A Complete Guide to Demi-Couture Jewellery in India
The ultimate guide to artistic baubles and demi-couture jewellery that evokes the splendor of India without breaking the bank
The final embellishment piece to an ensemble is a doodad. Be it around your neck, waist, ankles, fingers, or wrists, jewellery is the ultimate act of shringar. For our festive showcase, BeejLiving has chosen brands with an ethos deeply rooted in India, celebrating impeccable style and exquisite craftsmanship.
Bhavya Ramesh Jewelry
From stunning sculpted Chameli sunglasses to statuesque Cham Cham earrings, Bhavya Ramesh’s irreverent silverware brand has created a community of explosive self-expression. Crafted from 92.5% silver and the remainder copper and zinc, the demi-couture pieces are also interspersed with brass ghungroos, vintage coins, and stones.
Tribe Amrapali
Jaipur-based Tribe Amrapali which specialises in fashion and silver jewellery has launched two new collections this festive season. Rajnandini made from antique gold-plated alloy is embellished with colourful stones and luminescent pearls, while the Mughal-era inspired Zia is made from Jadau using traditional craftsmanship, reflecting modern aesthetics.
Valliyan by Nitya Arora
The demi-fine label bauble label was established in 2008 by Nitya Arora and is known for its enthralling statement pieces that command attention. The gender-agnostic brand’s signature speakeasy boutique at Mumbai’s iconic Rhythm House encapsulates Valliyan’s edgy aesthetic that is loved by Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Sonam Kapoor, and Deepika Padukone.
The Olio Stories
Nostalgic with a touch of whimsy, Olio’s bestsellers include the Nur Choker inspired by Emperor Jahangir’s Zodiac-themed Nur Jahani coins and the Taveez necklace, an amulet-styled choker speckled with stones such as labradorite, amethyst, moonstone, and rose quartz, amongst others. Created by the traditional wax casted technique, the pieces are crafted in brass and then micron-plated with 18K gold.
Roma Narsinghani
From fashion intern to conceptual jewellery designer, Narsinghani’s structural pieces are exquisite and rather offbeat, including hair bun domes and gold-plated bindis. Using materials such as recycled brass and pearl-like bio-algae beads, plated in 18K antique gold, the pieces are eclectic and engaging.
Isharya
Dramatic and unexpected, Isharya’s jewellery is hypoallergenic, nickel-free, and plated with 18K gold. Offering a year warranty on plating and repairs, the brand uses animal-friendly vegetable ivory Tagua. Your orders will arrive in plastic-free packaging and an e-bill whenever you shop their crystal necklaces and earrings with their signature plating.
Equiivalence
Inspired by nature, Equiivalence’s jewellery is wearable art that flows like the great outdoors. Incorporating recycled brass in their collections, plated with 14K or 18K gold as well as rhodium, the brand specialises in boho stacks fo rings and bangles. We love the nature-inspired bracelets and cuffs: Wild Leaf, Dira, and Cedar.
Dhora
Aavriti Jain’s Dhora is her homage to her roots in Rajasthan. Describing the label as ‘minimal yet indie’ over the years the brand has grown past its minimalist core to over 2,000 pieces including statement temple sets and bridal neckpieces. My favourites continue to be trinkets from the initial days, including the bonsho necklaces and the machli chokers.
Outhouse
Kaabia and Sasha Grewal’s label Outhouse has expanded to include eyewear and bags, apart from jewellery. With several stores and stockists across India, you can pick up their brass, silver, and gunmetal handcrafted jewellery which come with a 22k gold finish. Pick the trousseau beauties such as the chandelier-esque Palm le Grande Sahara Earrings or the majestic Le Palmier Couture Belt.
https://outhouse-jewellery.com
Misho
Sculpted modern architecture for the body, Misho, the cult bauble label founded by Suhani Parekh has been worn by A-listers such as Dua Lipa, Zendaya, and Lady Gaga. Inventive collections such as the Sakli pay homage to Mumbai’s industrial past, and the funky Pods help you jazz up EarPods. Crafted in silver and brass, the demi-couture is available in several finishes including 24K, 22k, and rhodium.
Anu Merton
With a whimsical Instagram account which has a life on its own, Merton’s jewellery is as ethereal and beguiling as the founder herself. Not afraid of experimentation-shells, wood, plastic, and glass find their way into her intricate designs. Made across Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bengaluru and her hometown of Patna, they whisper where other brands shout.
Eina Ahluwalia
Best known for her talismanic pieces, such as the kirpan necklaces and mantra bangles, the eponymous jewellery label is rooted in spirituality and feminism. The jewels are a celebration for Ahluwalia, who expresses her identity and empowerment through these handcrafted pieces.
Kira the Label
Sexy chunky double-drop shoulder dusters and textured chokers, the demi-couture retain their inherent imperfections and irregularities found in hand-crafted jewellery. Raw and approachable, the jewellery is crafted from brass, sterling silver, resin, and even recycled materials. 18k gold plated, the pieces are handcrafted in Jaipur. What we like is the weight of the earrings mentioned.
Anatina
Fiercely original and highly imaginative, Anatina’s demi-couture carves out the emotion of love in its baubles. Minimising its carbon footprint in production and packaging, the handcrafted jewellery is made from brass in 18k and 22k gold plating, and uses ethically sourced gemstones. Did we say we’re deeply in love with its Heart of Gold necklace?
MNSH
Mansha Mittal’s global upbringing inspired her artistic aesthetic for Mnsh. The jewelry is lightweight, sophisticated, playful, handcrafted, polished to perfection, and plated with 22k gold. From the Mob Wife collection to the Shakti Bangle Stack, the jewellery slays from both sides of the spectrum.
Azga
A women-led locally crafted and responsibly made jewellery brand, Azga draws inspiration from architecture, nature, and wildlife. Their coveted accessories line includes an exquisite selection for men, such as cuff links, buckles, brooches, lapel pins, badges, and buttons, made from silver, gold, brass, wood, and other materials. We approve.
