Get beaded!

From jades to onyx, from garnets to turquoise, from rose quartz to aquamarine, sandstones, crystals, beads come in almost every form to suit every mood. They vary from texture to shades and are woven in small neck pieces for a simpler look or in combination with metallic beads to bring on a jazzy look.All of the these varieties are on display at the Lepakshi Exclusive Jewellery/Beads Exhibition organised by the AP Handicrafts Development Corporation at the Lepakshi Emporium on Sarojini Devi Road in Secunderabad.Jades, green and pink, small garnets, turquoises and sandstones are among the ones chosen by working women.They usually pick up any of these colours and match them up with a salwar kameez or a saree for work or even pair them up with ear-rings for a more traditional event.A striking feature of the exhibition is jewellery made of paper. Small and thick strips of paper are twined to make ear-rings and pendants which go with any form of clothing. They vary form colours to shape and are very light. They are even said to be “sweatresistant”.Aquamarine, another form of stone which comes in various shades of blue is now gaining popularity among college girls and young women. They are woven in combination with metal beads and other articles to make it more jazzy.“I really love aquamarine and prefer it over gold, as it comes both in simple and flashy forms and moreover, it is affordable,” says Jasleen Kaur Batra, an employee of Infomedia.Adding to beads, the exhibition also had a wide range of metal jewellery.The “Panchaloha” jewellery, like anklets and bangles, made of five metals, copper, brass, white metal, 0.5 mm gold and silver were also on display.“With the ever-increasing gold prices, these jewellery have a great demand these days” said Shah Jahan of Kerela Handicrafts Development Society, who had also put up a stall at the exhibition.German silver and gunmetal jewellery are also the in-thing among youngsters.Unique neck pieces, earrings and bracelets could be worn to a pub or a birthday party which will definitely make you stand out.