Vol.

1| June| 2015

ENHANCE
ONE-STOP GUIDE TO ALL YOUR BIJOUTERIE NEEDS

THE STORIES OF

JEWELS
Past and Present

AED 15

5 BEST JEWELLERY PRESERVING IDEAS

THE WEDDING TROUSSEAU
STATEMENT JEWELLERY: WEARING IT RIGHT

EXCLUSIVE: AMIRA KHAN

EDITORS NOTE
Everything that glitters

sabella Rosellini, Italian actress, model, author, director and

philanthropist famously said: The reason of my life is not to be the most
beautiful woman in the world.

At first I found this quote quite narcissistic of the accomplished

Rosellini to me it implied that she already assumed she was.
It was only as I grew up that I understood. Rosellini did not say it for
herself she said it for the millions of people who followed her every
move, who reduced all of her talent, ability and intellect to the beauty
of her face.
Enhance is for women who refuse to let themselves be defined by
things they have no control over. It is for the woman in control; the
indomitable woman.
This months feature centers around the incredible stories of women
who have been handed down jewellery over generations, with some of
their pieces going back nearly 200 years.
Read Amira Khans moving story of loss, disappointment and
reinvention in the section Reinvent. In Lifestyle, jewel enthusiast and
expert Anmol Dhakan shares some useful, simple tricks to preserve
the sheen and brilliance of your accoutrements.
Find out how best to wear your favourite statement jewellery to make
an impact, read history on some of the essential types of jewellery that
may make up your bridal trousseau, and unwind with the Real or Fake
quiz in Lounge.

Say ema Wasi

sayemawasi@gmail.com

http://www.facebook.com/sayema.wasi
http://twitter.com/NotSayemaWasi

Photo credits: Sayema Wasi

Acknowledgements
This magazine could not have been
completed without the valuable help
and support of
Afrah Anwar
Aleena Nazir
Amira Khan
Anmol Dhakan
Annalisa Martin
Aziza Iqbal
Bindu Mathur
Fati Ahmed
Joseph John
Kanika Mathur
Lippy Ramchandani
Malika Rehman
Melita DSouza
Muneeza Farooqui
Nadra Khatoon
Nita Ranavade Raut
Rabia Wasi
Radhi Raut
Rashid Wasi
Savitha Sharma
Tania Gandhi

www.meltingcheeze.tumblr.com
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C N
T
O

Lifestyle 20
Travelogue

22

Wedding

T
N

Feature 14

30

Lounge

34

Accessorize

36

Preview

39

Photo credits: Sayema Wasi

Opinion 6

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OPINION

OPINION

BEST

Decades of gendered marketing and advertising has led to some rather ridiculous and,
oftentimes, hurtful notions. Women spend more than they save? Pink is a womans colour?
Diamonds are a girls best friend?
Sayema Wasi speaks to five young women for their take on the popular phrase

FRIENDS

Women arent money digging materialists... Were not some sort of fish you can reel in
with some shiny rocks. Theyre definitely not a girls best friend, but theyre a reasonably good
investement. And I still like them.
- Radhi Raut
Visual Communications Major, American University Dubai

FOREVER?

I dont think diamonds are a girls best friend. A girls best friend needs to fulfill some
serious requirements... they need to make her happy. Chocolates! Chocolates are a girls best
friend. And her mans credit card, too. Just kidding!
- Melita DSouza
Media and Communications, Christ University, Bangalore

Diamonds are unnecessary and extremely expensive. I think theyre much better off in
mines than on peoples necks and ears. It doesnt make a lot of sense to me. Friends are necessary, and they usually dont cost much... you know, unless they really like pizza.
- Savitha Sharma
Bachelor of Bussiness Administration (General), Amity University Dubai

I honestly think that diamonds are not a girls best friend. Theyre just stones which come
together to form pieces which are put together to look lovely. There isnt much meaning behind
the phrase - anybody who actually knew a woman would have never said that.
- Annalisa Martin
Media and Communications, Manipal University Dubai

The fact that diamonds are viewed as a girls best friend can be viewed as sexist. For
instance, if a man were to express his love for diamonds, it would be considered inappropriate.
However, the phrase could just be a sales gimmick, too.
- Afrah Anwar
LLB (Honours) Law, Lancaster University

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Illustration by: Sayema Wasi

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FEATURE

FEATURE

It takes a lot of courage and belief to be able to change oneself, but its a necessary evil. The
purpose of life is evolution that much has always been apparent to those who understand the
world we live in. How exactly is it that one gets themselves to reinvent?
By Sayema Wasi

n 2009, Amira Khan was a highly accomplished Masters

graduate with top grades, heaps of competence, talent, and
ability, and a delusion about the world of opportunity waiting
for her to take it up.

