Standing outside the spectacular black and gold arched doorway to Senco Gold & Diamonds’ D’Signia outlet in Wood Street, we were positive we had been transported to Rue Saint Honore in Audrey Hepburn's Paris; the pale stone architecture, the giant LED showcase screen at the entrance, the old Hollywood display section, everything convincingly makes you embrace the romance and feel like Hepburn on a free-wheeling shopping spree. Suvankar Sen, the Executive Director of Senco Gold & Diamonds drove home our learnings about Kolkata’s trusty 80-year-old jewellery showroom.
“This is our job as jewellery makers - to make people explore the romance that was once associated with the idea of jewellery; we want people to feel good when they walk in. Our new outlet is called D’ Signia, because we have a very refined focus on our designs, and we are really passionate about craftsmanship. As a jewellery showroom, we have tried to make the look and feel of this space very global and really different, much like the world around is changing. You'll find tradition and a touch of modernity; you'll find interesting high jewellery and then again, you have this really diverse line-up of easy jewellery and light, wearable bling,” he tells us.
Senco’s newest design studio stands as a brick-and-mortar proof of the brand’s stunning evolution and almost futuristic curation. And we don’t say this lightly - we found the most regal ‘navratna’ necklace and modish, runway-worthy art deco statement pieces under one roof.
Even when it comes to essentials and bridal staple, Senco has upped its game remarkably, bringing in a hint of international relevance to its look. We discovered a three-layered gold temple necklace, featuring authentic triangular red coral, a stunning Victorian-inspired silhouetted necklace made with deep mauve gemstones - something Wallis Simpson would wear to a mid-evening soiree.
And of course, some classic staples like gold chokers, nakshi jewellery, polki and kundan jewellery and heritage-themed bridal pieces. Senco D’Signia outlet also has a really convenient bridal dressing boudoir, which could serve as a fitting room.
Senco’s lightweight jewellery has been getting spectacular renown among its millennial customer base, owing to its wearability and design upgrade. The Denim Collection, for instance, is a range of sleek, sophisticated gold and diamond pieces which would go really well with denims and western casuals.
“Camac Street is such a hub for luxury jewellery, and although we have stores across Bowbazar, Jadavpur, this store has a premium feel owing to its really modern and cosmopolitan line-up. We have these really beautiful neck pieces inspired by French silhouettes; we have another amazing collection called Magnificence, it actually consists of diamond jewellery featuring magnifying glass over it, so the gem actually appears larger!” Mr Sen tells us, as he shows us around.
If you’re looking for something resort-themed or some affordable Diwali shopping, definitely give Senco’s budget-friendly costume jewellery a chance; the fashion jewellery range has everything from colourful chunky stones, to some cheeky Renaissance-inspired statement danglers and rings. Some of our favourite picks would definitely be the heritage-inspired gold pasha and jhumar earrings from Senco’s signature collection.