Traditional jewellery reimagined

Matriarchs passing their jewellery on to their successors not only pass on their love and affection but also the family's heritage. The intrinsic value of such jewellery can never be measured in monetary terms for they are replete with love, legacy and tradition.

It is customary for women to bring out their heirloom jewellery for grand occasions that require opulence and grandeur in terms of dressing. The beauty of traditional Katan saris, heavy lahengas and shalwar kameezs are further enhanced when worn with such jewellery. While it is predictable for traditional jewellery to be paired with equally traditional outfits, these pieces can add oomph to so much more, when used a little innovatively, as a little experimentation can go a long way, especially when it comes to fashion. 

Sometimes, women can feel traditional jewellery to be a bit boring and dated, especially with non-traditional outfits, mostly preferred by the modern woman. As a result they collect dust, locked away in caskets relegated to the back of a closet. However, new life can be breathed into heirloom jewellery when worn with modern silhouettes such as jackets, blazers, jumpsuits and skirts. 

Pair your grandmother's antique intricate gold cuff with a pair of black tailored pants and a crisp white shirt for your next dinner party. Your mother's Sheetahaar or layered long necklace can be worn with a solid-coloured jumpsuit, letting it steal the spotlight. A pair of jhumkas can glam up the simplest of long black dress or skirt. 

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A pair of Golap Baala or Pasha Dul will add instant panache to your otherwise boring black blazer that has become a staple for many women nowadays. Those women shunning gold as tacky can take solace in the fact that international runaways are currently embracing the glint of traditional yellow gold with gusto. Major designers are sending models down the ramp in chunky gold jewellery, and it is hotter than ever. Traditional gold jewellery is not boring anymore; all it needs is some imagination to blend east and west deftly to achieve stellar results. 

There are a few tips for those experimenting with this trend though. Firstly, let your jewellery be the focus. Choose one element- necklace, earrings, cuffs, bangles and nothing else. The rule of thumb remains- choose one item and never all of it together! Keep the rest of your look minimal.

Solid-coloured outfits are the perfect foil to showcasing traditional jewellery, but printed separates can be worn as long as it's not clashing or taking away from the whole look. Makeup must be subtle - smoky eyes with nude lips or a red mouth with simple eyes is all you need. So for the next dinner party/work gathering, dust out those items your grandmother so lovingly passed on to you, pair it with a smart outfit and thank her secretly when you get jealous stares from snooty foes and generous compliments from bedazzled friends!     

By Sabrina N Bhuiyan 
Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Model: Azra Mahmood
Makeup: Farzana Shakil's Makeover Salon
Wadrobe: Armadio/Model's Personal
Jewellery: Gitanjali Lifestyle