Unaware of the extent and intensity of the financial crisis at

the time, come 2013, she had been unemployed for three years
despite giving endless interviews and attending many skill
development and career enhancement workshops.
It was in the summer of that year that she learned that there was
only one thing left for her to do and that was to reinvent.
I realized that if I had to change my situation for the better,
I would have to change myself. And though that was difficult,
and especially painful for me at the time since I was severely
depressed, I also understood there really was nothing to do
except take baby steps forward.
Determined to make something of herself once more, Amira
attended an art course in Turkey along with her best friend.
However, things took an unexpected turn for the worse, resulting
in Amira receiving yet another major setback.
On a bright, colourful morning in Istanbul, while she stayed at
their hotel and read up on art history, her friend left to find some
supplies in a rented car.
A few hours later, Amira received a call that would change her life
permanently. She was informed that her best friend met with a
terrible accident and was left fighting for her life. Unfortunately, it
was a battle that she eventually lost.
Suddenly, Amira threatened relapse, and all of her progress
seemed to be of no consequence.
I had locked myself in my room, my hands covering my ears,
unable to cry or grieve. I just lay there for many days, unable
to comprehend why these things kept happening to me; why

ENHANCE | 8

everything I cared about put me through so much pain. It was

while I was caught up in this disbelief that I had an epiphany that
has changed my understanding of life itself.
I realized I had to keep going on.. I had to stay strong for my
friend, and for her family. Her mother and I are very close, and
she has often credited me for helping her maintain her strength
during that very difficult time.
Amira was determined not to let her depression get the better
of her again. She wrote herself a list of dos and donts, which
included taking care of herself, eating regularly throughout the
day, interacting with at least one person every two days and not
laying down on her bed if she was not going to sleep on it.
I realized the most sensible thing to do was to start small, and
stay steady. During those dark days, taking a daily shower felt
like the biggest achievement and was something I felt incredibly
proud of myself for. It was also extremely hard for me to
continue to do things like ironing my clothes and brushing my
hair, but ultimately it was those consistent small steps that led me
to normalcy.

In those dark days, taking

a daily shower felt like the
biggest achievement.. it was
something I felt incredibly
proud of myself for.
A few months later, Amira realized that she wanted to cherish her
last few moments with her best friend. She started practicing all

Illustration by: Sayema Wasi

ENHANCE | 9

FEATURE

FEATURE
of the skills she learned at the art classes. In the beginning, she
found it was slow, arduous and taxing work, requiring lots of
dedication and concentration, which was hard for her to keep up
with at the time.
At first, though I rather enjoyed the process of creating, I found
it hard to lose myself in it. It was fun, definitely, and it kept me
occupied, but it did not consume me. I found myself busy, but
unhappy and I felt like my isolation was growing.
It was a few weeks later, while practicing Islamic art design, that
she thought she would love to see what she had painted on a
necklace. Looking into the possibilities, Amira discovered a whole
new dimension of art, and a very different perspective.
I found an exhilarating release.. It was wonderful. Not only was
I able to forget all of my worries and problems and sadness, I
found that for the first time in my life that I could create from
scratch, and that I was creating something I could share with all
the people I cared about. It felt even more remarkable when I
noticed that I got better mentally, emotionally and in terms of
skill, with time.
Amira soon learned how to assemble unique jewellery. Being
naturally industrious with a proclivity for learning, she attended
workshops and met with suppliers to attain some very unique
skills.
She learned how to preserve flowers in resin, and how to source
the best quality pendant moulds and chains, until she was able to
build an incredible portfolio of beautiful designs and styles. Her
custom-made jewellery comes in various bright colours and is
affordable enough by her target demographic of teenage school
and college-going girls who have an extremely limited income.

