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Glitter of gold

LIZA GEORGE finds out that one-gram gold is considered the "in" thing among fashionistas

PHOTOS: C. RATHEESH KUMAR

DESIGNED TO PLEASE Jewellery in one-gram gold to suit all age groups and pockets

There is an avatar of the yellow metal that is fast becoming the talk of town and is considered the "in" thing among fashionistas - one-gram gold. Coming in all designs and sizes, one-gram gold makes the adage "All that glitters is not gold" hold true.

With a base of either copper or silver and with some jewellers' combinations of both, these ornaments are covered with a thin layer of gold.

"But it looks like any other gold ornament in terms of finish and the golden hue does not fade," says Narayanan Parakkat, managing director, Parakkat Jewels.

Coming in various styles and fashion, one can select from chunky bangles embedded with semi precious stones and embellishments, to intricately worked pearl studded trendy thin necklaces.

While its ethnic Kundan worked jewellery that attracts some, others prefer simple innovative designs in various motifs like leaves and petals that come in single or multi-colour stones. The mélange of American diamonds, coral, pearls and cut stones add to the beauty of the one-gram gold jewellery.

Delicate trinkets

Says Sabu Kattiyam, proprietor, Kattiyam Jewellery, "Teenagers prefer trinkets and delicate jewellery while ornaments studded with semi precious stones are for people attending functions."

Traditional ornaments such as Nagapada thalis and Paalelka malas are available as are replicas of patterns in gold ornaments. Those with an artistic hand can make-to-order their designs.

The fact that one-gram gold is economical when compared to buying real gold has evoked the interest among people. Prices start from Rs. 100 to Rs. 10,00 depending on the weight, work, and stones used.

"With the price of gold at a high, people prefer choosing these, as it works out cheaper. Cine stars too prefer these as they can select ornaments to match the colour of their outfit," says Shibhu Prabhakaran of Kollam Gold Supreme who adds that people also buy them as gifts.

The rise in chain snatching and robbery is also another reason for this rising trend. "Wearing a one-gram ornament, and being robbed, you don't feel the pinch that much," points out Sabu.

Most dealers offer a lifetime guarantee. Thay also have a buyback option. However, the jewellers only pay back the cost of the lone gram of gold used.

Users of one-gram gold should be careful about scratches on the ornaments as it may damage the covering. Despite popular belief, wearing one-gram gold ornaments does not bring about an allergy. "But it depends on the base used. Ornaments with nickel or chromium as base are often said to produce allergies," says Narayanan as a word of caution.

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