Jyotika Jhalani’s brand Janavi offers bags in satin and velvet decorated with semi-precious gems and are marked by the use of unusual trimmings like leather, feathers and satin or silk rosettes that complement the crystals and stones

Wouldn’t you like to re-define bling? How about an evening bag studded with multi-hued sparkling crystals that’s sure to brighten your ensemble and your mood? If that’s not enough how about a purse that comes with riches on the outside — set with ‘real’ emeralds, sapphires and rubies?

Accessory designers are going all the way and reaching out for precious stones like pearls and semi-precious stones (amethyst, turquoise, garnets included) to make sure their bags really are a girl’s best friend.

Model Amanpreet Wahi swears by the elegance that her Swarovski-studded handbag lends her on an evening about town. “A bejewelled bag can be quite the showstopper and make one the centre of attention at a party,” says Wahi. She loves to flaunt her Swarovski-studded clutch bags which she collects in different colours and shapes to team with both Indian and Western ensembles.

Malaga’s line of purses are studded with precious stones like rubies, pearls, turquoise and coral with designs inspired by antique Mughal jewellery motifs

Anjalee Kapoor embellishes her collection of bags with semi precious stones as well as crystal broaches

For designer Malini Agarwaalla whose signature brand, Malaga, offers a choice of jewelled bags and accessories, carrying a bejewelled bag is akin to wearing a piece of jewellery. “It can enhance the look almost instantly,’’ she says. “Bejewelled bags look sophisticated not only at night but also do well for brunches and other glamorous events,” says Agarwaalla.

“Such bags are all about making a fashion statement. And even if you are wearing a simple outfit, the blingy bag works as an embellishment,” says fashion designer Anjalee Kapoor, who also designs bags and jewellery.

East meets West not just in high fashion ensembles but also in the bags. So, apart from straight-lined purses, Western silhouettes — like bow-shaped and the dainty rosette clutches — are just as popular as the Indian designs like pouch (or potli) purses.

Malaga’s latest line of purses flash with precious stones like rubies and pearls and Agarwaalla has also liberally used turquoise and coral. The designs are inspired by antique Mughal jewellery motifs and miniature paintings on treated fabrics.

Sleek jewelled clutches and small cocktail purses with beaded chains are a hit with her clients. While her bags with semi-precious stones start from Rs 2,000, the bags with genuine rubies, corals, emeralds cost anywhere between Rs 80,000 and Rs 90,000.

Anjalee Kapoor embellishes her collection of bags with semi-precious stones as well as crystal broaches. She has also designed carved floral motifs in white metal.

She says that when these broaches are set on a bed of Swarovski crystals they create a three- dimensional effect. Her line of flower-shaped purses with multi-coloured crystals are just as hot as her purses with broaches. To carry any of her designs you’ll have to shell out anything between Rs 30,000 and Rs 38,000.

Accessory designers Shelina Kukar and Camelia Dalal of Art Apparel and Accessories have popuarised Ganesh and Lakshmi motifs on their clutchbags. These Indian motifs have been designed with semi-precious stones while the silhouettes are Western and go from bow clutches to pouchettes. The stones they prefer are turquoise, coral and amethyst and prices start at Rs 4,500 and go up to Rs 6,650.

A large part of their orders include Swarovski-studded clutches that are custom-made for brides-to-be. These can cost anywhere between Rs 13,000 and Rs 14,000.

Another player in the field is Jyotika Jhalani’s luxury brand, Janavi, which offers bags in satin and velvet that are decorated with semi- precious gems like quartz, smoky topaz, coral and turquoise. Jhalani’s choice of colours in the fabric department includes black, brown, red and royal blue — colours on which the stones stand out prominently.

Janavi’s bags are also marked by the use of unusual trimmings like leather, feathers and satin or silk rosettes that complement the crystals and stones. Purses adorned with genuine pearls and crystals, says Jhalani, are quite the showstoppers of her collections.

Accessory designers Shelina Kukar and Camelia Dalal of Art Apparel and Accessories have Indian motifs like Ganesh and Lakshmi designed with semi- precious stones on their clutchbags

Purses set with semi- precious stones are available for Rs 4,000 while those that are studded with pearls and Swarovski are priced between Rs 12,000 and 18,000 depending on the quantity of crystals used. Janavi’s upcoming collection will offer a series of purses and clutches with steel, aluminum and brass frameworks and leather or satin skins. Covered with crystals, these will be available from anything between Rs 12,000 to Rs 22,000.

And if you are dying to invest in a jewelled purse, here’s a tip: bow shapes are the flavour of season while you can’t go wrong with a clutch-bag.

The good news for ladies is that age is no bar for sporting bejewelled bags. Says Agarwaalla: “They look good on anyone — from a teenager to a woman in her 60s. However, the trick lies in teaming it correctly and showing it off as though it were a precious ornament.”