2.

CLOCKWISE: Amira Khan in 2015; Amiras resinpreserved flower pendants; independantly designed
bangles with professionally sourced materials; close-up
of one of the pendants

1.

I want to expand my business further.. For now, Im focusing

on making student-oriented jewellery. Just simple chains and
pendants that young girls can wear everyday, and use it to make
their outfits fun and unique.
The best part is that they can buy multiple colours of the same
design, or multiple designs based around the same colour scheme,
so that they can add life and individuality to all of their outfits!
Ive already started selling some of my handmade and handcrafted jewellery, and Ive found a lot of appreciation from my
customers.

4.

I think the most important thing to remember, for anyone in

any sort of difficulty, is that everything is impermanent - good or
bad. Though it may seem hard to see the bigger picture, the best
thing and the worst about this life is that everything passes.

Amira offers some practical advice on how to put past

disappointments behind you and start afresh.

1. All of life is temporary.

No matter what the situation, whether ups and downs

in business, career opportunities that dont present
themselves, grades that dont add up, or marriages that
dont work out, it is essential to remember that all of these
things are a series of phases that will, sooner or later,
resolve themselves.

2. Try new things.

Trying your hand at something new becomes essential

when everything about your life seems as though it is
holding you back. Learning a new skill may not only
introduce you to new people, it widens your perspective
and increases confidence.

3. Dont shut yourself in.

A common tendency amongst those battling with

depression is refusing all sorts of social interaction. Amira
believes that it is necessary to interact with others - it helps
fend off the feeling of isolation. Sharing your pain and
experiences with other people helps you feel lighter and
less alone.

4. Take small steps.

If going to work seems like something impossible, but

something you have to do, start small. Break big tasks into
smaller goals, and give yourself time - getting out of bed,
showering, dressing up, eating, and driving. Soon, things
start to feel less difficult and necessary self-care routines
become easier to handle.

Amira plans on expanding her range of accessories to include

rings, belts, handbags and earrings. She has her sights set on
fashion design and shoe design as well. The goal, according to
Amira, for every woman in the world, is constant reinvention. v

3.

ENHANCE | 10

Moving
Forward

Photo credits: Sayema Wasi

ENHANCE | 11

SHINE
ON.

ENHANCE | 12

Photo credits: Sayema Wasi

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FEATURE

REMEMBERING THE

Legacy

OLDEST JEWELLERY
The worlds oldest jewellery was made from eagle claws was
worn by human relatives 130,000 years ago
Made with eagles talons, the jewellery was found at a site in
Croatia inhabited by Neanderthals
The claws had also been polished
Anthropologists say it is the oldest example of jewellery to
be discovered
The claws predate the arrival of modern humans in Europe
by 80,000 years

We all love holding on to the comforting memories of our distinct, individual pasts. But
what makes the appeal of jewellery so universal, so relatable? Four women speak about their
treasured heirlooms - the prized little pieces of history handed down from one generation to
the next
By Sayema Wasi

hey say diamonds are forever, and by curious

happenstance, the sparkly, precious stones seem to
have that in common with something much more
personal, and a lot more fluid. For if anything is
truly forever yours for as long as you should last they
are your memories.
Fond memories of the old, creaky bed where you spent
listless, lethargic summer afternoons; the unforgettable,
lingering scent of the rain long after the sun had dried
up all signs of it; the chink of your mothers bangles as
she made you your favourite snack. Memories of the
unwashable stains you got on your light-coloured clothes
because of the rapidly melting raspberry ice lolly, of how
beautiful your mother looked when she wore that necklace

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HEIRLOOM RINGS
The tradition of passing down engagement rings is one that is
followed in cultures across the world - both East and West
The source of the ring can be from relatives other than direct
familial lines, such as an aunt, cousin or step family

She never let you touch.

What is it about holding on to things that makes us feel
so safe? Why do numerous cultures across the globe insist
upon preserving recipes, languages, customs and traditions?
Why do generations of mother, sisters, wives and daughters
hand down their treasured jewellery?
What if, the real reason we hold on to things, is something
altogether more profound? What if we preserve things just
because they are beautiful? What if we do it just because
beautiful things deserve to be taken care of. Perhaps we do
it just because we love.

