Adorn - May - June 2019

In this issue

Gemstones have captivated generations since aeons – and not without reason. Indian scriptures are full of myriad references about gemstones being linked to planets and celestial bodies, and their power to script the destinies of those who wore them. So it came to be believed that gems had life-enhancing and healing powers in them.
Apart from their “curative properties”, these colourful geological entities were highly sought-after for their power to amplify the beauty of an ornament. Though the big three – emeralds, rubies and sapphires – and navratnas (a combination of nine gems), found their way into fine jewellery, a whole lot of gemstones were relegated to the sidelines and considered semi-precious.
Of late, the line between precious and semi-precious gems is blurring and haute couture designers are experimenting with rare and unusual gemstones that team up with diamonds in fine jewellery. This issue of ADORN focuses on avant-garde jewellery designer Harshad Ajoomal, founder and head designer of H. Ajoomal Fine Jewellery, Mumbai. A man of many parts, Harshad celebrates colours and infuses his contemporary jewellery with hitherto sparingly used gems in India, such as onyx, lapis lazuli, agate, quartz, and more. The Creative Charisma segment decodes Harshad’s creative process in designing couture collections.
In the Freeze Frame section we have yet another photo feature highlighting traditional but stylised silver and gold jewellery designed by Surabhi Didwania. Get to know more about this young and upcoming artist in Tete-a-Tete. In the Style Quotient section we have showcased the works of India-born, Dubai-based jewellery designer Vinita Michael.
Our US correspondent Smitha Sadanandan met with two up-and-coming jewellery designers – Anna Maccieri Rossi from Italy and America’s Andy Lif. While Anna’s geometric creations are dominated by the theme of time, Andy is known to impart colour to his jewellery by way of plique-à-jour enamelling and coloured gemstones.

Summer Splash

The Mood Is Classy Chic This Summer Season. An Enticing Clash Of Glamorous Ingredients Are Seen In These Audaciously Bold Jewels. Designed By Harshad Ajoomal Of H. Ajoomal Fine Jewellery, The In Vogue Jewels Highlight Unique Pairings Of Colour Gemstones And Diamonds.

1 min

Modernist At Heart

Diverse interests make HARSHAD AJOOMAL a fascinating jewellery artist. Known for his ultramodern aesthetics, Harshad dives deep into his hobbies and learns new art forms to hone his artistic skills. Being by the sea inspires and energises him no end. But that is not all – he meditates, is an avid scuba-diver and a swimmer, and has begun to recently learn sculpting and organic farming. A seasoned globe-trotter, Harshad loves to visit museums around the world, and is fascinated by architecture and history. He has also written some children’s adventure books, which hopefully he will publish some day. Colour plays a very important role in Harshad’s avant-garde designs that lean towards abstract influences. Paying utmost importance to form and function, the talented artist has an impressive body of modern designs that transcend timeline barriers.

8 mins

Graff A Cut Above

Graff, a British jewellery firm, has cut and polished the majority of the 20 largest diamonds discovered in this century.

1 min

Andy Lif's Rainbow Of Jewels

Andy Lifschutz grew up in Oregon and later Portland, USA. He was afforded a very artistic upbringing, which was encouraged by his parents and strengthened by the powerhouse that was his grandmother. The Los Angeles-based artist creates endearing designs under the brand name Andy Lif Jewelry.

3 mins

Anna Maccieri Rossi's Everlasting Art

Her World Is All About Time. Anna Maccieri Rossi Of Italy Creates Timeless Jewels That Comprise Her Cherished Memories And Dreams, Her Present-day Moments And More.

3 mins

Moody Greys

The New-Gen Woman Goes Back To Her Roots And Adorns Herself With Silver And Gold Jewellery Inspired By Temple Motifs That Evoke Old-world Charm.

1 min

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Adorn Magazine Description:

Adorn is India’s first magazine dedicated to the art of fine jewellery. It is published and circulated in India by Spenta Multimedia, the country’s largest custom publisher. The bi-monthly publication that was started in 2010 is the premier source of information for jewellery connoisseurs and designers. Adorn chronicles India’s jewellery design capabilities and keeps an eye on global trends.