In this issue

Traversing cultural chasms can sometimes pose a challenge. But not for Bernadette van Gelder of the Netherlands, whose love for all things Indian led her to build a solid edifice called Van Gelder Indian Jewellery in 1980 – to facilitate the buying and selling of ancient and historic jewellery pieces. She stumbled upon India’s rich and celebrated tradition of crafts while researching oriental jewellery. The connection with India was instant, as if serendipitously arranged by the universe. She visited India and fell in love with it and its people. She had an inherently gifted eye that could spot a rare Indian treasure.

Today, Van Gelder Indian Jewellery is recognised as one of the most renowned dealers of Indian jewellery across the world, and is run by Bernadette’s two daughters, Fleur Damman–van Gelder and Noëlle Viguurs–van Gelder. In this issue, Noëlle speaks about how she and her sister have taken their mother’s legacy forward. Read all about their fascinating story in Culture Connect.

Top dealers and auction houses from across the world dazzled connoisseurs at the Masterpiece London 2018 jewellery fair. Exceptional collectibles by Cartier, Boucheron, Faberge, Cindy Chao, Moussaieff, Grima, Chopard and more displayed unparalleled artistry. Turn to Shining Light for a glimpse of these masterpieces.

Our Singapore-based guest writer Richa Goyal Sikri decodes kundan-polki jewellery and clarifies common misconceptions of this important and popular jewellery category. The issue also features interviews of famous jewellery designers, including Neha Roongta in Creative Charisma, Priyadarshini Himatsingka in Fashion Forward, and Rahul Luthra in Style Expert.

Speaks Design

For a fairly new entrant in the world of jewellery, Mumbai-based designer Neha Roongtas designs are creating ripples. Her one-off compositions are bold and global in design, deftly combining the glamour quotient with high quality finish and unique gem settings.

4 mins

Van Gelder Indian At Heart

Sometimes the reasons for the ties that bind are inexplicable. Cultures that are not even remotely connected with your roots suddenly have a strong pull on you. An accidental encounter with a person from a foreign land, a small gift from a particular country, an invigorating talk or an inspiring quote can be reasons enough to act as a catalyst or a turning point in life, and help you chart your future.

9 mins

Transforming Treasures

Repurposing or remodelling old, inherited jewellery has many paybacks, prime among them is being able to retain and wear the piece that has sentimental value attached to it. The other reason is to preserve such pieces that are created with timeless crafts most of which are today on the verge of extinction. Shanoo Bijlani spoke to three top designers from India to find out their take on the subject.

5 mins

The Power Of Jewellery

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is holding anexhibition Jewelry: The Body Transformed that will explore the ways in which jewellery acts upon the body, its adornment functions; its ritualistic symbolisms, and how it fuels aspirations and more to form a collective, cultural memory. The exhibition will open on November 12 this year and run through February 24 next year.

3 mins

Born To Be An Artist

Life in general is an inspiration for this Indian-born designer settled in America. Priyadarshini Himatsingka is well-known for her signature handmade creations that have a feel of imperfection leaning towards the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi. Defining modern minimalism, her austere creations in silver and gold are sometimes garnished with a smattering of rose-cuts that are specially cut in her studio.

2 mins

Bridal Fashion Jewellery Is Here To Stay

Till about five years ago, wearing bridal fashion jewellery on ones wedding day was considered a no-no. Today, with the rise in destination weddings, high-end fashion jewellery has suddenly gained popularity. For who would want to cart fine jewellery to an exotic resort and worry about its safety? And wouldnt it be easier to dance with gay abandon at ones sangeet ceremony wearing high-end fashion bridal jewellery and not lose sleep if a gem went missing?

2 mins

Read all stories from Adorn

Adorn Magazine Description:

Adorn is India’s first magazine dedicated to the art of fine jewellery. It is published and circulated in India by Spenta Multimedia, the country’s largest custom publisher. The bi-monthly publication that was started in 2010 is the premier source of information for jewellery connoisseurs and designers. Adorn chronicles India’s jewellery design capabilities and keeps an eye on global trends.