The Lure Of Handcrafted Jewellery: Amrapali Jewels
For a country that was once known as “The Golden Bird”, India’s fascination with jewellery is as old as time itself. From the “Dancing Girl” bronze figurine found in the Mohenjo-Daro excavations to the immaculate collection of Maharani Sita Devi of Baroda, Indian women have shared an unshakeable bond with jewellery. We can’t have enough of it and it’s not just for special occasions like weddings and festive seasons; we’re in love with our gold, silver, and precious jewels throughout the year. Our profound connection with jewels has motivated craftsmen to identify a range of techniques and a repertoire of traditional designs that are rooted deeply in India’s rich culture and its affluent history.
Amrapali Jewels is a Jaipur-based jewellery house that has contributed immensely to the Indian jewellery real estate since 1978. The brainchild of founders Rajiv Arora and Rajesh Ajmera who find their inspiration in the eloquence of India’s rich heritage, Amrapali struck a chord with both connoisseurs and the fashion-conscious by roping in master craftsmen and goldsmiths to create brilliant handcrafted pieces of jewellery that find a subtle balance between age-old traditions and contemporary designs to leave a mark in the eyes of the beholder.
What is so magnetic about handcrafted jewellery that draws us to it? What makes a person seek out handcrafted jewellery to reflect their persona? Perhaps, like the invisible umbilical cord that ties a mother to her child even after birth, we are tied to the enchantments of our ancient past ~ it connects us to something classic.
As a brand dedicated to creating a unique interpretation of age-old styles of jewellery via a trademark bold style that is melded into their soulful designs, Amrapali’s handcrafted jewels along with a modicum of modern elegance added to every piece, represents sophistication ensuring that our age-old fascination with jewellery is gracefully passed on to the younger generation.
The carefully designed pieces that I have chosen highlight the exuberance of Indian heritage jewellery and beautifully showcase the labour of the craftsmen who’ve worked on these pieces. The designs are inspired by antique Indian ornaments, where each necklace is embellished with semi-precious gemstones or intricately crafted to create achingly beautiful pieces.
Truth be told, when it comes to exquisite traditional jewellery, I have never had to look beyond Amrapali. And these exquisite handcrafted necklaces are an example of the same. As is evident, I love pairing traditional pieces with western silhouettes.
1. This spectacular neckpiece is crafted for the woman of substance; someone who loves to flaunt bold and dramatic designs. Although you may see the lines between traditional design and modernistic sensibilities getting blurred way too often in this beautiful piece of jewellery, it captures Amrapali’s soul in its bold and detailed work and is perfect for the urbanite woman who can’t resist a touch of drama in her look for the evening.
2. This sultry necklace is a charmer of sorts. You can feel the gentle whispers of the Royalty of India in this impressively crafted piece which hints at new aesthetic sensibilities but has its soul rooted deep in the ethereal jewellery culture of ancient India.
3. Indian beliefs put Goddess Lakshmi at the heart of prosperity. Since jewellery is almost always an aesthetic symbol of status, Goddess Lakshmi has been a rightful source of inspiration for Amrapali’s unique and spellbinding pieces; and this necklace carries the true essence of the brand.
This Akshaya Tritiya finds your twinkle in a beautiful handcrafted piece of Amrapali jewellery that you can love forever. Let the Gods smile benevolently at the prosperity of your homes and let your hearts be filled with the joy of the festival. Wish you all a Happy Akshaya Tritiya, and remember, every Amrapai jewel has a tale to tell…
Do let me know if you enjoyed this post. And, of course, I am always open to suggestions and queries.