatra World, Caratlane, Azva, PC Jewellers, IIGJ Mumbai in association with Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers, Surya Golds in association with Swarovski Gemstones, Pallavi Foley presented by Bluestone.com, Mehta & Sons by Narendra Mehta in association with IGI, Laksh Pahuja presented by Gemma & HRD Antwerp, Anmol using Australian Diamonds, Reliance Jewels using Australian Diamonds, and C. Krishnaih Chetty Group of Jewellers.

the 7th Edition of

This September, celebrities, jewellery connoisseurs and buyers were regaled with magnificent and extraordinary jewellery collections displayed at the India International Jewellery Week (IIJW) in Mumbai.

46 SOLITAIRE INTERNATIONAL OCTOBER 2017

IIJW SPECIAL

There was high costume drama coupled with creative flourishes by India’s ace jewellery designer PALLAVI FOLEY. She unveiled the Flame of the Forest collection, presented by Bluestone.com. The 50-piece collection was an ode to Bangalore where Pallavi started her career as well as Bluestone.com’s birth city.

With the flower as the focal point for most of the pieces, her jewellery with the most amazing forms was avant-garde. Gorgeous earrings, brooches and necklaces, ankle and calf ornaments created a visual impact. The leaf and buds brooch beautifully represented the title of the collection; while the experimental horizontal ear sticks to decorate the ear lobes were absolute conversation starters. Her innovative gold cummerbund-cum-corset delicately embellished with petals was a head turner.

But it was for the magnificent “Wind Blown Necklace” that Pallavi went to creative extremes as she moulded, twisted and twirled gold into meandering multiple petals and leaves that seemed as if they would fly away in gusts of wind.

PALLAVI FOLEY MESMERIZES

The ANMOL collection using Australian diamonds was a dazzling affair. The unique bridal collection glittered with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and pearls coming together in perfect harmony in bejewelled forms. Chokers flowed into shimmering bibs, tasselled earrings in pearls and emeralds kissed the shoulders of the models, maatha pattis were impressive, while swinging floral chandeliers, sensational chand baalis, fan-shaped shoulder dusters and jhumkas were simply

ANMOL’S SENSATIONAL SHOWstunning. The magnificent rani haars teamed with gleaming chokers shimmered on the lithe models. The curved yellow and white diamond necklace teamed with floral chand baalis was a breathtaking offering, perfect for the bride of today.

Ishu Datwani of Anmol, Vikram Merchant, director, Rio Tinto Diamonds India, Monica and Karishma of Jade took a bow to thumping applause from the very appreciative audience.

SOLITAIRE INTERNATIONAL OCTOBER 2017 47

CARATLANE, a Tanishq partnership, presented some fresh concepts in the show. The crisp, well-edited line of jewellery called Bombay Deco was a tribute to the Maximum City representing the art deco architecture of many of Mumbai’s iconic buildings like Liberty Cinema, Empress Court, Eros and more. The brand also displayed the Aaranya collection that featured the beauty of flora, while the delicate Peacock line had enamels in blue, green and yellow. The Sway line had fun-filled tassels in 18-karat gold with flowing chains and diamond drops. Finally the Un-nostalgic Gold line, which had gold in lace, struck and crushed treatments will thrill women who love innovative pieces. The rings, pendants, earrings, necklaces and bangles were studded with precious stones in gold with traditional as well as contemporary designs.

The showstopper was a perky young girl, Aarya Joshi wearing multiple chains and a ring-cum-bracelet. From beautifully created delicate shoulder dusters, to fragile pendants, imposing rings, chunky bangles and bracelets, the collection was aimed at the jet-setting women of the 21st century.

