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Rustica's refined sheen

Ganjam's Rustica range is sourced from the Florence-based House of Torrini, which has a history going back to 600 years

CLASSY JEWELLERY Ganjam unveiled a special handcrafted range sourced from the Florence-based House of Torrini

Think Italy. Think classical and contemporary. In terms of cars, sculptures or even jewellery. As designers, they lead the best, ahead of the global rest.

Think Indian jewellery. Think of the creative market leaders. One name comes to the fore. Ganjam by Design.

Ganjam, seeking to offer their select clientele a special choice, unveiled a special handcrafted range sourced from the Florence-based House of Torrini.

The launch invite revealed that in 1369 C.E., Jacopus Turini de la Scharperia registered his trademark to protect the unique nature of his creations. These are distinguished by their characteristic hand-polished finish with a sheen drawn from the secret "Cellinian water" process, bonding trends and traditions indissolubly.

Traditional legacy

Presenting these creations at their Leela Palace boutique, Ganjam lent it the moniker Rustica. The collection showcases some fabulous pieces of handcrafted jewellery, drawing on a traditional legacy that harks back to medieval times.

Though there are few clues in the handouts, one would guess that the secret process is inspired by the famed 16th Century Italian sculptor-goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini, known as much for his larger-than-life escapades as for his famous bronze of Perseus, restored in Florence as recently as 1997.

What's in store for Bangalore's jewellery connoisseurs, as they check out the range in hammered, chiselled and embossed gold? Necklaces of beaten circular links, textured, intricate and alluring. Hooped earrings with etched surfaces guarding a ring of diamonds.

Cloud-shaped graded links that loop into a very contemporary neckpiece. A circular golden piece that studs another bright tier with diamonds on a single earpiece. Rings in white gold that double over, edged with sparkling diamonds. Bands where the tier of diamonds winds its way asymmetrically across the circular rim. A white gold chain from which hang indented pendants glossy with coral-like jewellery enamel. Chunky, matte-finish, etched pendants on thongs.

Each is a masterpiece of the Oro Nativo or native gold technique that dates back to the Renaissance, its finish capturing what ancient goldsmiths proudly crafted.

What else is intriguing about the Torrini Rustica range? The fact that its founding father, 600 years ago, started out as a blacksmith. That the jewellery house is a member of the prestigious Les Henokines, an association of international companies that are at least 200 years old, managed by descendents of the original founders.

That the 25th generation of Torrinis now manage the firm and safeguard its crafts secrets, characterised by the imprinted half of a four-leaf clover that stands for luck. That the family heritage is that of a low-profile jeweller with its own outlets in Florence and Sardinia, selling at only 30 other select outlets across the globe.

What of its techniques? While mystique shrouds most of it, we do know that each piece is polished with a pure cotton brush, then set with diamonds or other gemstones. For Torrini sees its mission as one to "keep an eye on the past and also look at the future."

A press release further defines the jewellery: "It is a semi-polished finish, which enhances the natural colour of the metal. The shade of yellow obtained is characteristic of Torrini's products. This, combined with modern design and excellent craftsmanship, results in unique jewellery."

This latest addition to the Ganjam World Line, besides exquisite pieces sourced from Japanese designers like Kazuo Ogawa, lends an added sheen to the brand's reputation. And its ability to add value to its clientele's objects of desire.

Why did they pick the Torrini range? "Its part of our effort to bring clients what's happening in the international jewellery world," explains Suresh Subrahmanyan, Ganjam's advertising and marketing consultant. "When our designers travel to jewellery fairs at Milan or Vicenza, they bring us news of what looks exciting. It adds to our brand image, besides creating a dialogue across cultures."

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