Other than wedding or engagement rings, such as sentimental

favourites are also passed on

Four women come forth with their incredible stories about

the jewels in their families, some going back nearly 200
years.

Photo credits: Sayema Wasi

ENHANCE | 15

FEATURE

here is a set of bangles that

were basically designed by my
great-grandmother for my
grandmother. She gave them to
my grandmother on her wedding day as a gift and
as something to remember her by.
Before handing it to her, my great-grandmother
told her that when and if she gets a daughter, she
has to hand it over to her on her wedding day and
she to her daughter.
Although it is an admittedly alien concept in our
family, that of passing down jewellery, the idea
was pretty romantic to my great-grandma. To her,
it seemed really cool to think about her bangles
keeping her memory alive.. I thin it was her shot at
immortality.
My grandmother didnt wear them very often,
but she always liked retelling us the story, so that
it would seem to us like we spent a lot more time
with our great-grandma than we actually did.
My dad was born before my aunt, and she got
married when I was six.
On her wedding day, my grandmother went up to
her during the wedding ceremony and handed the
set over to her.
My aunt smiled and told her to give them to me on
my wedding day instead.
That way I have a part of my great-grandma and
grandmother. So, now theyre mine! Or will be
when I get married.

FEATURE

Bindu Mathur
Dubai, UAE

2.

y mother gave me her

jewellery when I got married.
It was passed on to her from
my grandmother (who got it
from her mother) on her own wedding day, and to
me on mine, as part of family tradition.
I have the bangles with me even today, and Ive
taken good care of them. Its no secret among my
family that Im very proud and protective of the
delicate set they make fun of me for it every
time the issue comes up!

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1.

Maybe it is a little ridiculous how I barely let

anyone touch it, and how I dont ever take it out
unless I absolutely have to. I dont think I really
care, though.

4.

To everyone else it may be just a bunch of stones

and some gold, but to me, they are extremely
valuable since it makes me feel like part of my
mother is here with me.
It symbolizes the solid tradition that my family has
been following for generations, and the love and
trust we share between us all.
It isnt just a part of my mother, but of her
mother before her, and my great-grandmother
before them.

Tania Gandhi
Manila, Philippines

3.

The nose ring I wear everyday was also passed on

to me from my mother. In our side of the family,
mothers always pass on their nose rings to their
daughters.

Clockwise from left: Bindu

Mathurs elegant nearly 200 year
old bangle set; Nita Ranavade
Rauts uncommon gold earrings;
Tania Gandhis gold and diamond
wedding set; Malika Rehmans
traditional Pakistani meenakari
necklace

Photo credits: Sayema Wasi

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Illustration by: Sayema Wasi

FEATURE

have a pair of beautiful, old earrings

made with rare craftsmanship that once
belonged to my aunt. Im not very sure,
but everybody says those earrings were
handed down to her by her parents years ago. She
was my fathers older sister, and so, my mothers
sister-in-law.
My aunt had children of her own, but she chose to
give that pair of earrings to my mother.
Though that was very kind of her, it created a lot
of problems within the family for my mother,
because my aunts daughter-in-laws all loved those
earrings dearly and made a big deal about having
them leave their household and go into another.
So my mother gave them back to my aunt, because
she was tired of hearing all the jabs and exhausted
with having to deal with meaningless, petty
fighting.
But a couple of years later, my aunt gave them
to my mother again, and this time there wasnt
as huge a scene as the last. I have the pair, and
though theyre incredibly beautiful I dont like
wearing them too much.
Everyone in the extended family still remembers
them, so I never wear them to functions in India,
just in case everybody starts talking again!
Last year I got them re-polished, and they look
absolutely amazing now.

