In September, I read a book on jewellery used in Temples and came across the concept of divine adornment. While fashioning of the self seems to be a modern western concept, adornment or the Indian concept of “Alamkara” is as old as man. As I started to look for other aspects of adornment in society, I came across its use in literature, particularly poetry. I was hooked. Instead of simply saying that jewellery can be used for adornment and making it, I wanted to see if I could extend the understanding of the use of adornment in writing to jewellery. Along the way, I added more and more elements and flourishes to my idea. Eventually, Riti by Sayuri was born.
The origin story
The word “Riti” (Pronounced Reethi) in Sanskrit refers to a style or a method of creating things. It also denotes blessed beginnings. As Mr. Sreenivas Rao, points out in his essay on the soul of poetry, Poetry, is not just a collection of words. “It is the vision of the poet and aesthetic delight that it presents to the viewer.” Thus the style of the poet and the way in which it is enhanced determines the beauty of the poem. This is the understanding that formed the basis of my collection.
Responsible Re-purposing
When I started to make this collection, I knew that I wanted to include an aspect of sustainability in it. Everybody has a different understanding of sustainability. Mine is based on the three R’s – Reduce, Reuse and recycle. When I started Sayuri in 2008, this was the major differentiating factor of my business. But somewhere along the way I lost sight of it. With Riti I wanted to bring it back as this small range of exclusive products is my 10th Anniversary collection. More on how I achieved this in the next post.
Riti by Sayuri – Festive collection of jewellery
Riti by Sayuri is a collection of statement beaded jewellery with one of a kind textural pendants. Each piece in the collection is inspired by a stimulus – sensory or social. The pieces are created using a range of mixed media techniques and beads of various materials. Beads to me are the greatest sensory simulators. Hence they are the foundation of this collection.
Sensory design
This year also marks my return to studying and teaching sensory design after working on it for my MA Thesis in 2014. Sensory design is about appealing to or pleasing the senses. It does not stop with prompting or responding to sensory stimuli but works to induce overall pleasure. This happens by bringing about momentary voluntary Synesthesia where one sense is perceived as another. As a medical condition, synesthesia might be perceived as a disadvantage but it gives you unique insight.
Vasana – For the sense of smell
Vasana means fragrance. After sandalwood, the first scent that I came to recognise as a child was Lavender. It is elegant and feminine, yet sharp like my mom who used a Yardly Lavender talc. A smell has the ability to transport you emotionally. Depending on the smell it could be to a time and space of your liking or not. Lavender takes me back to my childhood and thus it is my go to fragrance for potpourri. The Vasana necklace is inspired by the form, colour and texture of the lavender plant and its smell. From the faux druzy finish and glitter of the pendant to the gold gliding of the ceramic beads the necklace is opulent yet soothing. Take a look at the details in the pendant. This necklace is sold.
Sparsh – The sense of touch
Touch is the most underestimated sense in my opinion. However, we experience it every hour of every day. Even when are sleeping, if something pricks us we awaken. Texture adds interest; It create emphasis. To tease or play with textures is to excite touch. It makes you more creative and intuitive.
This necklace is titled Sparsh as it plays with both visual and tactile textures. It is made up of soothing colours, myriad textures of druzy, silk and ribbed ceramic. Necklace is for sale with earrings.
Drishti – of Sight
The first thing that I see when I look at an image is colour. It is also the last thing I remember about an image. Be it reality, imagination or even a dream, colour is what I recollect the most about any visual. So for my piece on Sight, I used strong complimentary colours.
Almost all pendants in this collection are in layers. However, this is the only piece that has very few mediums or type of pigments used. Still this is one of the most visually stunning pieces. It is designed to captivate you on sight. This necklace along with matching earrings is sold.
Spandana – a sensory reaction
Spandana is a voluntary reaction to social or sensory stimuli. It explains why we want to stroke a cat’s soft fur or the petals of a flowers. It is also how we react to a brightly colored light, somebody’s words or tone or their behaviour.
This necklace is titled Spandana as it plays with sensory stimuli like sight, touch, and sound. It also works with the social stimulus of celebration. This beaded Necklace with faux druzy stone pendant is sold. In bright dazzling colours, it is the perfect accompaniment to festive attire.
With that we come to the end of this post. I hope that Riti by Sayuri Festive collection of jewellery has intrigued you. While I specialise in making one of a kind jewellery, this collection is truly special because even I cannot repeat or recreate any of the pendants of this collection. They are as unique as you and your response to the stimuli around you are. Riti jewellery is for women and men who like fashion that is (a) bold and statement making (b) festive and joyous (c) Responsible and purposeful and (d) absolutely unique. Each of the pieces shine and shimmer to add values to your festive attire this Dusshera and Diwali.
See all the other pieces in this collection
Floral themed Riti jewellery
Riti jewellery inspired by taste
Festival themed Riti jewellery
I hope you find it interesting
Cheers
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