A confluence of the traditional and modern, Kulthiaa Jewel’s new jewellery collection launching on Diwali is for the contemporary woman rooted in her traditions yet looks forward to experiment with trends. Based primarily on the trending polki and classic diamonds, the collection set on gold with diamond, polkis and precious stones, caters to the festive occasions as well as the upcoming bridal season. The polki collection called Taraash and the diamond collection called Pride features statement pieces that have a timeless appeal to it, a perfect addition to the bridal trousseau that can be repurposed as festive and occasionwear too. A Diwali lookbook by actresses Richa Sharma and Sayani Datta for t2:
Actress Richa Sharma posed for a Diwali morning-to-evening look in the statement layered detachable choker necklace studded with polkis and emeralds, detailed with South Sea pearl drops. The statement neckpiece is complemented with a maangtika set in polki with pearl drops, a pair of emerald and polki jhumkas and polki bangles on both hands. A pastel blue outfit and make-up in shades of pink enhance the look.
Actress Sayani Datta channelled an elegant Diwali party look with a traditional touch in this trendy and chunky handcrafted choker studded with polkis, roseate tourmalines and emeralds. It also features pearl and meenakari work on it. “The beauty of this choker is the big polkis which gives it a very bold look. Pair it with an Indian attire or evening gowns to look your best for any festive occasion or weddings,” said Anand Kulthia. A pair of polki earrings, emerald-studded finger ring and polki kada along with bold electric blue liner and nude lips complete the look.
Richa cut a pretty picture in hues of pink for a charming look on Diwali. The look is accessorised with an intricately designed multi-layered detachable diamond necklace, set in fancy cut diamonds and emeralds that adds a glam quotient to the chic look. A diamond cuff, a pair of diamond bangles and matching diamond earrings complete the jewellery look. White gypsy flowers and the bindi accentuates the total vibe of the look.
“Emeralds, polki and diamonds feature in Kulthiaa Jewel’s 2021-22 bridal collection launching on Diwali this year as the wedding season comes right after Diwali. These exquisitely designed jewellery items are apt for reveling in festive as well as bridal celebrations. The collection signifies a spirit of celebration and is a glamorous affair of modern yet timeless jewels,” said Anand Kulthia, director, Kulthiaa Jewel.
Make-up and style notes by styling and make-up duo Kaushik and Rajat:
“The jewellery had a traditional appeal to it but we wanted to show that apart from from traditional looks, modern looks can also be accessorised with these. There are many occasions around the Diwali celebrations from Chhoti Diwali to Bhai Dooj. Diwali itself has many functions involved, with possibilities of different looks, from attending the worshipping of the Goddess in a traditional wear to going all glam and contemporary for the Diwali party at home. Many people complain that they don’t understand how to repurpose their heavy jewellery from the bridal trousseau. Through our styles of this bridal jewellery collection, we have shown how to reuse them for festive occasions and festive parties too. We have used trendy pieces like mathapatti. For the outfits, we chose a variety of contemporary-styled lehngas and mixed and matched it with heavy jewellery. For the eye make-up, we have played around with a lot of colours like pink, blue, gold and electric blue. Since it is Diwali, we gave a little glam touch to the looks by adding drama to the eyes and keeping the face natural. We have used moisture-based make-up from primer to lipstick as winter is on its way, and used floral decor on hair to add the festive touch.”
This emerald and diamond necklace with a contemporary appeal, on Sayani, is paired with matching earrings and diamond-studded gold bangles for a Diwali night or party look. Blue smokey eyes, nude lips and the hair worn open add the final glam touch to the frame.
A t2 chat with the actresses on their jewellery loves:
What does jewellery mean to you ?
Richa: I think jewellery is something that enhances and complements your overall look.
Sayani: I am not too fond of jewellery. I try to wear earrings and a bracelet. That is my go-to look every time. Jewellery is a piece of art for your body and I believe in this.
What are your earliest memories of growing a fondness for jewellery?
Sayani: My mother used to always tell me to buy some jewellery from my savings every year even if I didn’t want to buy anything else. Gold jewellery or any jewellery. I followed that over the years and I think I will continue following that over the years.
Richa: For me also, something very similar. Every Dhanteras my mother buys something in gold and jewellery is something which is lifelong. It never goes to waste. Even when you are in need, you can always make use of that. It is one of the most essential things to invest in that we have seen from childhood.
What jewellery items do you usually pick for accessorising your looks?
Richa: Definitely a nice pair of jhumkas, which goes with Indian outfits, a nice pair of solitaires for westerns as that can give a very elegant look. These two are extremely important and my go-to, and a bracelet.
Sayani: For me, it has always been those large jhumkas, you can wear it anytime and anywhere. I end up buying jhumkas mostly.
An unusual jewellery item that you experimented with and liked?
Sayani: There is a necklace made out of panna that my great great grandmother had passed down to the family. My mother wanted to try it out and then she asked me to try it out recently. Trying on that piece was quite experimental for me.
Richa: For my wrist, I like to wear something heavy. But recently, I experimented with a sleek and elegant bracelet studded with diamonds. It looked quite different.
Are you fond of inherited jewellery items or contemporary jewellery designs?
Richa: Contemporary.
Sayani: Both. I love to accessorise with both types.
One jewellery item that is close to your heart?
Sayani: One diamond ring that was given to me by my father in 2016.
Richa: I have a very beautiful set of bangles in diamond gifted by my husband. I would like to pass it down to my daughter and would hope she would pass it down to the next generation in the family too. (Laughs)
One recent jewellery trend that you loved?
Richa: Polki definitely. I got one set but I would like to wear a mathapatti and the choker.
Sayani: I don’t know if it is recent but I love chokers a lot and I see a lot of women wearing it these days. I am very fond of that.
What are your usual festive jewellery looks like?
Sayani: It depends on the festival. During Durga Puja I like to wear gold mostly and during Diwali sometimes gold or other precious metals or stones.
Richa: For me, I need to see where I am going and when. If it is during the day, I would like to wear light jewellery. For evening looks, I choose heavy jewellery.
Your jewellery casket has an obsessive collection of...
Sayani: Finger rings!
Richa: Bracelets!
Pictures: Pabitra Das
Hair, make-up and styling: Kaushik and Rajat
Outfits: Moha Aatelier by Priyanka Singh
Location: Fairfield by Marriott