Malika Rehman
Dubai, UAE

his chain was brought over into

India by some relatives of mine
who were against settling in
Pakistan during the time of the
partition. Most of their precious belongings were
lost in the confusion of moving and relocating;
however, this small piece was able to survive it all.
My mother was the second woman to adorn
herself with the chain. My grandmother gifted it to
her when she matured and became a lady, shortly
before her marriage.
My mother loved it with all her heart she used
to wear it very often, and shed wear it around the
house simply because she loved it so much. She
was also very open with it. Despite loving it so
much, as was obvious, she never refrained from
lending it to anybody who requested to borrow it
or try it on.
One time my mother was devastated because she
lent it to somebody who said they had misplaced
it. As soon as she took it in her stride though, it
was found again, and she always said that it was
that one incident which taught her never to grieve
for materialistic things. It was a story she told me
and all my siblings, and all our children after that.

Nita Ranavade Raut

Dubai, UAE

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When I was getting married, my mother had to

force me to take it as a present because I knew
how much it meant to her. She just laughed at my
silliness and said no matter how much she loved
something, seeing me happy would always be
worth more. v

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LIFESTYLE

MAINTAINING AN

Eternal Shine

Rigorous, everyday use of the personal decorations we hold so dear can lead to a, sometimes
irreversible, lack of luster and brilliance.
Sayema Wasi speaks to Anmol Dhakan, heir to Dhakan Jewellers and self-confessed jewellery
enthusiast about how best to keep your accoutrements in mint condition

oing through everyday life is a harrowing enough

ordeal without constantly worrying about the fact
that oxygen might just be a poison that kills us
over a period of 70 100 years. Never is this concern more
immediate than when you take off those precious antique
danglers and notice how they dont look quite as regal as they
did on grandma.
How the metal, you notice for the first time, is scratched and
dented; and how the stubborn, fine dust has settled between
the ornate grooves.
Oxidization of jewellery is the leading factor for the loss of
sheen in pearls, the dullness of metals, and the consequent
allergic reaction on skin that scores of women (and men) are
familiar with. The greenish tinge caused by wearing copper
jewellery, for instance, has sparked a hypochondriatic streak in
countless people across the globe.
Being born into the family business of trading and dealing in
precious metals and gems, Anmol Dhakan is acquainted with
and well versed in some of the most important practices in the
trade. She gives us the six most important precious jewel care
techniques.

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LIFESTYLE

Jewellery merchants never leave

their wares unprotected, even
behind the thick glass casing
in the sleepier shopping hours,
they cover all counters with fine
muslin, to ensure the safety of
precious gems and metals from
the continued exposure to harsh
artificial lights. Its best if simple
practices like these are followed at
home as well, says Anmol. Far
too often people leave expensive
jewellery lying on their dressers
and bedside tables. Respecting
ornaments is a great way to ensure
their lasting shine.

5
Every morning, all jewellery is
lightly dusted with chamois cloth.
Good quality chamois is freely
available and is best suited for the
regular cleaning of jewellery due
to its soft and supple texture.

6
24

Newly made jewellery is always

put under ultraviolet light prior
to engaging the piece in any trading practices. This helps understand the quality, luminance and
standards for the freshly arranged
piece.

For practical reasons such

as precaution against theft
shopkeepers always put away
all display merchandise after
shopping hours. However, this is
also done to ensure least harm from
exposure to the jewels. Anmol says,
It ensures longevity and is a good
follow-up practice, as a protection
for valuable investments.

One of the most effective ways

to clean out well worn, grimy
jewellery is to add some regular
dish-washing liquid to lukewarm
water, and use a brush dipped in
the mixture to clean the set gently
and cautiously.

Photo credits: Sayema Wasi

For cleaning silver jewellery, boil

tamarind in plain water and let it
cool to room temperature. Then
soak your ornaments for about an
hour. Later, use a toothbrush to
unseat stubbornly settled grime
and rediscover a newer, brighter
metallic character. v

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TRAVELOGUE

TRAVELOGUE

LIVING 3D
DUBAI, DELHI, DOHA

Muneeza Farooqui, Dubai-based artist, jewellery blogger and director of Inza Art, has lived in
three of the most exciting cities in the world - the emirate of Dubai, UAE; the capital of India,
Delhi; and the rising Qatari capital of Doha. What are the intricacies of the jewellery market
in these glittering cities? Sayema Wasi finds out
many different degrees of talent, it becomes essential to garner
maximum attention from the first impression.

Im living a pretty exciting life, says Farooqui, settling at the

table with all of her gadgets around her, ready to be available
whenever needed.

