Dynamite Danglers

Is it any wonder that jewellery designers in India are selling them faster than they can design them? Says erstwhile film actress and now fine jewellery designer Neelam Kothari who recently opened her flagship store on Mumbai’s Linking Road, “This is a trend here to stay. I think with our penchant for the dramatic in formal traditional clothes, chandelier earrings are ideal for the big look compared to sleeker and more minimal contemporary jewellery designs.”

She adds a lot of clients ask for chandelier earrings, both in semi-precious and precious stones. “In the price range of Rs. 1 to 2 lakhs, designs are a bit funkier and more contemporary. But when it gets more expensive, clients do prefer more classic and timeless designs.” Amongst the precious stones preferred combinations of diamonds and emeralds, or diamonds and rubies set in white metal-either platinum or white gold, are the most popular.

Exquisitely crafted in 18carat gold and platinum set with diamonds, emeralds and rubies stones like aquamarine, tourmaline, South Sea Pearls and pink sapphires are also popular when combined with diamonds. “I personally prefer a very classic and modern look,” says Neelam. While the current trend is of including Mughal designs or motifs, she adds, “When creating a piece, a particular shape or motif may inspire me. I start working around it then I see what stones or colours I can use. Personally, I love to use a lot of coloured stones, as I believe it makes a jewellery piece a lot more interesting. I like my jewellery to look very delicate and also I have an aversion to too much metal showing in a piece. The attention should be more on the stones than the metal. Floral designs are my current favourite.

“Jewellery designer Farah Khan recently designed a range of jewellery, which is exclusively retailed from Anmol Jewellers, and chandelier earrings did form a part of this collection. Trendsmith also recently launched their chandelier collection which showcased renowned brands such as Shagun Nanda, Mimansa, Tanya Soni, YS-18, Yogesh Jashnani, Naqsh, TBZ - NZ, Alka Zaveri, Radiant Jewels and many more. Says Samrat Zaveri, MD, Trendsmith, “Introducing The Chandelier Collection to discerning patrons has been a gratifying experience. The eager response has given us the impetus to launch similar innovative collections in the future, as well.” Within seven days, the entire collection priced between Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 2 lakhs was a sell out. The chandelier earrings in this collection comprised primarily precious stones like aquamarines, tourmalines and diamonds set in 18k white gold. Says jewellery designer Yogesh Jashnani of Thakurdas Jewellers, Bandra who also retails at Trendsmith, “Chandeliers have always been a favourite with jewellery designers. The artistic intricacies that chandelier earrings boast of are of varied styles and colours. The standard look sets off its trademark i.e. two inches long pair, set in white gold or platinum.”

According to Sunil Datwani of Anmol Jewellers, chandelier earrings are big news and very, very in. “It’s a wilder look that is in these days, coloured stones, long shoulder grazing earrings, and one piece earrings rather than detachable and add on pieces. In fact, clients prefer to wear only the earrings and no necklace for maximum impact. Coloured precious and semi precious stones set in white metal in the range of Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 1 lakh are the most popular.”

Jewellery designer Farah Khan who retails exclusively from Anmol also had a series of chandeliers in her collection. Her designs have a combination of white and coffee coloured diamonds, and coloured stones. But since Farah’s designs are exclusive, once a piece is sold it is not repeated.

Says a spokesperson for DIA, an exclusive diamond jewellery store, “The chand- bali design is the most sought after, with floral motifs, pearl or pear diamond drops. The earrings are mainly set in white gold and are totally handcrafted. And the most popular price range is between Rs. 1.5 lakhs to Rs. 2.5 lakhs.”

What is it about chandeliers that make them the jewellery of the moment?
Firstly, it the sense of completeness that chandelier earrings give to any formal look. They add instant femininity and glamour to a dressed up look and with no necklace or neckpiece to detract from their impact, they add a sense of classiness that no amount of chunky gold earrings can. Plus they lengthen a face and add interest to cheekbones.

How do you wear a pair of chandelier earrings? This kind of earring is best for a formal occasion-when you want to look as dressed up as you can. Do consider your face shape. Long or oval faces are best suited for this type of earring. Hair should either be swept up or past shoulder length and left loose, to create maximum impact. Make-up should be strong and smoky eyed. Classic vintage patterns set in white metal and precious stones are best with western formal outfits, in muted tones. Contrast stones must essentially be paired with an outfit that echoes the colour of the stones. Ideally, an outfit with a minimal amount of embroidery or contrast colours works best to offset the beauty of the chandelier earring. Make sure you have a support behind the clasp, to prevent the ear-hole from ripping.

And finally, do wear chandeliers not for the fact that it is in style, but because of their ‘feel good, look great value’! .

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