Adorn - January - February 2015

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For arts and crafts to endure the test of time, a civilised society has to have a deep-rooted regard for history. In this context, it is reassuring to note that the only gallery dedicated to jewellery in any museum in India – the National Museum of New Delhi – took remedial steps and re-opened the Alamkara Gallery after ten years with the help of jewellery historian Dr. Usha Balakrishnan. Alamkara displays over 250 pieces, some of which date back 4,000 years. The gallery is a gift to every Indian, and until such time that you visit the museum, we present a glimpse of some extraordinary pieces on display in Museum Tour. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Balakrishnan notes that the bejewelled objects document history, tell us stories about culture and heritage, and bridge the present and the past to help us reflect upon societal changes.
Our Cover Feature focuses on kundan-meena, an invaluable art preserved by the skilled artisans of India. The craft flourished further with the Persian influence of meenakari work brought in by the Mughals. Rajasthan today is the epicentre of this artistry, which has seen several interpretations over the years. However, some jewellers even now practise the old techniques of stone-setting in antique-finished gold.
Coming back to the present, ADORN was lucky to interview avant-garde Parisian jewellery designer and antiquarian, Lydia Courteille, whose work is hugely inspired by surreal painter Salvador Dali. Read more about her design philosophy in Creative Charisma.
Ace filmmaker Karan Johar spoke to ADORN about his recent alliance with Gehna Jewellers to design a spectacular, modern line of jewellery. A style maven, Karan also doled out tips on fashion and accessorising in his interview featured in Celebrity Talk. Speaking of fashion, couturier Swapnil Shinde has designed ultra-feminine outfits to pair with jewellery by LIFE in Style Quotient.