Where: P.C. Chandra Jewellers, 77 Bidhan Sarani, Hatibagan (near Star theatre)
Open: 11am to 7.30pm on all days. 

A sonar kella in the middle of the crowded, hawker-lined streets of Hatibagan. Might sound strange, but it’s true. For it’s a royal treatment that’s in store for patrons of P.C. Chandra Jewellers, at the jewellery chain’s newly-opened store number 39, right in time for a spot of shopping for Rakhi and Teej. t2 checks it out...

Spread across three levels, the 4,000sq ft store — resplendent in sandstone — is thematically inspired by Satyajit Ray’s Sonar Kella. At the entrance, sandstone walls with jafri-work form the backdrop for two Rajasthani marble statues of a maharaja and a maharani atop elephants, while mustachioed guards transport you to an era of regal opulence. Walk up the stairs and the walls are dotted with murals reminiscent of Rajasthan — a setting that’s typical of the kundan jadau jewellery that model Archana wears, chanelling a newly married Rajasthani woman. A vintage kundan necklace with naksha and enamelling work, a sitahaar, kundan earrings and a kundan ring complete her look. 

The Rajasthani influence continues in the grand interiors; the main jewellery rooms are done up in Rajasthani minakari — from the counters to parts of the walls and even the furniture — with twinkling chandeliers adding to the mood. Striking a Bangali bou look, Archana sits pretty in a chair with minakari work. She’s wearing a tikli with delicate gold tassels, a signature P.C. Chandra necklace from the wedding collection and a muff chain, apart from a ring with minakari and filigree work, kaan, ruli bala, kankan and several other gold bangles. 

Walk up to the third level to Khaas Durbaar — a private showing area for select patrons — with a heavy wooden door leading to a room that has Persian carpets on the walls. There’s also a balcony with stone latticework and mood lighting, which makes it look like a haveli of old. Which is where Archana, wearing diamond-ruby-and-pearl earrings , delicate rings and a diamond bracelet, is taking in the view from. You could be in Rajasthan, you could be in Hatibagan. Click a selfie!

Pictures: Rashbehari Das