As much as we love experimental jewellery and chunky, Instagrammable gemstone danglers, we know your budget often doesn’t agree with your tastes. If you are weary of browsing through exorbitantly priced statement jewellery and want to venture out to something more economical this season, Forum Mall’s newest addition, Curio Cottage, should really be your go-to stop.
The chic design studio has a stunningly diverse collection of pure silver jewellery, featuring exotic Northern design techniques, Tibetian finds, Rajasthani gemstones, Thai motifs and so much more!
“We have focused on an Indo-western approach, most pieces have this fusion vibe, which is contemporary in spirit,” Jeet Bathija, of Curio Cottage, tells us. And we had to agree. The first pieces we spotted at their outlet were some exceptionally detailed Afghan-inspired numbers, in coloured stones; one of our favourite pieces was definitely an ornately curated wide-hanging green necklace featuring well-cut stones.
Coloured jewellery is the runway-approved trend that’s dominating each and every winter fashion memo, be it in festive wear or even wearable work wear alternatives. Curio Cottage’s impeccably tasteful curation should really sort out your bling closet if you want to add some cheerful, coloured numbers and are in the market for some reasonably-priced dramatic, mood-shifting jewellery.
“Curio Cottage features many Victorian designs and Mughal-inspired, culture-specific designs, which are again very trendy now. All the products are made with 92.5% Sterling Silver. Everything from a tiny earring to a large necklace, have been carved by fine craftsmen with years of experience, which makes each one of our creations a masterpiece in itself. Most designs are handmade with Indian motifs, keeping the essence of Bengal in mind,” Bathija informs us.
We had to admit, every number had an artsy, one-of-a-kind vibe, which you can’t really find in the fine jewellery spectrum or even in your favourite designer’s lookbook. Interestingly, Curio Cottage’s collection is also very representation of homegrown artisanship; you’ll find the designs and the finish take a cultural leap across many traditions which are cultivated in Asia.
“I source my stones from Jaipur, some of our designs have their origins in Thai or Balinese artistry, which do exceptionally well as they look so edgy,” Bathija reveals. At the new Forum outlet, we found some chunky silver danglers, panelled jhumkas, multi-layered Maharani silver stone necklaces, an impressive range of jewellery featuring natural and semi-precious gemstones.
One of their stellar creations is a pure silver handmade necklace with natural ruby onyx beads, which makes for a really unusual statement jewellery option. Some of our personal favourites were the panelled bracelets featuring several uncut stones, which can really switch-up your daily wear look. Price starts from Rs 500.