Tradition marries contemporary design in the gleam of silver. Yes, that’s the metal of the moment, a must-have Puja/Diwali accompaniment. And though the prices of silver are soaring, the lure of the shiny metal hasn’t diminished in the least bit.
So this Puja gift yourself — or those you love — a silver charmer. With a spectacular range of silver giftables doing the rounds, just take your pick. There’s something to suit every pocket — from tiny silver coins that are embossed with godly images to over-the-top silver statues of Ganesha and Lakshmi, from photo-frames to a variety of desktop accessories, from little silver diyas to elaborate Puja thalis, we can only promise that you will be spoilt for choice.
We also discovered some unusual designs: a silver steam engine complete with a silver coach, an intricately carved chessboard, a silver purse/handbag to flaunt at a Puja do and even miniature silver musical instruments that are actually little boxes.
Here’s our pick from five top stores in the city to help you choose the best gifts for your loved ones.
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It may be extravagant but this hand-crafted silver steam engine and its companion coach from Ambica Silvers will be the show-stopper in any living room (Rs 4 lakh)
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Check out Bhatter’s extensive range of intricately carved, oxidised silver giftables. (Left) A silver purse (Rs 10,000), (Right) an oxidised silver chess board with silver pieces (Rs 70,000) and a pair of fish-shaped vases (Rs 30,000) are sure to catch your eye
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Lilaram & Co. is just out with a range of silver curios like (Left) this palki in filigree work (Rs 4,500) and (Right) a silver filigree rickshaw (Rs 4,000)
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(Left) From sterling silver and glass ornate bowls (Rs 5,000 apiece) to (Right) aarti thalis with meenakari work (Rs 8,000), Princess offers a vast range
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Check out the heavy-duty nakshi work offerings at Curio Cottage. (Right) A veena and (Left) tabla set that can be used to store knick-knacks (Rs 25,000), (Below right) a hookah (Rs 55,000) and (Below left) a sterling silver elephant (Rs 1.10 lakh)
• Ambica silvers: 1, AJc bose road, Calcutta
• Bhatter’s: 12b, russel street, Calcutta
• Princess: Ideal plaza, suite no: -216, 11/1 sarat bose road, calcutta
• Lilaram & co: A-4, New market, Calcutta
• Curio craft: 15/9 & 10, Chowringhee road, Calcutta
The prices may vary depending on the current rate of silver.
Compiled by: Sujata Jha;
Photographs by: Subhendu Chaki
