Romancing the stones

NALINI BELIEVES in style and originality. Having lived in different countries before settling down in Chennai, her hometown, she decided to pursue her passion for gems and semi- precious stones and make designer jewellery, for the fashion conscious.

Nalini learnt the art of gem setting in the U.K. and in Chennai, she sources stones from Jaipur and the Umba Valley, Tanzania. She works with artisans on her innovative designs.

"The stones are natural. Actually, most people do not know much about semi-precious stones, they only know about diamonds, rubies and emeralds", says Nalini.

These stones come in a spectacular range of colours. Tourmalines come in all shades, and sapphires, surprisingly, also come in varied hues. Not just blue, but pink, grey, white, yellow and so on. Sapphires come from both Sri Lanka and the Umba Valley.

Amethysts, with their lovely violet shade, iolite, African Fire opal, the regular opals etc. are all set into rather unusual designs, at times. T-clasps are a favourite of Nalini's, lending a unique touch to her pieces.

Bracelets, bangles, earrings, chains, necklaces, rings - the pieces are reasonably priced. They are set in 18 carat gold and sometimes, in silver.

"People need to be confident with a capital 'C' to wear my jewellery. They buy my pieces in order to stand out in a crowd, as they are so different from traditional ornaments", says Nalini, with pride.

Nalini is also qualified in furniture restoration.

Her jewellery can be seen, and ordered or purchased, at Amethyst, in Jeypore Colony, Gopalapuram, Chennai-86.

RUPA GOPAL

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