A piece of jewelry comes from the inexhaustible source of inspiration, a creative mind of a designer. Almost every reputable jewelry house has an in-house design department that works under the guidance of top jewelry designers. In fact, design forms an integral part of any jewelry and is always considered to be of utmost importance,” says Vasant Mehta, chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, who was in Jeddah to promote its 27th edition of the Indian International Jewellery Show (IIJS) 2010. The show was held in Mumbai recently.

The show revealed the country’s leadership in the diamond manufacturing sector of India, with the vast range of jewelry making a brilliant impact on the national and international visitors who included a sizeable number from Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Middle East-Gulf region, he told Arab News in an online interview. India, which according to the World Gold Council alone consumes 45 to 50 percent of the global gold production, is showcasing its vast array of jewelry at some of the upcoming expos including Jewellery Arabia 2010 in Bahrain from Nov. 23-27.

Mehta says the Mumbai show was a feast for the eyes as models glided down wearing jewelry of different designs. The collection titled ‘Mystique’ was for the modern woman, and the all white fluid satin creations by designer Wendell Rodricks were the perfect combination. Queenie’s creativity was revealed in the chunky ‘kadas’, the rich necklaces with opulent pendants, rows of pearls caught with diamond, ruby and emerald pendants, which glittered on the ramp.

Tradition was given a modern twist with giant gold beads with striking pendants, while softly knotted rows of chains, pearl drop and diamond necklaces and the double emerald pendants on diamond chains proved Queenie’s versatility with jewelry designs. All the exhibits had a designer touch, with designers showcasing their exquisite jewelry collections.

Gitanjali Jewellers presented a delightful quartet of stunning jewelry, including Gili, Sangini, D’damas and Asmi collections. Gili collection was of tiny fragile diamond sets that had touches of colors as peridots added pastel tones. Sangini collection was gold finely crafted into thin chains with diamonds sparkled for rich asymmetric necklaces and earrings. D’Damas collection was of curved necklaces, sun burst pendants on a cord, multi-pronged neckpieces and matching earrings that made a scintillating bold impact on the catwalk. Asmi collection was of romantic and unconventional shapes.

Bollywood’s choreographer-turned director Farah Khan Ali’s collection was a celebration of the most superior level of Indian craftsmanship. Playing with a collection of intricately carved emeralds, rubies and sapphires, the mix of colors in red, blue, green, pink and yellow with the luxurious diamonds dazzled the audience. The traditional techniques of ‘polki’ were dreamt into unbelievable variations of jewelry fit for royalty. Strands of pearls played a melody of design with emeralds, while rich diamond collars with pearl drops, long tasseled pearl necklaces, 3D pendants on triple strands of diamonds, wide bracelets and diamond bangles were sensational.

Varuna D. Jani’s VOW (Very Own Wish) jewelry collection spelled glitz and glamor. Varuna showed Essentiele the casual line, Eleganza the formal Look, Potenza for corporate stylish wear and Sensazione for the brides who want that special something for the most important day of their lives. Choice selections of diamonds were teamed with emeralds, rubies, topaz and amethyst and turned into classic jewels. Varuna’s patented jewelry, whether it is the VOW collection or her signature line, reveals various facets of her creativity from couture, classic to prêt which are designs that cater to the needs of women who long for the unique touches in their jewelry. Laxmi Jewellers’ bridal show was a feast of mesmerizing diamonds and 22 karat Jadtar jewelry. Its necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets were stunning.
 

‘Amrapali,’ a stunning Minakari kundan necklace studded with emeralds with kadas, cummerbund and long earrings, Birdichand Ghanshyamdas’s emerald and ruby double pendant on a kundan collar with a paisley touch; CKS’ lacey diamond collar with rubies and teams with an umbrella shaped ring; CVM’s big antique gold collar dotted with oversized pink precious gems; Dwarkadas Chandumal’s sweeping wide lacey collar in diamonds with Christmas tree shaped earrings; Eekani’s pearl and diamond lantern earrings with emerald drops; Farah Khan Ali’s giant rubies and South Sea pearls in alternate chains; Ganjam’s multi-row necklace in white and yellow gold highlights with seven karat yellow diamonds in fancy shapes.

The others were Gitanjali’s ruby and diamond multi-ringed circular pendant on a diamond chain; Gitanjali Debut’s two strands of South Sea pearls choker and emerald drops necklace combo with a shorter kundan version; Golecha’s kundan collar which stretched from shoulder to shoulder teamed with a choker; Intergem Exports’ burst of floral design pendant in green colored diamonds on a slender chain; Kashi Jewellers’ mix of kundan, enamel and pearls for a luxurious wide necklace; Kriplani & Sons’ high collar kundan necklace with emeralds and pearl drops; Kundan Meena’s Maang Tikka, armlet, choker, bangles, key chain teamed with a polki necklace; Laksh Pahuja’s dolphins; Laxmi Jewellers’ giant rectangle kundan multi-colored gem pendant on a pearl strand; Manubhai Zaveri’s rustic Gujarat inspired bridal jewelry with haar and choker.

Murari and Co.’s ornate diamond choker with strands of diamonds draped over one shoulder; National School of Design’s large funnel shaped wired 3D motifs on a huge necklace; Rhea Nasta’s  long strands of diamonds gliding down the center of a delicate necklace; Rosily Paul’s diagonal asymmetric thin curved strands for a necklace; Sangam Chains’ antique gold red tasseled armor necklace with gems and matching tasseled earrings; Sawansukha Jewellers’ rolled antique gold necklace with diamond pendant tucked in the center and a dramatic back ending; Surana Gems’ rose motif, nose ring and dome shaped ring, armlet and a U shaped molded diamond necklace; Timond’s tiny floral diamonds on a thin multi-chain necklace; Varuna D Jani’s wide emerald and diamond necklace with three pronged pendants and matching earrings; Zoya by Tanishq’s broad pear shaped diamond earrings with a matching circular and cuff.

The best of the best show presented by P.C. Jeweller was the perfect end to Asia’s first expo — the India International Jewellery Week, which reflected not only beautiful designs but also exquisite craftsmanship, organized by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, says Mehta.