A BENGALI LOVE AFFAIR
It is no secret that women love jewellery, and why not? When the very term is derived from the French 'Joaillerie' — joy and happiness!
Jewellery has complemented women and their attires for over millennia; the scene in the Indian sub-continent had not been any different.
While there are many types that a typical Bengali woman can wear, she must also carry some 'indispensables' in her bijoux box. What are those you ask? Let's see.
Live the moment: hoop earrings
Hoop earrings are a sure bet in brightening up any look, including a dull and drab one. Hoop earrings have been in existence since the time of the Mughals and look extremely chic when combined with chiffon saris and shalwar kameezes.
Studs are forever
The next must have jewellery is a pair of studs. There are three types of studs that every woman should have — the 'classic pearl' that look excellent with lace saris and evening gowns. Then there is the metallic stud including gold and silver that helps in giving out an edgy vibe, and finally there is the diamond stud that gives out the polished and sophisticated look.
Diamond studs are best suited for workplace or more formal events, and can easily be combined with chiffon, taant or silk saris.
Love's embrace: the jhumka
If you are a Bengali lady, no matter how modern the outlook, you must own a pair of traditional jhumkas. These go best with lahengas, shararas and glittery saris with intricate zardozi work on them.
Making a statement
A pair of statement earrings is the next best option. These danglers could be in a combination of diamonds, special stones and metal. The benefit of the statement earrings are that if you are wearing them you do not need to wear any other ornaments in combination, as these swinging beauties will be more than enough to own the high fashion look.
Pearls of tradition
If you have all the jewellery in the world and you do not have that one authentic piece of pearl necklace then your selection will not be complete. Pearls make any girl look classy, charismatic and stylish. No matter what the occasion — high tea or a business conference a pearl necklace is the classic choice.
All that we have talked about till now were subtle and gave out the elegant look. But our culture is about being different, being authentic and most important of all, being Eastern.
Perpetual bling: the kundan
Having said that, a kundan jewellery set is a 'must have' item for the Bengali belle. From vibrant weddings to pulsating holud and mehendi programmes, a kundan set looks classic with glamorous eastern dress-ups.
Tipsy with cocktail rings
If a red carpet statement look were your thing then definitely cocktail rings are a must have for you. We need to make sure there is at least one of these gorgeous rings that speak to us uniquely in each our jewellery boxes.
Mad about Bangles
Bengali women have a special attachment with jewellery for the wrists like stacked bangles, commonly known as 'jhura churi' in Bangladesh. Another way to decorate the wrists may be with statement bangles or churs.
If you are passionate about jewellery and consider yourself a collector, there are many other items that you must own like an armlet, a decorative nose pin, a tiara, a tikly, a jhapta, intricate hair ornaments, combs etc.
There is never enough for a true blue bling aficionado. What's going to be your next piece?
By Fashion Police
Photo: LS archive/ Sazzad Ibne Syed
Model: Azra Mahmood
Jewellery: Gitanjali
Make-up: Farzana Shakil
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