Six talented IIGJ designers showcase talent extraordinaire at IIJW

Day Two at the India International Jewellery Week 2017 powered by GIA opened with the grand show by six fresh talented designers from the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery, Mumbai in association with Izaara by Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers.  The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), apex body of the gems & jewellery sector, presented the 7^th edition of the India International Jewellery Week (popularly known as IIJW) powered by GIA (Gemmological Institute of America); co-partnered by Forevermark and Platinum Guild International on 23rd and 24th September 2017 at St. Regis, Mumbai. IIJW 2017 is a BY INVITATION exclusive annual event to showcase or launch enticing jewellery collections. Bright Outdoor Advertising is the Outdoor Partner.

The Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery (IIGJ) is a project of the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. This is a non-profit organization committed to excellence of education in the country. The Institute offers unique basic and advanced courses in the various aspects of jewellery designing and manufacturing to help students develop expertise and proficiency to meet the international standards.

Manali Bansal

Being a very traditional person, Manali Bansal’s collection theme was reflected by her personality. Working around patterned maps, Manali used them as the basic essential for her designs. The delicately visualised palm bracelet was a mix of gold and enamel with a paisley swirl, while the grand Raani Haar/earrings with multiple chains, South Sea pearls, diamonds and engraving in the centre with black rhodium was magnificent. The very dramatic neckpiece having embossed, curves, texturing and studded with turquoise was a grand mélange of shapes and designs that merged perfectly.

Neel Pethe

Using a medley of nature, Neel Pethe gave a modern touch to jewellery and enhanced the style quotient. The gold flat petals and beaded front curved necklace with cuff was interesting. Texturing was the centre of attraction for this piece. The silver and emerald clustered bead necklace with earrings was a fabulous set. The totally unconventional ring was an imposing creation in abstract forms of nature and feathered cuff were a real show stealers.

Sayali Chalke

Using inspirations from tribal culture, Sayali Chalke offered an opulent and magnificent collection that had marked touches of rustic beauty. The splendid neckpiece with rows of chains was sprinkled with florets and balanced on either end with complex squares and clusters of flowers, all intricately carved in silver with stones. Another beauty was the multiple-chain necklace that was draped over the neck. The handcuff and opulent necklace had filigree as its eye-catching element along with chains, tassels and enamelling.

Shubham Barali

Also inspired by nature Shubham Barali’s jewellery was a tribute to the flora and fauna. The stunning necklace had reflections of the peacock dance with beads, gold and precious stones along with texturing. The entwining snake necklace in gold with matching earrings was a great offering on the ramp. Another geometric necklace and earrings were something that one wants to dream of in jewellery

Vaishnavi Mahajan

The sun kissed blossoms of nature gave Vaishnavi Mahajan the perfect inspiration for her jewellery. From cute bees with delicate wing detailing, to floral earrings that caressed the earlobes, danglers with chains that flowed up to be clasped on the hair, the collection was an imaginative and adventurous study of nature. The butterfly pendant necklace-cum-harness was a unique presentation with vivid blue, yellow and orange enamelling along with silver balls and baroque pearls. The giant turquoise ring and enormous ear cuffs were extreme designs. Another absolutely fabulous neckpiece had a peacock inspired centre that graduated from silver chains to explode into bunches of blossoms.

Swati Samala

Nature was visible in Swati Samala’s creations that featured birds and flowers with a hint of fierce and playful quality inspired by feral arena. The intricate hairband had the bird as its centre of attraction with the wings spread out. Created in gold and gems it was a truly unconventional offering. The inter-connected rings were arresting in their appeal, while the leafy ear ornaments with dangling motifs were stunning. The very impressive neckpiece with multiple rows of gold strands was held together with a lacy mesh like design and enamel rings. The central pendant was indeed a conversation piece.

Taking the ramp after a grand show by the talented students were Namita Pandya, Convener, IIGJ Mumbai and Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, IIGJ.

Praveenshankar Pandya, Chairman, GJEPC, inaugurated IIJW 2017 in the presence of Mrs. Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Hon. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis; Ms. Nirupa Bhatt (Managing Director – GIA in India & Middle East) and Shailesh Sangani (Convener, Promotions, Marketing & Business Development - PMBD, GJEPC).

Praveenshankar Pandya, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “In sync with the Prime Minister’s vision of showcasing the best of Indian creativity and craftsmanship to global customers, IIJW is an initiative to showcase the finest in indigenous Make In India jewellery. Be it design or innovation, or top-of-the-line craftsmanship, technology and quality, Indian jewellers are comparable to the best in the world. The most renowned of Indian jewellers will showcase their inspired and admired classic and contemporary jewellery collections to the crème-de-la-crème of Indian society comprising socialites, celebrities, aesthetes, policy makers, trade constituents and influentials amongst others. IIJW is an extravaganza, a celebration and a bonanza for jewellery lovers who can get a sneak preview of the most extraordinary, exquisite and extravagant collections for this festive season.”