A Parsee Affair

Known for their heirloom jewellery and signature style, the Parsee community dazzles us all with their fine gems, says Fareeda Kanga.

When the Parsees first landed in India from Persia (around 716 to 785 AD), they fled from Muslim invaders with only the clothes on their back. Today, over 1200 years later, this miniscule community numbering only 70,000 is envied for some of the most breathtaking and priceless jewellery collections in the world!

First steps
Not much historical information or evidence is available on these early settlers except that in the 17th century, most of the prominent Parsees moved to Bombay.

There they took part in trade, shipbuilding and the textile industry, and eventually prospered. The Parsees, both men and women, contributed a great deal to the well being of the Indian community. They built hospitals, orphanages, schools, factories, and fire temples.

Perhaps the most notable factor that contributed to the community's development was their eagerness to embrace western culture and education.

The image of a Parsee lady in western clothes, adorned with three graded strands of the finest pearls money could buy was a surprisingly common phenomenon of yesteryear.

These are a few of my favourite things
Typically, the Parsees favour diamonds and pearl jewellery. During the British Raj, wealthy Parsees purchased necklaces, earrings and broaches (to pin their sarees) from famous jewellers such as Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpel and Garrard (jewellers to the crown). These pieces, presently valued in the millions, are the heirlooms of many a Parsee family.

Jewellery plays an important role in the life of a Parsee woman. In fact, it is intricately linked to every significant occasion in her life. Whilst there are certain traditional pieces of jewellery that are worn or gifted on special days, generally there is no hard and fast rule about what is worn where. Parsee women are generally independent and hence make their own choices about what they purchase and possess.

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