Who needs gold? Costume jewellery is the real treasure

It mirrors our heritage and cultural identity, and pairing it thoughtfully with an ensemble reflects our personal flair for styling. Women who effortlessly think outside the box — who know how to play with fabrics, colours, and accessories — are flamboyant fashionistas without question. Costume jewellery only add to that appeal.

Made of sterling silver, alloys, nickel silver or German silver, copper, zinc and nickel —jewellery are all in fashion now high. Costume jewellery add a touch of extravagance to the muted bling look. Pairing ethnic or antique traditional ornaments with the right attire adds not only charm but also a chic edge, elevating any look to stand out. Such styling is now a favourite practice of fashion-conscious young adults and chic mature women. 

Photo: Shahrear Kabir Heemel

Today, women are also appreciating the in-trend contemporary, delicate, fuss-free ornaments. Classy women, with a panache for style, are embracing both the old and new.

An explainer

Modern and contemporary styling is all about pairing old-style with cutting-edge fashion and ethnic or traditional jewellery amps up your style quotient. The design of traditional jewellery has evolved over time, especially in detailing like adding intricate designs in multiple layers or using large gemstones.

Jewellery is classified into three distinct categories: trinkets or costume jewellery, semi-fine, and fine jewellery.

Photo: Shahrear Kabir Heemel

Costume jewellery capitalises on a specific, fleeting trend with the use of non-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, rhinestones, and affordable metals and alloys.

Semi-fine jewellery is gold-plated, or gold-filled like sterling silver, and uses affordable stones like topaz, opal, garnet, etc. They have a shelf life and will also stand the test of time like fine jewellery.

The glitz, glam, and all things precious like solid gold, pure silver, platinum, with precious gems make the world of fine jewellery.

Photo: Shahrear Kabir Heemel

Rooted in tradition

The intricate designs of jewellery from different countries spin a historical narrative of the place it originated from. The complexity of designs and workmanship of Bangladeshi, Indian, Afghan, Pakistani, Pashtun, Iranian, Ottoman, and Rajput jewellery are starkly different from one another. They vary in terms of design arrangement, the use of gemstones (both precious and semi-precious), the inlay work or minakari, the addition of chipped stones, and in other techniques.

Ornaments in Nepal, for instance, are characterised by the extensive use of turquoise, while Rajput ornaments speak of opulence and splendour. Afghan jewellery, especially Kuchi jewellery, has colourful glass insets and metal.

Photo: Shahrear Kabir Heemel

The famous chokers with glass inlays and dangles are a must-have item in your Afghan jewellery collection. Strings of semi-precious stones, pendants, amulets of lapis lazuli, emerald, tourmaline, kunzite, and agate must be part of your jewellery collection.

These pieces of jewellery, from the ethnic groups of Nepal, Rajasthan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, which drew inspiration from ornaments worn by nomadic women of these places, are all a collector's item and come with a price tag.

Photo: Shahrear Kabir Heemel

Championing costume jewellery

What makes costume jewellery special is the ability to tell a story. Whether it's through vintage finds, handcrafted tribal pieces, or bold contemporary designs inspired by cultural motifs — the ornaments are not just accessories but wearable art forms that celebrate individuality and artistic expression.

Whether layered over a handloom saree or paired with a minimalist outfit, they effortlessly transition from casual daywear to statement evening looks, proving that elegance does not always have to come with a hefty price tag.

Photo: Shahrear Kabir Heemel

Jewellery of any kind is a good investment, traditional or modern, tribal or semi-precious, is not the point in question. Rather appreciating the heritage, art, and craftsmanship, and the modernity in jewellery designs speaks volumes about your elegance and good taste.

Model: Shababa Rashid, Farzana Hoque

Jewellery: Shoilee by Tahmina Shaily

Wardrobe (Saree): Shoilee by Tahmina Shaily

Makeup: Nur Azmain