‘Orbs of Taj’, a jewellery collection inspired by the Taj Mahal, and crafted with traditional elements but in a contemporary taste was showcased by designer Zeenat Desai at IIJW 2012. Zeenat Desai is an award winning designer and graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, and this collection is her debut collection.

The designer brought the Moghul era alive in her designs. The jewellery is crafted with Kundan, Meenakari, semi-precious gems and metals like silver, 22 K gold and brass.

The collection seemed to have an interesting play of pearls Kundans used in long chains and pendants, rubies, champagne strands of diamonds, sapphires and emeralds, spinels and onyx beads. Tassels seem to play an important role in the collection, and tiny gems seemed strung together in rows to swing on pendants, earrings and bracelets. A black beaded chain centred by a gold dagger pendant with a maharaja head on the top, matching earrings, a Haath Phool and twinkling hair band, added a glamorous finale to the show.

Zeenat’s collection was an imaginative work of creativity and design. The “Orbs of Taj” was a great fusion line of statement pieces, underlined with simplicity, beauty, quality craftsmanship and unique design sensibilities. The collection addresses the modern woman.