Which woman doesn't love jewellery? And when it comes to earthy terracotta jewellery, many more hands go up.
This humble material, terracotta, that is used to make
household utensils can be fashioned delicately to make exquisite
jewellery to adorn a woman, be it for a family outing or a fashionable
party. Terracotta ornaments like necklaces, bracelets, pendants, and
chokers were commonly used in the rural and tribal societies.
Colourful options
But
nowadays, the terracotta costume jewellery has emerged as an exotic
dressing style and very popular among both the young and old fashionable
crowd. It can take up various earthen colours such as red, pink, brown,
rust or gray creating a rustic appeal. This eco friendly material is
used to create ethnic and striking jewellery pieces.
The
malleability of clay allows it to be moulded in whatever shape or size
we want. The designs are numerous and the terracotta beads are stung
together to make delicate pieces of ornamentation. If properly paired
with the right kind of cotton saris terracotta jewellery appears
fashionable.
Have our Indian women forgotten the
traditional gold jewellery? I would say ‘No'. “Youngsters have not
forgotten our tradition, but they are more into temple jewellery and
Kundhan ones. They no longer prefer long necklaces,” says Ramanathan,
owner of Abirami Jewellers, T.Nagar.
Availability
“We
youngsters are not attracted to gold jewellery. We prefer ethnic and
elegant (namely terracotta) jewellery even with traditional wear and we
feel that terracotta jewels add to the look. These are found in shops
like Kalpa Druma and Sundari Silks at affordable prices,” said Sunitha, a
college student. There are many workshops conducted by Dakshina Chitra,
Chennai to teach people terracotta jewellery making so that it will
help them design their own jewellery. The jewels are also displayed in
many exhibitions conducted.
Though women get more
excited about gold jewellery, the spiralling price of gold doesn't seem
to excite them. This has made youngsters opt for fancy jewellery made of
terracotta, paper, beads, gems and even plastic.
Photo Courtesy: K. Anantha ( THE HINDU)
