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Glitzy maal for the high-end customer

Smita Balram Kumar

Amrapali is a popular name in fashion circles and this Jaipur-based brand has finally made its way into Bangalore.

Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lopez recently walked the red carpet of the Golden Globe award function, flaunting jewellery designed by these desi couturiers. Their exquisite jewellery has earlier been used in the popular period film Troy starring Brad Pitt and Jolie. Their clientele include the likes of Naomi Campbell, Dimple Kapadia, Manisha Koirala and Pooja Bhatt. They are the only Indian jewellery brand to be housed in Selfridges, the exclusive high-end mall showcasing the world’s top designers on Oxford Street in London.

This designer duo has been invited to participate in the Milan Fashion Week in 2003, New York Fashion Week in 2006 and their jewellery was yet again used by JJ Valaya and Ranna Gill for Indian fashion weeks. Amrapali is a popular name in fashion circles and this Jaipur-based brand has finally made its way into Bangalore.

Amrapali has been pioneered by designer duo Rajiv Arora and Rajesh Ajmera. With over 3,000 pieces in silver and over 800 in gold, there is a great variety to choose from. Their design philosophy contemporises Indian heritage and culture and extensively uses precious and semi-precious stones.

Gold glitter

Amrapali’s line of gold jewellery has a strong accent on Nizaam and Victorian styles. Precious stones like uncut diamonds, turquoise, rubies, emeralds have been used on gold for some great looking heritage pieces. Most of the pieces are very grand and suited for weddings. It’s all about opulence and grandeur. One can pick rich choker neckpieces, navrathna necklaces, diamond encrusted bangles, Victorian earrings, chaand-baalis, rings, bracelets, pendants and more.

There are stunning reversible neckpieces too. The traditional heavy necklaces have uncut diamonds for the sparkle on one side and intricate Meenakari work on the other side. The precious gold and diamond jewllery costs between Rs 15,000 and Rs 55 lakh.

Silver line

The exquisite pieces in Amrapali’s silver line include danglers, wrap-around neckpieces, anklets, armlets, bracelets, cuff links, toe rings, earrings, arm bands and rings to chunky neckpieces in a variety of designs. The designs are aplenty with interesting and innovative motifs like stars and peacocks. One will see tribal hints in the heavy silver chokers. Semi-precious stones like onyx, amber, corals, rose quartz, zircons and garnets ornate the silver metal.

If black onyx is your stone, there is an entire rack of different jewellery pieces sporting black onyx alone. Similar lines have been created in other stones like that of zircons as well. Wrap-around neck pieces is a hot international trend you will find enough here. A beautiful wrap piece is one in rose quartz—pretty, feminine and perfect to bring some this summer. There is a line of 18k gold plated silver jewellery available too.

Designer Rajesh Ajmera says, “Our designs are inspired by heritage and culture and South Indians appreciate that. All our pieces are handcrafted.” He also informs that the jewllery will soon be seen in Pooja Bhatt’s next film titled Dhokha. “Pooja Bhatt is one of our regular clients. She loves our jewellery so much that she has decided to use it in her next film. There is also Valley of Flowers starring Milind Soman,” he adds.

When asked if Amrapali will make a contribution for Abhi–Ash wedding, the designer smiles, “We will not approach them. But they are most welcome to approach us.”

Upcoming collection

Their next collection to hit the stores will flaunt yellow and black gold! Rajesh explains, “Yes, you will see yellow and black gold playing with diamonds. It’s very unique. It will be out in the festive season, sometime in August–September.”

Amrapali has a shop-in-shop at Collage on Wood Street.