Royalty and jewellery have always walked hand in hand. In 1795, a magnificent black pearl, ruby and diamond necklace belonging to Queen Marie Antoinette of France, was entrusted to Robert, son of a famous jeweller David Hennell, to be sold. Hence, began the story of Frazer and Haws, over two hundred and fifty years ago with David Hennell opening the first house of Hennell in 1736, producing the finest English traditional silver that soon graced the most opulent tables in Europe. John Frazer and Edward Haws set up Frazer and Haws in 1869 as a subsidiary unit for Hennell. Some of the most exquisite silverware has been churned out for an enviable clientele from Queen Victoria to Cherie Blair.

India is a country mesmerised with jewellery since times immemorial. Keeping this in mind, Frazer and Haws began its operations in India in New Delhi in 1996 to offer a Bond Street range of sterling silver tableware, objet d’ art and fine jewellery, all hallmarked and design led. 

“F & H is the first international lifestyle brand in India,” says Archana Kumari Singh, president, Frazer and Haws. “Luxury is the buzz word. Minimalisation is out, it’s time for opulence - its all about choice.”  The luxury market has shifted from need-base to want-base, she adds.  Frazer & Haws, India, houses over 200 Indian craftspeople, all belonging to sixth and seven generations of silversmiths and goldsmiths. These craftsmen are constantly interacting with Hennell’s designers in London to bring out the best exclusive silver collectibles for the Indian market. The result is an eclectic mix of classic as well as contemporary English designs, inspired by Indian tradition.
With a strong presence in Delhi and Mumbai, the brand was conspicuous by its absence in Bangalore that boasts of a discerning clientele. After due contemplation, F&H found a suitable brand-fit at Leela Galleria, the shopping mall at the Leela Palace Hotel. The showroom was launched in March this year.

Festival delights
The Diwali Collection 2007 is exceptional in its promotion of linear delicate lines. While there is Ganpati in sterling silver and terracotta, there is Krishna too in silver, granite and terracotta - another visual delight.
Diyas in designs aplenty woo the light-minded Indian heart. There’s an adorable ‘nimbu-mirch’ to ward off the evil eye in sterling silver and crystal! Where other paraphernalia showcasing style and oomph are concerned, there are combinations of silver with granite, terracotta, wood, stone, resin, crystal, marble and glass, even velvet! 

Silver care

*Never scrub clean your silver.
*Use mild phosphate free detergent to clean silver after use. It should be gently washed and immediately dried with soft muslin cloth. But it is not effective on heavily tarnished silver.
*Never use toothpaste as a silver polish because some toothpastes contain baking soda or other ingredients which are too abrasive and even trace amounts may cause serious damage. 
*Only use polishes specially formulated to remove tarnish from silver.
*Chemical dips are recommended when heavy black tarnish cannot be removed otherwise. The piece should be thoroughly washed with plain water to avoid the acid in the chemical dip to eat into the silver. User’s instructions on such dips should be carefully followed.
*Heavy tarnish should be sent back to the factory and the silver                                 cleaned professionally.

Catering for all
Contemporary, sleek accessories for the younger generation, like the Clive Burr collection of silver pencils, paper clips and other office knick-knacks, and personal men’s accessories, like the hip flask, lighters, frames, etc, make ideal gifts for those special occasions. There are nut bowls, candle stands, photo frames and plenty of other object d’ art to choose from. Every piece is handcrafted and hallmarked in 92.5% sterling silver.
One of the first diyas was made by Dennis Gardner, F &H designer, according to Janice, Store Manager of the showroom in Bangalore. The silverware is all about style and intricacy, handcrafted to perfection, she says, that allures varied clientele to the showroom.

The Ola perspective
According to Jay Mehta, COO, Retail, Ola, India, the current ranges available in the silver jewellery segment are the delicate and contemporary designs in rings, pendants, bracelets and chains with cubic zirconia or colour stones. “Silver jewellery has been a much affordable metal as compared to others like gold and platinum since the very beginning.”

Plain silver jewellery is a rage these days with everybody going plain and non-flamboyant with their silver designs, he states categorically. The youth of today prefer plain, simple silver jewellery of all sorts.
“Silver  jewellery in the Indian market has not only picked up significantly with the boom in demand for white metals; but is also affordable for individuals from all walks of life.“