A lac set made by the Jharcraft artisans trained in Jaipur. Telegraph picture

If intricate dokra and terracotta trinkets have made Jharkhand’s women glance at the mirror twice, a whole new range of indigenous jewellery will now complete their ethnic look.

Jharcraft — the state’s handicraft and handloom corporation — is all set to launch a limited edition of lac and bamboo ornaments at its mega store in Kadru, Ranchi, on Saturday.

A group of 11 women from Jasidih and Hazaribagh, who were sent to Jaipur — the hub of lac jewellery — last month to train under national award winner Awaz Muhammad, are making this exclusive collection of necklace and earrings set, besides a fine assortment of bangles.

Jharcraft also plans to send a second group of 10 to Jaipur for training next month.

Around 20 women also participated in a vocational course in bamboo jewellery making at Esaf, an export company of Trichur with a training centre in Dumka. These women are working on designs drawn up by NIFT.

“Lac bangles are common in the region because it is used by married women in some communities, but jewellery sets will be a new thing. Also, bamboo makes for fashionable wear and will suit women of all ages. Drawing up the programme wasn’t an easy task. We had to cajole and convince Awaz Muhammad to share his knowledge with us. He finally agreed,” said Dhirendra Kumar, the MD of Jharcraft.

“We had been making lac bangles, but this training was a whole new experience. We never made designer pieces earlier. I have been associated with Jharcraft for the past two years and now earn Rs 3,000 a month. Hopefully, the training we underwent will increase our income further,” said Sheela Devi (38), a resident of Hazaribagh and mother of three.

Sarita Devi (35) of Jasidih, who has two daughters, sounded excited over her “experiments” with lac beads. “Colours and creativity have always attracted me. I am happy that my jewellery is no longer limited to customary bangles. I am making beautiful earrings and necklaces. It feels good to think someone will wear them and look beautiful. I thank Jharcraft for this opportunity,” she said.

The limited collection of colourful lac ornaments may cost up to Rs 1,500, while a set made of bamboo will come much cheaper at Rs 150-200.