Let's take a look at the different stages in a Parsee woman's life and her items of jewellery.

BIRTH
When a baby is born into a Parsee household it is a time for great celebration and festivity. Usually the new mother is honoured with a piece of jewellery either by her in-laws or sometimes even by her parents and/ or her husband. Again no specific item is assigned for this occasion and the choice really depends on the economic status of the family. The middle class opt for gold bangles or a gold chain while the rich would prefer to design a custom-made bracelet or pair of elegant bally earrings in diamonds. Parsees steer away from readymade jewellery available off-the-shelf at jewellery stores and so always have a family jeweller or karigar who has been associated with the family for generations. It's not uncommon to see a workman in his dhoti expertly stringing pearls in the living room of a Parsee home.

AGHANI
When a first-time mother is pregnant an aghani ceremony is performed during her seventh month. This is another opportunity for gift giving. The expectant mother is gifted with an item of jewellery such as a pair of gold bangles, a designer wristwatch or a strand of pearls.

Baby girls are bestowed with a pair of tiny gold bangles and gold studs, which are pierced in their ears almost as soon as they are born. In fact, so integral is the role of jewellery in their lives, that many get earrings before they are even vaccinated!

NAVJOTE CEREMONY
Before a Parsee child attains puberty the traditional thread ceremony or Navjote takes place, whereby the child is initiated into the religion. This day is second only in importance to a marriage ceremony and is celebrated with great pomp and circumstance. After completion of the ceremony (which is performed by a priest), where the child is invested with the sacred sudreh (shirt) and kusti (girdle), it is time to celebrate this event with a lavish party or reception.

Needless to say, the entire immediate family is dressed for the occasion in new clothes; the jewellery selected for this special function is done with the utmost of care and effort. Generally the Navjote child wears a simple gold chain with a traditional asho-farohar (the guardian angel) pendant and a pair of earrings. Bangles and a fancy wristwatch for boys are optional. Some forgo the gold pendant in favour of modern diamond designs. These items encapsulate bold graphic designs and are encrusted with diamonds. The diamond pendant is usually off-centred with a forward moving wave of delicate rows of diamonds. Simultaneously exciting and elegant, these avant-garde designs capture the classic, elegant foundation that crosses generations.

Since the Navjote child is too small to wear elaborate jewellery it is worn by the mother and handed over to the daughter when she grows up or sometimes during her wedding time. In the case of a boy, the jewellery is kept in safekeeping for his future wife.

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