CARATLANE’S ODE TO MUMBAI

Known for its intricate craftsmanship and designs, AZVA, inspired by the seven vows of Indian wedding traditions, made a splash at the IIJW. Eight fresh clumps of fragrant flowers lined the stage. To the melodious voice of singer Rachel Varghese, who sang the Skyfall theme song, the mood was set for some exotic jewellery. The fabulous line called Red Carpet was a visual treat that included 30 designs from eye-catching necklaces to breathtaking gorgeous chokers, from medallion sets to seven-row haars. A variety of motifs in 3D gold took the collection to a higher fashion level.

Making a stunning entry to end the show was Bollywood star Vaani Kapoor, who looked breathtaking in a gold and diamond sweetheart shaped rigid necklace with triangular earrings, bangles and rings. Taking a bow at the end of the show to thunderous applause was the very happy Vipin Sharma, CEO, Azva. The sensational gowns created by designer Swapnil Shinde were perfectly complemented the glittering jewellery.

AZVA REDEFINES BRIDAL WEAR


Six fresh talented designers from the INDIAN INSTITUTE OF GEMS AND JEWELLERY (IIGJ), Mumbai in association with Izaara by Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers presented varied short segments to showcase their creativity.

Manali Bansal’s delicate palm bracelet was a mix of gold and enamel with a paisley swirl, while the grand rani haar, earrings with multiple chains, South Sea pearls and diamonds, and another dramatic neckpiece was textured and studded with turquoise.

Neel Pethe gave a modern touch to jewellery — the gold flat petals and beaded front curved necklace teamed with a cuff was interesting. Texturing was the centre of attraction for this piece. The unconventional ring in abstract forms of nature and a feathered cuff were show stealers.

IIGJ’S FRESH TALENT

When it’s a LAKSH PAHUJA jewellery show expect the unexpected. The show titled Patriotism, Peace and Passion presented by Gemma and HRD Antwerp showed a line of extreme designs.

Laksh showcased 11 specially created pieces that were unbelievable visions of beauty inspired by icons in India. The Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of the Swatch Bharat Slogan carried forward by our PM Narendra Modi was the inspiration for the medallion necklace. Actor Sahil Salathia modelled the Bhagat Singh necklace called Shaheed. The Lata Mangeshkar neckpiece called the Nightingale, the Prime Czar enamelled head gear inspired by the chess grand master Vishwanathan Anand, the Uncommon Jewel brooch inspired by cartoonist late R K Laxman were some of the other creations. Jewels based on other icons included Mary Kom, M F Hussain and JRD Tata.

But it was the Mother Teresa inspired necklace called Wings of Charity, which was a perfect tribute to the Nobel laureate. It was a unique necklace showing beautiful wings, depicting an angel studded with white/blue Swarovski cubic zirconia representing her white cotton sari with a blue border.

The final jewel called Jai Hind was the grand entry of an army of mini soldiers who represented Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s Azad Hind Fauj. Taking the final bow was a very thrilled Laksh Pahuja and Ravi Chhabria, managing director, Antwerp India as the packed hall resounded with thunderous applause.

LAKSH’S ICONIC TRIBUTES


Sayali Chalke used tribal motifs and one of her neckpieces with rows of chains was sprinkled with florets and balanced on either end with complex squares and clusters of flowers, all intricately carved in silver with stones.

Shubham Barali paid a tribute to the flora and fauna. The stunning necklace had reflections of the peacock dance, and the entwining snake necklace in gold with matching earrings was a great offering.

Vaishnavi Mahajan presented floral earrings that caressed the earlobes, danglers with chains that flowed up to be clasped on the hair. The collection was an imaginative and adventurous study of nature. The butterfly pendant necklace-cum-harness was a unique presentation with vivid blue, yellow and orange enamelling.

Swati Samala’s creations featured birds and flowers with a hint of fierce and playful quality inspired by feral arena. The intricate hairband had the bird as its centre of attraction with the wings spread out. Created in gold and gems it was a truly unconventional offering.

Taking the ramp after a grand show by the talented students were Namita Pandya, convener, IIGJ Mumbai and Kirit Bhansali, chairman, IIGJ.