We asked her to tell us about the intricacies, tastes and interests

of jewellery buyers in all the dazzling cities Muneeza has lived in.

When I was younger, my parents, siblings and I lived in a small,

cosy apartment near the Lajpat Nagar markets in Delhi. When I
was six, my father was offered a lucrative job in Dubai, and we
settled here until he was transferred to Doha in 2008. When I got
done with my education, I moved back here myself in 2011.
When she decided to settle permanently in Dubai, Muneeza
turned her interests more solidly towards art, fashion, and
jewellery. However, with a business background and no familial
outlet, Muneeza agrees that she felt rather othered when she first
joined the industry.
The alienation did not last long. Within months, she was offered
a lucrative junior position under the Splash CEO, and learned
beside some of the best the country has to offer in terms of local
talent.
I came to understand that dressing up is an extremely important
daily ritual, specially for women. In an image conscious place
like Dubai, with so many people from so many places with so

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To do so, jewellery, says Muneeza, is an essential must-have.

Its not an option anymore. You have to wear something to be
able to distinguish yourself from the crowd.

Dubai

Dubai is, without a doubt, the most decadent of the three, she
says immediately, a bright smile on her face. It really doesnt get
much better than here. Sure, there are somethings that you may
find cheaper, or better, or more interesting elsewhere, but overall
this is the best place for nearly everything.
Gold is, obviously, the top selling commodity, but thats
something thats only common with the Arab, Indian or Indian
subcontinental population.
What are the trends like otherwise, then, outside of these
communities?
Most expatriates from the West have an affinity for diamonds.
Its not like the scenario with Indians who buy large, heavy
diamond sets either. These buyers have very specific tastes, and

Photo credits: Sayema Wasi

uneeza Farooqui is the young, energetic face of Inza

Art, Dubai. Having been an important part of the
DivaLicious fashion and lifestyle exhibition, along
with working directly under Splash CEO Raza Baig,
the effervescent artist knows how the world of fashion and art
works.

CRASHING WAVES: The traditional abra

on the Deira Creek, Dubai.

ENHANCE | 23

TRAVELOGUE

TRAVELOGUE

they prefer splurging when needed - birthdays, anniversaries,

things of that sort.
An interesting observation Muneeza made was how watches are
regarded in this region.
Watches are treated as an investment as valuable as gold here,
among the more affluent sections of society. Its interesting
because in India, though the trend is on the rise, its still in its
infant stages. In the Middle East its a fairly common practice,
even though the luxury brand culture is relatively new here.

Doha

It takes a little longer for Muneeza to start talking about Doha.

Doha is a lot more.. so to speak.. unusual. Though it is no lie
that it continues to grow and change as we speak, the rate of
progress there is a little disconcerting.
She recounts an incident of having been away in the summer, and
returning to find three completely unrecognizable buildings in the
neighbourhood where she lived.

OLD AND NEW: (left) An ordinary mosque in the Katara

complex, Doha, Qatar; (middle) silhouettes of female
visitors to the complex; (right) the intricate pathways and
winding passages of the tourist attraction and commercial
workspace in the heart of Qatar.

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Photo credits: Sayema Wasi

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LOUNGE

LITTLE PIECES OF DELHI: (this page)

a traditional wood-cut jewellery box
found on the street market of Lajpat
Nagar; (above right) earrings with
stones set in 18k gold, found in the
Delhi Chandni Chowk area; (below left)
Muneeza Farooqui, director of Inza Art,
Dubai; (below right) silver hooped earrings found in the Janpath street market
of Delhi.

Doha is a city that exemplifies change. The constant

metamorphosis is disorienting and at the same time incredibly
worthy of awe.
The aesthetic sense, Muneeza believes, among the public is
slightly better developed in Qatar as opposed to Dubai.
Doha seems to depend upon a more understated expression
of luxury and exclusivity. While in Dubai it is all about the noise
you make and the impression youre able to leave behind, Doha
understands that there is dignity in quietness.
As such, fashion and jewellery trends seem to reflect that.
Doha is home to some of the most fashion-savvy women in the
world. Not just the Middle East - the world. There are undeniable
Western influences and more instances of contemporary, fluid
cuts and drapes found in the abayas worn by the stylish women
of Doha. Aside from this, and the roaring business that luxury
brands do in Qatar, there is also the demand for more Westerninfluenced designs in jewellery.
Although it is true, says Muneeza, that traditional Arabian tastes
will likely always remain loyal to heavy gold jewellery, diamonds
and other precious gems and stones are highly sought after in
Doha.

