Adorn - January - February 2016

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Art has no borders. It spreads and manifests in different forms by assimilating diverse regional and international influences, as in the case of enamelling, popularly known as meenakari. The art that birthed in the 13th century BC in Greece, enamoured many cultures across the globe—and India was no exception. The enamelling art was influenced by Persia around the 15th century AD, and it is to the credit of the Mughal dynasty that meenakari got an exalted status. It received immense royal patronage and the cultural interaction between the Mughals and the Indians helped evolve a special jewellery language that has stood the test of time.

The Mughals slowly faded away into the pages of history, but they left behind a beautiful legacy of the kundan-meena craft that today bears a distinct Indian identity. Our Cover Feature showcases some exquisitely crafted bridal jewellery bedecked with meenakari forms of Jaipur and Benaras artistry.

The theme of enamelling also extends to the Style Quotient section, where we present jewellery pieces embellished with bright and eye-catching enamels designed by Jaipur-based designer Sunita Shekhawat. The beguiling ornaments are paired with elegant garments designed by Pinakin Patel, an ace interior designer and architect, who has recently started his own haute couture line.

French luxury jewellery house Boucheron rekindled its century-old love affair with India for its Bleu the Jodhpur collection, which takes geographical indication quite literally by using Makrana marble and sand from the Thar Desert in most of the elegant pieces.

This issue of ADORN also celebrates top designers from across the world, including the UK-based Ornella Iannuzzi for her avant-garde works, and Lebanese designer Selim Mouzannar, who recreates the magic of the Mediterranean landscape through jewellery.