The atrium at Spencer’s Plaza razzled and dazzled for more reason than one on July 12. Even as guests attributed it to the inauguration of the exclusive Estelle jewellery showroom in the city’s landmark, the organisers knew there was more.

Spotlights were mounted, music played at full blast, and walking amidst the smoky backdrop were damsels adorning the latest Estelle collections. There were stones, crystals, pearls and gold varieties. If you thought these were exclusive and expensive (as they normally are), hold your breath!

The collection had something for every soul. In ‘trendy wear’ there were ensembles for the young and 'wanting to be young', priced between Rs 200 - Rs 350. The ‘office wear’ brandished simple yet elegant collections for formal routines, which soared upto Rs 2,000. Not forgetting those ostentatious weddings and gatherings, there was the reasonably priced ‘party wear’ collection.

As the audience sat enthralled by the beautiful manifestations of craftsmanship, surprises were just beginning to unfold. Sashaying in at the last leg was Indian Super Model Katrina Kaif roped in straight from Mumbai to inaugurate the outlet.

The demand for platinum jewellery is growing in Chennai at the rate of 20 to 30 per cent every day, the Country Manager for Platinum Guild International (PGI), Vaishali Banerjee, said in the city on September 4.

She is in Chennai to launch the new platinum global branding initiative with a brand line and logo, "deeply rooted in the metal's intrinsic values and reflecting its contemporary image."

Platinum's new positioning is centered around the slogan 'Pure, Rare and Eternal', based on its three virtues, according to Vaishali.
Jitendra Vummidi of Vummidi Bangaru Jewellery said he was pleasantly surprised to see the good response for platinum in Chennai. Sales of platinum jewellery had increased every year over the last three years, he added.

He said women were particularly impressed with the high level of purity in platinum -- 95 per cent. Platinum was also seen as both modern and traditional.

Princeson Jose of Prince Jewellery said platinum jewellery was being sold at his shop every day. Initially, he was sceptical about the sale of platinum jewellery in Chennai but he was in for a pleasant surprise. The demand was growing all the time, he added.

Kishore Jain of Khazana Jewellery said platinum jewellery had made impressive gains in Chennai over the last couple of years.

Lisa Mukhedkar of the PGI said platinum jewellery was now available in 32 centres in the country. Though platinum costs almost three times more than gold, the jewellery metal had its own market in view of its purity and rarity, she added.

Vaishali Banerjee said platinum symbolised a confident and strong woman, who knows her mind and is well respected. The new global identity for platinum has four elements namely the colour palette, the brand line, the word mark and logo (Pt), and the water graphic.

White is the basic colour of the new identity. It comes from the consumers' association of platinum with daylight, moonlight, freshness and cleanliness. White is complimented by the blue of the Pt logo since blue is associated with colour which suggests eternity and purity, Vaishali said.

For ages, Solitaires have mesmerized women with their inherent mystical appeal. Cashing in on this fascination for the stone is Tanishq, the leading branded jeweler in India, which has lined up a range of everyday- wear solitaire diamonds-‘Solo’. Comprising elegantly designed solitaires, ‘Solo’ will be available at an easily accessible price at all Tanishq showrooms across India.

The collection was launched at a unique setting, innovatively depicting the different occasions in life in which ‘Solo’ could be used. With a coffee bar as the background, the solitaires were marvelously interwoven into the various occasions in life being portrayed.

Dispelling the notion that solitaires are very expensive and niche, ‘solo’ offers elegant individual pieces and sets, at an attractive price. The purchase of a diamond solitaire is an emotional event, and something that lasts a lifetime. What, till almost a decade ago, was perceived to be exorbitant and unaffordable can now be the ultimate gift that one could give oneself or one’s loved ones, without paying a fortune for it.

'Solo' is a statement of ‘feminity’, ‘luxury’ and ‘lifestyle’ as well as a status symbol. Speaking at the launch, brand manager, Tanishq said that Tanishq has a collection of 75 designs in yellow and white gold and diamond starting from Rs. 7500, targeted at the Indian contemporary woman. Also available are three sets priced at Rs. 34000, Rs. 47000, and Rs. 68000.
Diamond lovers can avail of two different schemes at Tanishq - the Exchange offer and the Saving scheme. In the exchange offer the customers can exchange their old gold or diamond with the new Tanishq depending on the prevailing rates. In the saving scheme the customers have to deposit a minimum amount of Rs. 500 as installment each month and at the end of the year or six months they can buy any Tanishq jewellery with the amount they have deposited.

