For the charming Tanvi Shah (better known for her powerful voice) and her mother Bhavna Shah, a gemologist, the launch of their jewellery boutique on auspicious Akshaya Tritiya (April 24) was like coming home. “Our family has been in the diamond business since 1904,” Bhavna shares her heritage with pride. With accreditation from GIA (Gemological Institute Of America), she tells us she has been designing jewellery for clients for nearly 30 years. “Being a mother is so fulfilling, but I also wanted to work,” smiles the mother of two.Catching our fancyThe new boutique on Chamiers Road in Chennai certainly lives up to its name, Exotic Stones. With an interesting array of diamond, jadau and gold jewellery, the designs that caught our fancy included the versatile collapsible pendant. “This large, floral pendant with a ruby at the centre opens up into a very pretty and distinct diamond necklace with a paisley motif,” explains Tanvi. Other pieces of interest included a pair of diamond-studded earrings with a turtle-like charm, earrings with inter-changeable coloured centre pieces and a diamond bracelet, accompanied by a set of colourful plastic inserts to match the mood (and the ensemble) of the wearer.The inside view“All of our diamonds are flawless, dosham-free and are of the highest quality,” assures Bhavna. “The gold is also hall-marked. My artisans sit in various cities: Bangalore, Hyderabad, Salem,” she tells us. The designers, both mother and daughter say. “We have different finishes and settings, from mirrors to the delicate wires and meshes, diamonds pressure-cut to look like solitaires, antique gold finish and so much more,” enthuses Tanvi.Rings, jadau, etcWith earrings, pendants, bracelets, cocktail rings and more, some of the pieces are both inventive and versatile. In addition to the collapsible pendant and interchangeable stone earrings and necklace, there are also pendants that can be worn as maang tikkas and vice-versa. Not to be forgotten are the stunning shaadi sets-one navratan necklace and earring set in a gloriously rich open setting and one abundant uncut and pearl Mughal set in particular must be mentioned. With accessible pieces, this tasteful yet small selection should be of interest to collectors.Small diamond pendants/earrings are priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000; medium sized jadau pieces Rs 60,000 and sets start at a minimum of Rs 5.5 lakhs.
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