By Papri Das

All that glitters is most definitely gold and giving credence to this was the first day of India International Jewellery Week, which saw the launch of Tanishq?s latest gold collection - The Divyam.

The Divyam was a world removed from the usual modern aesthetics that our eyes are trained to see in fashion shows. Floral garlands decorated the sidewalks of the runway, while temple bells and powerful spiritual chants replaced the ?oh-so-familiar? peppy background music that models catwalk on. The fragrance of the flowers too added to the mystic and holy ambience of the runway.

With the elegant and effervescent Juhi Chawla?s association with the brand, anticipation was already high surrounding Tanishq?s latest launch. From follower-heavy lifestyle and fashion bloggers to eminent industry honchos and stylists, the house was packed with a buzzing audience. The opening semi-classical dance was quick to grab attention, soon followed by models who effortlessly sashayed in displaying the glowing yellow metal around them. Carved out of 22 carat gold, The Divyam is inspired by the heritage surrounding Indian temples, at the same time keeping it lightweight for more contemporary patrons.

Titan jewellery division, associate vice president of design Revathi Kant said, ?When you talk of heritage, temples offer a great deal of inspiration for us designers. First is the architecture, then the figurines, and of course myths and stories that are associated with temples make it a treasure trove for inspirations. What we have tried to do is take all of that along with their intricacies and represent it through the designs in the jewellery collection, and create a product, which is hand crafted for today?s modern woman.?

Kant further added that their target patron for The Divyam collection is the contemporary woman who prefers lighter jewellery, and yet loves a touch of ethnicity and gold on her. ?It?s an ethno-contemporary collection. They are more of statement pieces. The jewellery can go with sarees, or even with a maxi dress or a black cocktail gown. It has been designed keeping the modern Indian woman in mind, who is not necessarily donning a saree all the time,? said the designer.

The collection features different gold techniques like nakashi work, laser cut stamps and cut work. Apart from the distinct lockets with straight edges, what was noteworthy was the use of ?jhumkas? in the collection. Kant explained that it was a conscious decision keeping in mind the current consumer trends.

?Jhumkas are very much in focus this season. Not just that, ear-wear are selling pretty well. There are beautiful ear cups and there is a lot of adornment around ears, which can be experimented with. Jhumkas add that perfect touch of tradition with otherwise sharper and edgier neck pieces,? Kant added.

The show was divided into three major segments, with classical dancers playing perfect interludes with their dance moves. Their final act tactfully built up the atmosphere for the show-stopper to hit the stage. As Chawla glided in elegantly, showcasing the many necklaces of various lengths with the masterfully made stone studded gold choker at the center of all attention, the crowd couldn't help but applaud.

After the show was over, the bubbly actress told this website that when it comes to jewellery, she was more inclined towards the traditional. ?I love traditional jewellery so needless to say that I prefer more intricate designs. I like polki and jadau jewellery,? she said.

When asked to pick her favourite from the numerous necklaces she was adorning, Chawla initially finds herself in a bind, unable to pick one but finally decides on the gorgeous polki choker. ?I really like what I am wearing. Each one of them is stunning. My favourite would be the choker but I really can?t pick,? she says. ?I love them so much that I want to take all of them home, until they said they will come running with the bills,? she signs off with a wink.