The Cartier and Gujarat connection!
On the eve of the momentous Christie’s auction of the al Thani jewels, titled “Maharajas and the Mughal Magnificence” - I made a trip to New York to catch a final glimpse of the entire collection, before the pieces were dispersed, each making its way to a new home in different parts of the world.
An interesting observation that I made here while looking at the pieces was the fact that jewellery, that is mostly a woman’s prerogative in today’s time, is majorly contradicted here. More than 85% of the jewellery in the exhibit belonged to and was worn by men. I was intrigued by a magnificent sarpench (image above) whose provenance stated that it belonged to the Maharaja of Nawanagar (present day Jamnagar, Gujarat) and since I come from Gujarat, I delved deeper into the Nawanagar jewels to know more.
Queen Elizabeth's Burmese Ruby tiara
HM Queen Elizabeth II wore a suite of ruby jewels by Garrard to the State Banquet hosted for the US President.
Let's get some trivia on the beautiful jewelry that she wore.....
Aurus X Met Gala 2019
The Met Gala, is an annual fundraising event for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City. It marks the opening of the Costume Institute's annual fashion exhibit. Each year's event celebrates the theme of that year's Costume Institute exhibition, and the exhibition sets the tone for the formal dress of the night.
I came across the theme for this year’s MetGala - “Camp: Notes on Fashion” and the first image that I had in my head was a very dressed-down look on the red carpet- army fatigues, grunge et al. Until I looked up Susan Sontag’s essay from 1964, on which the theme for MetGala 2019 was decided, and this prompted me to delve deeper into things that are “Camp-y”.
I came across the theme for this year’s MetGala - “Camp: Notes on Fashion” and the first image that I had in my head was a very dressed-down look on the red carpet- army fatigues, grunge et al. Until I looked up Susan Sontag’s essay from 1964, on which the theme for MetGala 2019 was decided, and this prompted me to delve deeper into things that are “Camp-y”.
Jewels of the Nizams - Drawing a parallel
This Tuesday found me heading to Delhi to see the Nizam’s Jewellery Collection, an amalgamation of jewels unparalleled in its sheer value and size. The entire collection was familiar to me as I have referred to the catalog several times in the past years for my work, but what awaited me was something I had not anticipated.
Ushered into a enormous room-like vault, there lay gleaming before me window after window of the finest Golconda diamonds (almas), Colombian emeralds (zamarrud), Basra pearls (marvareed), spinels (yakhoot), Kashmiri Sapphires (Neelam) etc so magnificent in size, brilliant in quality and set in some of the most beautiful ornaments that I have ever seen! It was one thing to see these jewels in a book and an another- an experience so enthralling that words cannot explain, to see them in flesh and colour.
Ushered into a enormous room-like vault, there lay gleaming before me window after window of the finest Golconda diamonds (almas), Colombian emeralds (zamarrud), Basra pearls (marvareed), spinels (yakhoot), Kashmiri Sapphires (Neelam) etc so magnificent in size, brilliant in quality and set in some of the most beautiful ornaments that I have ever seen! It was one thing to see these jewels in a book and an another- an experience so enthralling that words cannot explain, to see them in flesh and colour.
Pearls are always appropriate!
The most well-known pearl necklace was that which was worn by the American First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. She was the very definition of chic. The triple strand necklace was shown in the 1962 Cecil Stoughton photograph of Jackie holding her young son John John. The boy pulls one of the strands high over her chin, as she tosses her head back and smiles. It was one of the most seductive photographs in American memory. It made the three strand pearl necklace so famous that it was copied endlessly.
All About Chokers
The word “Choker” can be literally broken up into the phrase “Choke ‘er” and that is what this necklace actually does- it can nearly choke the wearer since it is worn tight on the neck, Hence, it may not be the most comfortable piece of jewelry to wear. Additionally, it is meant to look good on women with thin and slender necks only. So, this piece of jewelry always has a limiting popularity!
The World of Yellow Diamonds
Yellow Diamonds are known as Canary Yellow Diamonds or Canary Diamonds and are the most common form of Colored Diamonds. Keeping in mind, the popularity and allure of yellow diamonds, we at Aurus have come up with a collection of versatile cocktail earrings with white and yellow diamonds to complement your party and wedding wardrobe.
Indian Jewelry Trends 2019: Types of Jewelry You Must Have in Your Trousseau
When it comes to building yourself a fine jewelry trousseau , carefully selecting different types of jewelry, staying true to your own style, and being fashion-forward isn’t easy. Striking a fine balance between the elements of design, style and aesthetics, and the appropriate use of diamonds and colored gemstones is a work of art.
Bespoke Vs. ready to wear Jewellery
Amanat, a bride to-be, once came to me to seek advice. She told me that she had a perfect vision of how she wanted her wedding to be and described it as below: “Marigolds, Shehnai, The Chants, Holy fire, Crimson ghagra with zari.
ALLURING AURUS FINE JEWELS
‘A linen and gold woven sari teamed with a dark trench coat, a tassel-necklace peeking from beneath the lapel, high-heeled pumps, an emerald and pear diamond ring that is gleaming from behind a thick tome clutched firmly in the hand of the muse while she makes her way through the streets of New York City.’
Art Deco and Jewelry
The current trend of tassle necklaces, long dangler earrings (shoulder-brushers, shoulder-danglers) and stackable bracelets in jewelry can be traced to a time between the 1920s and 1930s, called Art Deco.
Testimonials
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Payal Khandwala(New York, USA)
I got some incredible pieces of jewellery designed at Aurus by their designer/ owner Puja. She is a delight to work with. Puja listened to everything I wanted and created some beautiful pieces and that too within the budget (that is unheard of in jewelers). While working with her I got to know Puja and she is a gem of a human being with an amazing talent. Her team is very professional and very service oriented. I would recommend them any day. I have found myself a jeweler for life. Thank you…
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Aanal Patel (New Jersey,USA)
Who needs make-up when you have beautiful jewelry from Aurus. Thanks to Puja, who does an amazing job customizing your jewellery as per your taste. Everytime I wear my bling I end up with a huge smile on my face.
Thank you so much.. -
Vidhi Shah(Vadodara, India)
I have bought multiple pieces from Puja ranging from a small ring to a neck piece.
The experience was personalized and professional at the same time in all aspects, may it be review meetings or delivery dates and the dealing was very transparent.
The unique selling point of Aurus that would make me want to buy again would be the design which blends uniqueness, style and customization per our liking and taste!