If there is one thing that truly

defines one place as being
separate and distinct from another,
it is its people.
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Delhi

When it comes to speaking about the Indian capital, a wave of

nostalgia hits the hitherto talkative and excitable artist.
When I think about Delhi, the first thing I think about is Lajpat
Nagar. I remember going there with my mum and sister to buy
clothes for Eid, and then going to look around the labyrinth of
small shops for matching jewellery and shoes.
India is the worlds top consumer of gold and gold products.
Additionally, the Indian market for high-value brands and
precious jewellery is widely acknowledged to be one of the fastest
growing in the whole world. With a newly emerging class of the
super wealthy, with adequate proof seen in the growing class
divide, luxury is booming in India.
The bulk of precious metal and stone sales in India continue to
be gold and diamond, and I dont think this trend will change any
time soon. In India, the peculiarity is in the motives for purchase
of expensive jewellery.. It continues to be believed to have little
use except as investment for marriage.
Because the vast majority of the population still cannot afford
gold, Muneeza says, silver and artificial jewellery will consistently
remain fixtures on the Indian jewellery market for many years to
come.
The free-spirited go-getter ended our interview quite simply.
All the cities I have lived in have taught me wonderful, beautiful
things. But if there is one thing that truly defines one place as
being separate and different from another, it is its people. v

Photo credits: Sayema Wasi; Muneeza Farooqui

ENHANCE | 27

ANCIENT HISTORY: A jewellery box

from the Persian Empire, believed to
be from the 1400s, found in the Doha
Museum of Islamic Art.

BOX FULL OF

TREASURES
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Photo credits: Sayema Wasi

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WEDDING

Most women dream of the perfect wedding. Bright lights, colourful celebrations, dozens
of people, heaps of fun, and the perfect outfit. One of the most important elements of the
wedding trousseau is the brides jewellery. Sayema Wasi lists the significance of some elegant
styles you can opt for

1.Kundan
Kundankari the art of making the kundan style of jewellery can be dated back to
1526. Its origins are in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan, whereas Hyderabad is
found to the sister state for the skill in the south. The bold and unique artisanship of
Kundankari soon became extremely popular, especially in the Mughal period among the
royals.
It involves setting precious stones, most commonly diamonds, into hollow moulds
made of gold foil or silver. Kundankari is considered the oldest form of contemporary
jewellery making, and remains just as popular as it was centuries ago.
A traditional kundan set will always be effortlessly stylish. The beautiful cuts, shapes and
sizes that kundan sets are available in are versatile, and are available in a series of ranges
to suit various budgets.

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Photo credits: Sayema Wasi

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WEDDING

WEDDING

4.gold

2.PEarls

Gold has been revered through time, nearly every culture that has found gold has used it
in full understanding of its rarity and brilliance.

In ancient religions, pearls are symbolic of the moon and possessing magical properties.
In fact, most religions make reference to pearls. They are symbolic in Hindu, Hebrew,
Christian and Islamic religions. Pearls are heavenly and pure, the symbol of perfection.
Once upon a time, the family jewels were passed down from generation to generation.
Pearls were popular and worn by royalty only. Who else could afford such rare luxuries
from the ocean bed?

Gold was first discovered as shining, yellow nuggets. Gold is where you find it, so the
saying goes, and gold was first discovered in its natural state, in streams all over the world.
It is the easiest of the metals to work. It occurs in a virtually pure and workable state,
whereas most other metals tend to be found in ore-bodies that pose some difficulty in
smelting.

Pearls are a staple in the modern womans wardrobe chic and sophisticated, a set
of cultured pearls is a go-to for formal events and work conferences. They add class
without being attention-seeking.

