DEPARTURES STYLE PRECIOUS THINGS 54 Made in India Subcontinental designers are elevating their rich jewellery tradition and introducing it to a global audience. by Milena Lazazzera From top: Bengal tiger necklace by Sabyasachi; half-moon chevron earrings featuring two old-mine-cut diamonds by Santi Jewels; Sabyasachi’s gemencrusted yellow-gold Bengal bracelet “INDIA IS THE CRADLE of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend and the great-grandmother of tradition,” American author Mark Twain reflected on India’s wonders – and he might just as well have mentioned its fabulous jewellery. For centuries, Indian goldsmiths, cutters and carvers have displayed a rare knack for transforming the country’s wealth of natural gemstones into wearable pieces of high art, including Mughal jewellery, a highlight in museum collections and auctions around the globe. Nowadays, contemporary designers are embracing India’s rich jewellery tradition while pushing the boundaries of creativity and incorporating novel ideas. Here are a few names you need to know today. Santi Jewels Diamonds from the famous mine of Golconda – where the legendary Koh-i- Noor diamond, featured in the crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, COURTESY OF THE DESIGNERS
