Bridal set Workshop

For a long time I have been meaning to posts some of the projects that we do in the workshops/ jewelry classes I conduct. I think its about time. This beauty is one of my recent favorites. I have never really been a fan of artificial Kundan jewelry (I think that are very bright and slightly tacky at times) but still I do teach them because they are really popular and easy to make .

But after this set, esp the necklace was made, and I tried it, it looked so beautiful that I just didnt want to give it away…I know that I wont make one for myself so I am contended just looking at the pictures (which by the way dont do any justice to the pieces).

When I started teaching kundan jewelry, I used to buy sets because everything needed to make a 3 piece set is already inside the box – packed – waiting for you to just assemble them. Then after a while I got bored. I mean there’s really no fun, if you can’t design or make your own pattern right? So I started buying separates and mixed then up with beads and supplies that I have in stock to create some interesting patterns.

Coming back to this particular set, the lady in question (the student) wanted to learn how to make a necklace, earrings, a sitara (mang tika), a bracelet and anklets…well basically everything…

to be frank I have never done stone based anklets or bracelets before and was a little skeptical…but as I never say no to my students…I thought what the heck, will make those also.

These are made using regular (artificial) kundan pendants, double holed and triple holed stone attachments, glass beads, coated beads (magenta & gold), stone danglers, bugle bead bunches and extension chain. All closures were hand formed.

For the benefit of my Non-Indian readers, this type of necklace(choker) is typically Indian and heavy, is called Addigai in Tamil, Kantha in Sanskrit. The head ornament is called Sitara (star) or Chudamani or Netichutti (forehead trinket) in Tamil and is worn below the parting of the hair and at the center of the forehead. The earrings, bracelet and anklets are more contemporary versions. If you would like to read about ancient Indian jewelry and its forms, I suggest the following two articles from this blog

 (quite proud of the fact that these articles are the most comprehensive of all sources on ancient Indian jewelry that you’ll find online)

 Then if you are interested in looking at some sets done in workshop a year back, you can find them here.And if you would like to come for a class, just drop in a mail

Also I am planning to do a Bridal series next month talking about jewelry and accessories worn (chiefly by women) in various parts of the world. I would be writing about Hindu (indian) wedding jewelry. I would like guest posts for other cultures. So If you are interested in writing about the wedding jewelry(customs) of you country or religion, please contact me, I would love to feature your article on my blog. It could even be about what you wore for your own wedding.
Waiting to hear from you

Cheers