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In harmony with tradition
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Saraswathi Vasudevan designs temple jewellery to suit modern tastes and pockets
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Ethnic accessory Temple jewellery
True to the axiom “old wine in a new bottle” are the contemporary designs in temple jewellery designed by Saraswathi Vasudevan. With around 15 designs in three different colours – blue, green and red – , traditional temple jew
ellery has been redesigned and meticulously handcrafted to suit modern tastes and pockets. The price ranges between Rs.150 and Rs.1200 (for a full set).
With its roots in the epics and history, temple jewellery was initially made to adorn the deities of temples. Made in pure gold and studded with rubies, uncut diamonds and emeralds, they were a sight to behold. As life revolved around temples in the those days, and with the classical dances, especially Bharatnatyam, evolving in the temples,this jewellery, often called as the Kemp set, were patronised by royalty and the court dancers .
The passage of time, however, has brought some changes in the craftsmanship of this kind of jewellery. Says craftsman Ashok Kumar: “The affordability factor has forced artisans to replace gold for silver. The precious stones are set on silver and then it is either dipped in gold or gold leaf is used to cover the silver.”
About 150 families practise the art of making this jewellery in Vadasery, Nagercoil.
Dazzling collection
Saraswathi’s collection includes necklaces, chokers, bracelets, dangling jhimkis and drops. The bracelets with pearl beads rekindle an oriental charm in current styles. The designs are also made to order and can also be custom made in gold. Says Saraswathi: “The colours used are common shades in fabrics and silks. It helps accessorise a chunk of one’s wardrobe. The old designs in new avatars and simple designs are in vogue. I redesigned them to highlight the intricate and exquisite craftsmanship. It is an attempt to save a dwindling craft.
MAITHRI SRIKANT
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Mangalore
Puducherry
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
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