IIJW SPECIAL


Glorifying India’s magnificent arts and crafts, C Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers closed the final day at the glamorous show. Founded in 1869, CKC is known as one of the world’s finest heritage businesses. The Navrasa show (nine emotions of fashion) presented by the jeweller unveiled the stunning Sprezzatura collection.

The Ballroom of St Regis was converted into a wedding pandal with 10 ornate pillars on the stage. White cubes lined the ramp along with rows of flowers that streamed down from the ceiling to form a perfect backdrop. The opening dancers performed a modern version of the Bharatanatyam scripted by The Bioscope Diary. The story of birth, love and marriage unfolded as the models draped in splendid brocade saris by designer Gaurang glided down the ramp and posed gracefully.

The Heritage Collection was a great revival of the most amazing creations using handmade and modern 3D printing technology. The

CKC’S POMP & SPLENDOURbrilliant Valanda diamonds nestled creatively with the cabochon rubies and twinkling emeralds as the jewellery, which drew from the ancient crafts and antique designs, dazzled on the ramp. There was a grand medley of colour and immaculate finishes along with rare coloured stones and diamonds that formed the Sprezzatura range of jewellery.

The wedding on the ramp with the bride’s and groom’s entourage was the focal point of the show that unveiled the splendorous jewellery for the wedding. Temple rani haars, diamond chokers, matching cummerbunds, pearl bangles and long gem chains were magnificent. The thaali or thirumangalyam presented by the groom to the bride was a work of eternal beauty.

At the end of the spectacular show Shreyas V. Cotha, executive director, C Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers and Bhavna Cotha walked down the ramp to thunderous applause.

The stunning collection from MEHTA AND SONS by Narendra Mehta in association with IGI unveiled a superbly crafted jewellery line at IIJW. A magnificent line of sets were unveiled consisting of chokers, pendants, danglers, shoulder dusters, vertical pronged bangles, kadas, rings and bracelets. Especially striking was the opening giant uncut diamond choker with long earrings, the square emerald and diamond neckpiece, the angular diamond and emerald necklace and cuff, while the ruby, gold, pearl and diamond necklines were awesome. Another showstopper was the gold and diamond hollow lace hasli that was an innovative offering.

Ending the glamorous show was famed artist and philanthropist Rouble Nagi, who glided down the ramp wearing a gorgeous diamond collar, lavish circular danglers, cuff and cocktail ring. She was joined by Narendra Mehta, director, Mehta and Sons, and Ramit Kapoor, general manager, IGI India.

MEHTA AND SONS’ LUMINOUS FARE


IIJW SPECIAL

To the strains of live vocal and instrumental Rajasthani folk music, PC JEWELLER presented the magnificent Swarn Dharohar collection inspired by the mosaic heritage of royal Rajasthan. Divided into three distinct segments, the Gotta Patti line was inspired by Jodha Bai and princess Diya Kumar. Gotta is an interesting appliqué technique that includes the gotta, a strip of gold cloth in varying lengths, woven on red or magenta pink cloth. Great rani haars appeared with pearls and emeralds with gorgeous centre pieces, while gold, pearls, emeralds and precious stones were part of the ornate collection.

The Blue Pottery line by PCJ paid homage to the free-spirited and modern life of the Banjara tribe of the state. So there was a profusion

PCJ’S SHOW OF STRENGTH

of blue in the cocktail rings and grand chokers. Enamelled multi-pronged bangles, pearl rani haars and gold buttons and brooches for the men were in the spotlight.

The Pichwai line depicted the moods of the seasons. Rani haars and chokers, danglers and bangles along with large wide diamond necklaces with centre plaques, vied for attention on the ramp. Maatha pattis made an appearance along with grand nose and septum rings with chains. Turban pins, gold buttons and lapel pins with chains were the perfect ornaments for men.