Golds early uses were no doubt ornamental, and its splendour and permanence (it neither
corrodes nor tarnishes) linked it to deities and royalty in early civilizations.
In Indian culture, gold is a highly traditional and sought-after metal. This is because
not only is it beautiful, coming in a wide array of styles, but also because it is seen as a
sensible, extremely valuable investment that only appreciates in value over time.
Having a gold set or a pair of earrings at least is necessary for every Indian bride. The
basic rule is to start with a gold set, and then work your way into your budget depending
on other tastes and likes. v

3.DIAMONDS
Diamonds were first discovered in India. This was in 800 BC, and soon
Alexander the Great brought them back with him to Europe after his
campaign in India. Before the Medieval era Diamonds were worn rough, or cut
and polished only on their upper surfaces. It was in this form that diamonds
used to ornament temples, goblets and crowns. The history of cutting
diamonds dates back to the beginning of the 1400s in Paris.

Photo credits: Sayema Wasi

Most notably, diamonds became a must-have due to an unbelievably popular

marketing campaign by DeBeers that said real men propose marriage to the
women they love with a diamond ring. The campaign took such strong hold in
peoples minds that it translated into modern tradition.

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While a pure diamond set is out of reach for most women, designs combined
with stones and other metals are available in a variety of price ranges.
A diamond pendant is a simple and affordable must-have. A barely noticeable
bauble that can be worn everyday, regardless of the outfit, helps maintain a
degree of individuality.

Photo credits: Sayema Wasi

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LOUNGE

LOUNGE

SO YOU THINK YOU

KNOW YOUR BLING ?

Although diamonds, gems and gold are irresistibly beautiful, there are plenty of more
affordable options - such as some of the artificial replicas pictured here - for the average young
woman. Sayema Wasi asks, think you know your bling? Take the Real or Fake quiz to find out!

6
1. Fake
2. Real
3. Real
4. Real
5. Fake
6. Fake

ANSWERS:

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Photo credits: Sayema Wasi

ENHANCE | 35

ACCESSORIZE

Spectacular if you get it right. Disastrous should you get it wrong. Statement jewellery is,
for most women, a reckless venture into uncharted territory. What is it about big, chunky,
brightly couloured baubles that so terrify women? The answer, according to Sayema Wasi, lies
in decided simplicity
tatement jewellery is the modern womans go-to for
livening up a regular outfit. Boring, safe monochromes,
simple jeans and t-shirt ensembles, and frayed old smocks
can all be made chic almost instantly with the right choice
of statement jewellery.

that people might notice irregular tan lines can rob you of selfconfidence in important situations. Use sunscreen twenty minutes
before leaving home regardless of whether youre staying indoors
or outdoors, and never neglect sunscreen if youre going to be
out in the scorching desert heat.

Here are some easy ideas to help you choose the right statement
piece. Remember though, rules are meant to be broken,
accessorizing is all about having fun, and style is anything youre
comfortable with!

3. Mix it up.

1. One at a time.

Take advantage of the versatility of statement pieces by mixing

it up every time. Different colours, textures and styles can be the
USP of multiple outfits - not just one or two.
Although its perfectly fine to wear the same outfit as much
as you like, mixing up patterns and colours makes dressing up
something you can look forward to each time. Variety is, as they
say, the spice of life!

Illustration by: Sayema Wasi

Statement jewellery attracts too much favourable attention. Thats

why its more sensible to stick to wearing only one bold piece at a
time that way, the outfit is memorable, the attention is focused
where you want it to be, and you can save your other pieces for
the novelty value for later. If youre going for a chunky necklace,
ditch long dangly earrings go for studs instead.

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2. Use sunscreen. Everywhere.

Statement pieces direct peoples eyesight towards your neck,
face, arms and hands (and legs too, if anklets are your thing),
depending on the piece youre wearing. Although it is most
important to take care of your skin just for yourself, knowing

4. Contrast is key.
Be careful not to make it too much of a good thing, which is an
easy mistake to make and an immediate way to ruin an otherwise
great outfit. Contrast solid coloured clothes with brightly
coloured, patterned jewellery, or wear patterned, busy dresses
or shirts with solid coloured necklaces, bracelets or earrings
statement pieces can get lost if theyre worn closely with
patterned clothing. v

ENHANCE | 37

Photo credits: Sayema Wasi

Photo credits: Sayema Wasi

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