I guess no other generation other than mine, must have seen such vast changes in societal and other standards.
My earliest school , way back in the late fifties, simply banned earrings, and tikkas-on-the-forehead. The type of school, where Himaalayaa was pronounced as Himaleyaas, and caused many eyebrows to be raised at home. Later on, in high school elsewhere, with a slightly more Indian ethos, we were allowed small "rings" or metal stud earrings in the ears, and small tikkas on the forehead. The rings were what are called hoops today, and the size was such that you could try using them as toe rings and they would still be small. Once installed, these earrings were hardly ever removed, and some of my most traumatic moments were when I come home with just one earring, having lost the other. It was always gold, there was hardly a market for random metal jewellery, and by and by one was presented with an identical set of earring hoops, say, with a tighter clip. Suffice it to say, that even on non school, celebratory formal occasions, traditional stuff was the order of the day in jewellery, and no one really had a choice.
Today, with so many women in the workplace, I find that there is unlimited choice.
Jewellery now boasts of various metal bases, interesting beads in amazing colors, assorted lengths, attachments, and designs. There are many places selling these items, and fashion conscious folks match their jewellery to their outfits. Consequently, jewellery design itself has become an interesting profession.
My friend Gunjan, is someone who excels at this.
A completely self taught jewellery maker and designer, she multitasks as an IT person, swimmer, mother, avid gardener and designer.
Her brand Koyri, (which means a Paisley shaped container, in which we normally keep kumkum powder with which we welcome ladies and is essentially a very Indian shape replicated often in embroidery), boasts of amazing stand alone earrings, jewellery sets, and necklaces, designed with the modern woman in mind. Stuff that can match your outfits, be they formals, traditionals et al.
Go check out her stuff at Koyri . She even has stuff for today's little girls . At Little Koyri ... Stuff to match every frilly frock and suit. And you will never have to worry, like my mother did , when I lost stuff in school.
Click to see a slide show of her products below.
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