It is not just what you buy, but what you do on Akshaya Triti that comes back to you multi-fold. Akshaya Triti, the third day of the bright half of Vaishakh, is considered one of the four most sacred days of the year. Of the four eras, the Satya Yuga is the first and the most significant one. This era began on a Sunday - Vaishakh Shukla Triti - which is also known as Akshaya Triti. While this day is considered auspicious for starting new ventures and making new purchases, it is also believed that by doing a good deed on Akshaya Triti one can earn punya or merit for life.
In the same vein, Shree - Temple of Gold, one of South India's leading jewellery stores, is celebrating Akshaya Triti this year, but with a difference. Shree - Temple of Gold will celebrate the festival not only on Akshaya Triti which falls on May 4th, but also on May 2nd and 3rd, 2003. On these days, if you buy gold, silver or diamonds at Shree, a part of the revenue collected on the 3 days will be contributed to Bala Vihar.

Bala Vihar is a very special organisation that educates economically challenged children from all walks of life and instills ethics and character in them through bhakthi. It was founded by Muthukrishnan, fondly called Hare Ram Kaka. What had started out in 1955 as an act of offering food to six people, has now grown into a big event every year. This is the 48th year in succession. Bala Vihar supports children by providing free education and poor feeding.

In other words, customers are being given an opportunity to join Shree in performing deeds that are propounded by Lord Brahma for this auspicious day. On this day, Shree also reiterates its commitment towards engaging in the trade of jewellery justly and honestly. All jewellery you buy at Shree is hallmarked - purity available without paying a premium.

According to Mr. Ashok Jain, Managing Director, Shree - Temple of Gold, "Akshaya means that which never diminishes. Anything started on this day, especially for weddings are considered blessed with good fortune. We have unveiled an auspicious collection of thaalis and mangalsutras blessed by Kanchi Kamakoti Jagadguru Sankaracharya Swamigal as a part of our Eternity Wedding Collection which is on display and sale till the end of the wedding season."

Following the success of Collection g early this year, the World Gold Council and its partners are all set to dazzle women with the latest assortment of lightweight gold jewellery for the young. This new collection comprises almost 800 new designs that will be available in select jewellery stores across the country.

Collection g, in its new avatar, blends current International jewellery trends of fluidity and movement with uniquely Indian fusion style, making it the must-have fashion accessory this festive season.

Targeted at young women, who seek versatile jewellery that can be accessorised with any look, trendy new collection g offers young women an opportunity to experiment with designs and to innovate and enjoy their jewellery at any occasion - college, work and just about anywhere else.

Collection g now comprises over 1200 unique designs in 22-carat gold including pendants, earrings, bracelets, rings, bangles and complete sets. Collection g offers young women the freedom to buy stylish gold jewellery on their own terms. Besides, it also makes for an unusual gifting option this festive and wedding season. The entire collection is hall marked so consumers are assured of the purity of the jewellery.

About the World Gold Council

The World Gold Council is a non-profit organisation funded by leading gold miners worldwide. Its objective is to promote growth in demand for gold through new product development, distribution expansion, joint advertising and sales promotions with trade partners and special high-impact events. The Council also works to protect and enhance the image of gold to make it even more relevant to the modern consumer.

What could be prettier than a circle of diamonds shimmering on your wrist, catching the light as you move your arm, or a slender curve of gold enhanced with rubies and sapphires, coiling around your wrist, drawing attention to your hands and complementing your rings? The bracelet is one of the most romantic and elegant pieces of jewelry. It sets off your wardrobe and draws attention to details in your dress. It adds a flash of color and brilliance that catches the eye in a never-ending display of metal and stones. Sometimes half hidden by the cuff of a sleeve, the bracelet enchants with its ever-changing glint of gems and metal.
There are different types of bracelets as well as styles and materials. The term bracelet usually refers to a flexible piece of jewelry, one that drapes softly around the wrist. A well fitting bracelet should be loose enough to be comfortable and not put pressure on your wrist, yet snug enough so it does not slide too far down onto your hand. A bangle is a slender, rigid circlet that seems to float along the wrist as the wearer moves her arm. Bangles are usually narrow and are often worn in pairs or trios. Some women like to collect bangles and mass them together to form a glimmering entity that creates its own music as they clink together. A bangle may be an endless circle or it may be hinged to make it easier to put on.
A cuff is a wide, rigid bracelet that may take the form of a circlet with a hinged opening, or it may embrace only three quarters of the wrist, leaving an opening to allow it to be put on. If you've chosen a wide cuff bracelet, there's a trick to getting it on your wrist. Don't try to put it on from the top of your wrist. Instead, turn your arm 90 degrees so the thumb is facing up. Now place the open end of the bracelet on the narrow part of your wrist and gently ease it on and around your wrist. To remove the cuff, reverse the process.

