Shimmering stars, magical moon and many more galactic wonders are now in your reach with celestial jewellery — for those who love to flaunt the cosmic glory.
The radiant Moon, the glistening Sun and sparkling stars have inspired many a sonnet of love and romance since times immemorial. One of the eternal classics, Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho Ya Aftab Ho from the 1960 Hindi feature film Chaudhvin Ka Chand became an exemplary ode to the beloved and her mystical beauty. A poet who is smitten by his muse compares her to the full moon in one breath and to the Sun in the other. Such is the magical spell of cosmic wonders… So what happens when these heavenly inspirations take shape of adornments? You have celestial jewellery in all its glory. Shimming like enigmatic midnight skies and glowing with brightness like daylight, celestial jewellery is a celebration of the invincible cosmic connection in style. Let’s catch a glimpse of this dazzling carnival of bijoux.
“By Celestial Jewellery we understand the jewellery which is inspired by design and shape of stars, moon, sun or planets. From the sun, the moon and the stars to planets orbiting in faraway galaxies, these heavenly bodies are now within our reach in a head-spinningly beautiful collection of diamonds, gemstones and other precious metals,” says Sonal Sahrawat, Creative Head, Sonal’s Bijoux & Adawna.
Mira Gulati, Founder & Principle Designer, Mirari observes, “Celestial motifs are the latest trend in the women’s jewellery market this season. These motifs make a statement of their own and can be paired with both Indian and western wear. Pair up a celestial design neckpiece with a dress and add a cuff to complete the look. While going ethnic, a star, moon or crescent shaped stone studded earrings will be the best bet.”
Tania M Kathuria, a statement jewellery designer and proprietor at TI Couture Jewellery, has a spiritual take on cosmic adornments. “Pieces with motifs of Sun give an energetic vibe and also symbolize awareness. It is often used to represent the god. When combined with the moon, it symbolises duality; an equal balance between masculine and feminine. Stars are a thing of mystery, imagination and adventure. They symbolise hope and aspirations. The moon has been a traditional symbol of femininity and fertility. In many ancient civilizations, the moon was either represented by a female goddess or was taken care of by a female goddess,” she says.
The Sun that Never Sets!
Sun motif jewellery is the most popular of all celestial shapes. “A big locket in the shape of sun, usually crafted in gold, is in demand since ages and people prefer to pair this with a long gold chain,” informs Sonal Sahrawat. Bold designs, varied patterns and a variety of styles – sun can only get too hot to handle! The best bet for the new-age vadhus is a single-strand maang tikka in gold with an intricately crafted sun motif in centre. A perfect pick for your wedding ghagra, this one will also complement your trousseau of Anarkalis. You could choose a similar design in silver depending on your collection. Try a tiara look with a three-strand maang tikka in sun motif for stunning appeal.
Get into boho-chic style with handcrafted sun necklace in sterling silver. You will love to flaunt it with your jumpsuits, gowns, tailored dress or even the ubiquitous jeans and top for that matter.
Eternal Moonshine for Elegant Appeal
Moon motifs have always been a part of naani’s and daadi’s well-preserved heirlooms. Dig a little deeper into the jewellery talk of any family and you have women folk displaying you a pair of chand baalis bequeathed to them by their momma dear or saasu ma. “In traditional designs of celestial jewellery, chaand baalis are the most talked about. The choker necklaces in crescent shape are also in trend,” feels Mira Gulati. “For the wedding it has to be a pair of chaand baalis and a similar piece of maang tikka,” adds Sonal Sahrawat.
While the gold chaand baalis and silver hoops have an eternally ethnic appeal, how about some contemporary chic with moon-shaped finger rings made in white gold or platinum and studded with diamonds/sapphire! Take your style quotient one notch up wearing a dual-toned sterling silver neck chain with a uniquely-carved crescent pendent for cocktails or a day out with friends. Go for a minimal yet classy fashion statement adorning a simple bracelet with coloured stone centrepiece that has moon crater tones. Now that’s a perfect accessory for beach wear!
Shine Like a Star!
How true was the Roman emperor who said — “Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them!” Where does your imaginary run in the night sky take you to?! Sauce pan, Christmas tree, witch or old man walking with stick? Stars have always tickled our curiosity and imagination. One of the most adorable and enigmatic of all the celestial objects, stars intrigue us by sheer virtue of their enormous presence and glittering appearance. No wonder we love to wear them in our earrings, necklaces, finger rings et al! A star-shaped one in diamonds and pearl is the perfect choice for cocktail ring to go with your party gown or saree. Choose a star pendent in gold/silver for neck chain or a pair of semi-precious stone-studded ear danglings to complement your Sangeet outfit. Sweetheart, you’re gonna be the twinkling star of all eyes!
Unravel the Mysteries of Galaxy
Indian astrology has always looked up to (pun intended) planetary positions to understand their influences on individual lives. Each stone of the navaratnas, for instance, represents a planet. Wearing a navaratna is believed to neutralise ill effects of a planetary position at any particular time. Going the fashion forward way, here are some classy adornments with motifs representing different planets or the Milky Way. Silver and platinum studded with gemstones or semi-precious stones make for the best creations. Saturn pendants, bracelets and ear drops in turquoise and amethyst look awesome with western wear. Go quirky and show off your love for universe with beaded or coloured stone solar system necklace, finger rings and bracelets. You could pack one for your honeymoon too!
As the celestial motifs whisper some heavenly secrets into your bijoux, you will revel in this enchanting cosmic celebration.
The article was originally published in Plan Your Wedding magazine
