The young and vivacious Kolkata-based jewellery brand Harshita Sultania Jewellery creatively crafts jewellery pieces reflecting what it stands for — youth and vivacity. Adding to that, its new polki collection, a speciality of the brand, demonstrates versatility and wearability. Polki jewellery, which is considered a traditional jewellery item— heavy sets only fit for occasions and the bridal trousseau — gets a makeover in Harshita’s new collection. Going beyond pre-set gender notions, the collection features unisex pieces that are all about embracing and enhancing each person’s style and individuality rather than eclipsing it with its shine and glam quotient. Getting together a bunch of people from different professions, who have a style sense unique to themselves, brand owner Harshita showcases the new collection creating a mood board for the younger generation to renew their idea on polki jewellery as occasionwear pieces and show how it can be a part of the jewellery casket beyond occasions.
DESIGNER SPEAK
“This new collection is all about smart pieces. We played around a lot with colours, right from pink sapphires to yellow sapphires. We have also focused on something called the convertible piece that makes the jewellery very versatile and modern. We are a first-generation fine-jewellery brand. Because we are a young brand, our pieces also reflect that. A lot of fun pieces that people of our generation would like to purchase. The idea behind this collection was to pair it with the kind of clothes we usually wear, that can be a pantsuit or a sari. As occasion wear, this collection is for the bridesmaids or the sisters of the bride. People of this generation don’t want anything that resembles bridal jewellery for their trousseau. They pick and choose their own pieces. Pieces that are young and fun. Single polki pieces in chains are popular choice for buyers from our collection; it can take someone from am to pm. In this collection, we have also stepped away from the traditional chandbalis and have instead included various shapes and sizes of traditional earrings. And we have focused a lot on studs,” said Harshita Sultania. Speaking about the idea behind the unique shoot, she said, “It was about bringing together people of different personalities. We wanted them to dress up the way they wanted to and what they are usually comfortable in. And we paired the jewellery with that look. The mood and personality always match the choice of jewellery. Another reason to include young people in the shoot is to show that you can actually have fun with the jewellery,” she added.
JEWELLERY TALES
“I enjoy wearing jewellery, it brightens up my day. I like pieces that have a story or a meaning to them. Dainty and delicate pieces, crystals and embossed gold are what I wear a lot. I like lightweight jewellery. I am obsessing over trinkets and pendants. An antique Omega watch from my grandmother’s personal collection is very close to my heart. I would love to explore with headgears someday,” said Eshaani Jayaswal, fashion designer, who described Harshita’s new collection as “beautiful, neat and detailed”.
“Whenever I think of jewellery, what comes to my mind is my grandmother’s very simple gold chain which used to specifically be the typical Bengali gold jewellery. It has always been something I associate with my mother or grandmother. Nowadays, it has become an attainable luxury. Probably because I am single and it has been sold to women so much, the Tiffany’s engagement ring is something I wish to possess. I find something very beautiful about uncut diamonds, too. It is something which Harshita specialises in. It involves more character and creativity than the diamond piece that everyone is given,” said Shabba Hakim, a doctor.
Fashion designer Rimi Nayak is into minimal jewellery. “My mother’s jewellery has always been passed down to me. The first time I bought jewellery for myself was for my wedding. Before my aunt passed away, she gave me some beautiful silver junk jewellery and those are heirloom pieces. So that is very special for me. I mostly like to wear long earrings and rings. I like the contemporary touch in Harshita’s new collection, the pieces are very different from what we usually see,” added Rimi.
“I am a jewellery person but I am a very careless person,too. So I don’t end up wearing much jewellery because I end up losing things very easily. But my love for jewellery has always been there as my grandfather was an artist and a jewellery designer himself. Some of the most creative pieces in the family have been made by him. I am obsessed over a blue meenakari kaan. My mother got that for her wedding. It fits my ear with a little difficulty but fits my mother’s ears quite well. It was made by my grandfather. I think Maharani Gayatri Devi, Mata Hari, Lady Diana and even the Queen — the little brooch she wears — are people whose jewellery looks I admire. Wearing jewellery is almost like owning art. It is owning a piece of history. I am also really fascinated with the thermocol and wire jewellery worn by the goddesses,” said Ayushman Mitra, fashion designer.
“I am actually not a jewellery person. My personal aesthetics and way of dressing is very different. But I do enjoy wearing jewellery on very rare occasions,” said Urvika Kanoi, chef entrepreneur. “I think polki is my go-to and I am a very big earring person. I mostly wear just earrings or bracelets. My favourite inherited jewellery is the tagri, a traditional Marwari jewellery tied around the waist. I wish to possess a pretty choker someday. The first jewellery item that I bought for myself was a bracelet from Harshita. At work, I just wear earrings and a watch as accessories,” added Urvika.
“Initially, I wasn’t, but over the years I have started enjoying jewellery. Not that I wear it much but I enjoy seeing it. So, now I would like to call myself a jewellery person. We live in a country where jewellery is seen as a good investment. My prized possession is a bracelet that my father passed down to me,” said Rohan Arora, footwear designer.
Pictures: Rashbehari Das