Mesh bracelets and chain link bracelets as well as free-form floral bracelets are among the many other types of bracelet designs. They range in diameter from narrow to wide and may lie flat against the wrist or have a circular design. They may be fashioned from a flexible, circular mesh that terminates in decorated ends. A bracelet with a flexible shank may be open at the ends, allowing it to be slipped on and off easily, yet still be secure on your wrist. The terminals are a principal design element of the bracelet. In addition to the artistic working of the metal, they may be set with colored gems, usually cabochons.

These tips are so pretty, you may want to wear the bracelet with the open end on the upper part of your wrist, to show them off. The other choice is to turn the open ends to the inner part of the wrist, and just let them flash a bit of color as you move your arm this way and that. These terminals may overlap a bit, crossing over each other. Crossover design bracelets sometimes continue all the way around your wrist to form another coil, creating a double or triple bracelet look. The flexibility of the mesh used to create the circlet makes it possible to slip the bracelet on and off.
Bracelet designers have devised a variety of ways to open the bracelet to put it on and then close it securely around your wrist. There may be a clasp or a spring ring; the bracelet may be hinged or have a hidden device that allows you to put the bracelet on and take it off. Whatever method the designer has chosen, the device should be unobtrusive and in harmony with the bracelet. Most bangle bracelets have internal clasps, often a tongue and groove device that is beautifully hidden from view. Flexible bracelets may close with an over-lapping clasp that is integrated into the overall design of the piece. A secure closure is important since bracelets are subject to more wear and tear than any other piece of jewelry.

Ayurveda and to some extent Unani (both Indian branches of science using natural curative methods) lay great emphasis on the use of gem stones in medicinal preparations. They are used both as ashes (bhasma) as well as in powder (pishti) form for treatment of critical ailments. The procedures for preparing these medicines are time-consuming and complicated. All medication, however, should be under the strict supervision and advice of a qualified Ayurvedic or Unani physician. The gems are listed in alphabetical order.

Agate: Used with kewra, a strong-smelling flower extract it is said to strengthen the heart, cure fainting fits, alleviate liver troubles, bleeding and diseases caused by stones in parts of the body. It also rejuvenates, physically and mentally.

Amber: Cures all disorders caused by wind, bile and phlegm in the body. Also relieves colic pain.
Blue Sapphire: Broken pieces are ground in rose, kewra and water. The smooth paste is administered orally to cure fevers, epilepsy, insanity and hiccups.

Bloodstone: Used in powder form, it cures bilious problems. The paste is applied to remove eruptions caused by excess bile (pitti).

Coral: A paste obtained by rubbing coral in mortar with rose or kewra water, is believed to a prevent abortion when applied on the navel of a pregnant woman. Coral powder mixed in rose water & dried and then taken with honey provides strength to the body.

Cat's eye: Used as pisthi to treat problems caused by excess of phlegm, cough and piles. The bhasma provides vitality & strength and cures certain eye diseases.

Diamond: Powdered diamond is a absolutely forbidden for oral use. Only its ashes (bhasma) strictly prepared under supervision are prescribed. The bhasma gives relief and cures tuberculosis, insanity (of certain kinds), dropsy, diabetes, ulcers in the anus, anaemia and inflammation. It is said to prolong life if taken over a period of time and gives one a radiant appearance. If a piece of the gem should get into the stomach by accident, immediate steps should be taken to get it out, for diamonds can cut the intestines and cause death.

Emerald: Mixed in rose or kewra water it is used for urinary troubles and diseases of the heart. The bhasma provides coolness to the body and controls nausea, asthma, indigestion, piles and jaundice.

Garnet: Has the same properties as ruby but is not effective. The bhasma stops bleeding and melts stones in the kidney, urinary bladder and gall bladder.

Gomedha: Mixed in rose, kewra or red musk water, it helps reduce colic, skin diseases and piles.

Kidney stone: Wearing the stone itself is said to give relief from colic pain. The same effects is had by applying the paste by rubbing the rose water on the affected area.

Opal: It improves the appetite and helps cure fevers.

Pearl: A good pearl (not pierced) mixed in rose or kewra water, made into paste, dried and taken orally, is very beneficial for diseases caused by calcium deficiency. The ashes provide relief to body heat, are good for the eyes and cure tuberculosis, chronic fevers, cough, breathing problems, palpitation, high blood pressure, heart ailments, exhaustion and weaknesses.

Ruby: Used both in ash and powder form, it is said to produce more blood and improve circulation. Cures problems caused by excess wind and disorders of the stomach, prolongs life. The bhasma has the ability to suppress wind, bile and phlegm in the body, give relief in tuberculosis colic pain, eye diseases, leprosy and impotency. The ashes also relieve excessive heat and burning sensations.

White sapphire: Mixed in rose or kewra water, the paste is dried and used to relieve nausea, wind problems, phlegm, stomach disorders, indigestion, leprosy and piles.