Journalism of Courage
Enter the exhibition hall at O Hotel,Koregaon Park,and you get transported into the glittering world of the royal Nizams of Hyderabad. The ongoing jewellery exhibition by Art Karat has an array of neckpieces,earrings,necklaces and rings inspired by the royal jewellery collection of the Hyderabadi Nizams. The display is well-organised enabling easy window shopping and detailed perusal. The neckpieces precious beads,pearls,chunky pendants and chokers are intricately crafted. For the non-bling shoppers,there are plain gold and silver flat chains with stone pendants. Next comes the bangle section – from chunky ones to subtler Victorian era-inspired bangles,the section is all about colour. The jhumkas are a treat,most are inspired by peacock designs. “The base metal for our jewellery is silver,but some are heavily gold-plated, says Asha Modi,designer and proprietor of Art Karat. The idea behind this collection was to make royal designs and jewellery available to people who cannot afford such excellence in gold,diamonds and other precious stones. We use turquoise,rubies,pearls,ornix and white sapphires as economical alternatives, adds Modi. Individual pieces of necklaces,rings and earrings would cost you anything between Rs 5,000 and 60,000,depending on the work and craftsmanship involved.