Bringing the show to a crescendo was the beautiful Dia Mirza who looked every inch a glorious bride with a shoulder-to-shoulder scalloped necklace, cocktail ring, long danglers and an elaborate ornate maatha patti. Taking a bow at the end of the show was the dynamic designer of the collection Nupur Vasdev.

When two great jewellery brands come together the result is a dynamic presentation of ornaments. SURYA GOLD in association with Swarovski presented a mélange of jewellery inspired by South Indian designs and modern fashion jewellery. Nature played an important part as peacock and lotus motifs decorated the ornate pieces. Gorgeous eye-catching earrings, chokers, necklaces, chunky bracelets, bangles and striking cocktail rings looked amazing on the catwalk. Highlighting the glittering gold were white and coloured Swarovski gemstones and pearls.

Catching the eye was the butterfly diamond and ruby set, gold cuffs, the encrusted petal diamond necklace with pearl droplets and the looped pearl chains that were the centre of the diamond necklace with matching earrings.

Pretty Shamita Shetty made a showstopping entry wearing a dazzling diamond and ruby encrusted necklace in a graduating ‘V’ shape with matching earrings. The gorgeous clothes for the show were created by Manali Jagtap Shoor. Taking a bow at the end of the show were Ramesh Shoor, director, Surya Golds and Rajendra Jain, managing director, Swarovski Gemstones India.

SURYA GOLDS’ RIVETING ACCOUNT

IIJW SPECIAL


A luxurious panorama of jewellery by RELIANCE JEWELS using Australian diamonds unfolded at IIJW. On the ramp were some of the most exquisitely created pieces that included necklaces, earrings, rings, bangles, cuffs and kadas set with Australian diamonds and gemstones from Rio Tinto’s mines in East Kimberley region of Western Australia.

Opening the bridal jewellery show with a splendid diamond abstract design necklace and jhumkas, the creations that followed were fabulous to behold. Swirls of diamonds appeared in a neckpiece, lacy flat collars looked divine with chand baalis, while the classic diamond necklace was a must-have for every woman. The modern version of the haath phool looked delicate with chandelier earrings and a grand cocktail ring. Another eye-catcher was the cluster of florets for a collar. The fabulous clothes for the show were by ace designer Sehla Khan, who displayed her vintage bridal ‘Belle Époque’ collection.

Walking down the ramp to end the show was the popular Bollywood star Bhumi Pednekar, who looked gorgeous in a wide diamond collar, bracelet, earrings and rings. She was accompanied by Sunil Nayak, CEO, Reliance Jewels and Tony Huber, Australian consul general. n

NAKSHATRA World unveiled a stunning collection of jewellery inspired by celestial motifs. The 18-karat gold and diamond line featured the stylised classic seven-petalled diamond flower known as the kudajodi, which is connected with the constellation Saptarishi Mandalam. The grand opening show saw ace dance expert Sandip Soparrkar groove with model Alesia Raut who enthralled the audience with a stunning salsa and tango. Sandip wore an impressive, giant, diamond collar-cum-pocket brooch, while Alesia dazzled with diamond earrings. A lavish display of tasselled ruby pendants, cascading neckpieces, flat diamond and emerald geometric collars, lacy necklaces with pearls and ruby accents and diamond chokers were simply stunning. Gorgeous sapphires, pear-shaped giant emeralds and scalloped diamond creations created an unending line of beauty.

A trio of Sufi dancers moved in perfect unison before the second segment which was devoted to bridal jewellery. Chand baalis, dual strands of diamonds, rubies and

RELIANCE JEWELS’ DIAMOND FARE

NAKSHATRA DAZZLERS

pearls were turned into necklaces. The outfits were designed by famed Archana Kochhar. Actress Kriti Sanon walked the ramp for Nakshatra. Kriti, the new brand ambassador of Nakshatra’s Gili, looked sensational in a splendid, lacy, gold flat necklace, bangle and earrings in yellow and white diamonds, with a centre pendant.

the 7th edition of - solitaire international...he gem & jewellery export promotion council...

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