Jewels from God's Island

The island of Bali is popular all over the world for its azure blue waters and the vast stretch of sandy beaches. However, this famed Island of the Gods also boasts of a varied landscape of hills and mountains, rugged coastlines and lush rice terraces and barren volcanic hillsides -- all providing a picturesque backdrop to its colourful, deeply spiritual and unique culture.

       But the island of Bali also produces some fantastic jewellery, especially in silver, making it truely a paradise on earth. 

      Bali jewels are handmade by silversmiths using exquisite carving techniques that are centuries old. Each piece of jewellery reflects the passion and the hardwork of the artisans.

And takes a place of pride in the owner's collection.

A Carnelian Cuff

Flower Set

Silver on Rubber Cuff

 

Temple Bell Danglers

Cocktail Rings

An Onyx Bracelet

Onyx Pendant

Amethyst Dome  Ring

Bracelet

Carved Hoops

If you have a penchant for silver and are always looking for unusual and exquisite handmade pieces, grab some Bali jewels and be the cynosure of all eyes at the parties.

Images courtesy: www.novica.com,www.bali-beads.com.

Fiery Carnelians

Of all design forms, jewellery design and interior decors are my most favourite. In jewellery, silver finds a pride of place in my collection. And when combined with colourful semi-precious gemstones, the pieces exude a sophisticated charm. I myself often try my hand at making my own necklaces-- combining small silver beads with coloured stones. That I will show you later some time.

Today I would exhibit some of my favourite pieces made of fire red Carnelian.

Carnelian is available in colors ranging from orange to reddish brown.The Planetary ruler of this stone is Mars. Carnelian is the Zodiac stone for the signs of Aries, Taurus, Leo, Virgo and Capricorn.


  
Designed with silver, antique silver, or pewter and off-set with black or green onyx, blue Lapis Lazuli or Sodalite, or green Adventurine or blue-green Turquoise,the rich tones of  Carnelian become more vibrant.




Amber, Turquoise and Carnelian

 


Black and Green Onyx, Carnelian

 


Carnelian Hearts

 




Red and orange Carnelians







Turquoise and Carnelian

  

Jade and Carnelian




Green Adventurine and Carnelian

 



Carnelian and Black Onyx

Most of these you can buy at http://www.novica.com/



Do let me know if you like these pieces. More gemstone pieces are here. I would love to hear from you. So, pause for a moment and leave your mark!!!

  Images courtesy: Novica

Sabya’s Vintage-style Fashion Store in Mumbai

From Bollywood stars to American media proprietor and talk show hostess Oprah Winfrey to fashionistas and socialites, everyone is clamouring for a piece of the eclectic collection of fashionline by internationally known Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee.  But when you enter the flagship couture store of the designer in Mumbai, you are immediately transported to a different era. That exactly was Sabya’s idea, who knew precisely how he wanted the store to look.

In sharp contrast with most upscale stores, this one in Mumbai’s art district Kala Ghoda, offers a vintage look with unplastered walls, old clocks, mirrors, tiles, books, photographs and prints from the bygone era— creating a stylish mix of traditional and modern—just like his creations. 

Sabya says that the store’s décor is inspired by Parisian romance. “The reason why the whole world celebrates Paris is because the Parisians celebrate themselves. The best way we could achieve that kind of vintage romance was by using pieces from our own history. Which is why I was very particular about each piece that went up here - I’ve sourced photographs and prints from all over the place.”

Set up in an old warehouse, the store was decorated by the young designer himself with a little help from his business-partner Sabina Chopra. "When he walked in, he knew where exactly he wanted each thing",says Sabina. There are more than 300 pieces on the wall, she adds.

The lamps were specially made for the store by using old medicine labels. Sabyasachi used old switches and burnt the old tiles to add an authentic old-world charm.

Old cupboards were mounted on the wall to display Sabya’s jewellery line. Everything in the store is organic and natural. Rose essence emanates from all corner of the store. A very small portion has been reserved for the clothes.

All the items have come from Sabyasachi's own collection of antiques, from the vintage Nawabi chandelier positioned over the cashier’s desk (4th pic from above), to the black and white photographs of newly-weds from another era. “Someday you might walk in and find your grandparents in one of the photographs,” he says.

There are comfortable couches, chairs and chaise lounges strewn around the store, including the two trial rooms, to ensure that the customers have a great shopping experience. The store sells womenswear as well as menswear as in addition to the designer’s intricately crafted shoes and jewellery. 

Sabya's creation

Oprah in a Sabya outfit in Jaipur

Sabya in his store

  

Costume and jewellery by Sabyasachi

   

Store pics: http://www.mumbaiishtyle.com/; http://mumbaiboss.com/