Brands that make a strong case for jewellery with purpose and meaning

Donatella Versace once said, “Wear a fabulous smile, great jewellery, and know that you are totally and utterly in control.” Well, if she said it, it must be true. I have always been fascinated by minimalist, gemstone and astrology-inspired jewellery. These jewellery pieces offer a glimpse into peoples’ personalities—it’s the subtle and simple symbols that often tell the most intriguing tales and there’s little that’s more inspiring, intimate, and personal than that. And the bonus is, they make for super-chic style statements. Over the years, meaningful jewellery has found a fan base. If you’re looking to experiment and explore the world of purpose-driven jewellery, but are unsure where to begin, these few brands are a great start.

Palmonas 

Touted to be one of India’s first brands for demi-fine jewellery, Pune-based Palmonas, has a lot to offer. From good-luck charms to minimalist necklaces with a birthstone pendant, they might have exactly what you’re looking for. If you would like an every-day-wear piece of jewellery, we’d recommend getting the birthstone necklace, each having different meanings and symbolisms attached to it. If you’re looking to gift some jewellery to a closed one embarking on a new journey, you can opt for the many good luck charms they have to offer—from the gold-plated beaded bracelet to the love-charm bracelet. In the brands’ words, “These charms represent something significant in the life of the individual to whom the charm bracelets are being given. They are not only ornaments to be worn, but represent emotions that connected to the individuals.”

Kiri Kiri 

This Jaipur-based brand draws on ancient Indian history to create healing, gemstone-based jewellery for the modern Indian. “Stones have been believed to have great healing powers since time immemorial in our culture,” they write, “but somehow as time progressed, our generation lost touch with this unique science.” Kiri Kiri offers a range of jewellery keeping this in mind. Their latest collection uses moonstone, which is a combination two semi-precious gemstones and a symbol of good fortune. Another necklace that draws on the powers of manifestation is the pink opal heart-shaped pendant that is the stone of inspiration, love and dreams. 

Ek by Ekta 

Conceptualised and initiated by television and film producer, Ekta Kapoor, Ek draws on Indian culture and heritage with its range of jewellery and clothing. Their ‘Elements of Nature,’ white and gold necklace is an ode to the water, fire, air, and Earth. Air symbolises growth, Earth symbolises inner strength, water promotes creativity, and fire channelises self-expression. If you want to wear something that represents you, then we’d recommend looking at the lotus necklace collection, with each pendant crafted differently and symbolising creativity, purity, and spirituality. 

Misho 

If you strongly believe in zodiac signs and the abundance of wisdom they have to offer, then Misho, a jewellery brand crafted and curated by Suhani Parekh may be just right for you. “We’ve always looked to the stars for answers and we always will,” they write, “Star signs mark a moment in time, in space, within the vastness of the cosmos.” Keeping this in mind, the brand has crafted modern and chic ways of wearing age-old symbols—whether it’s the gold pendant engraved with the zodiac sign or a pearl pendant with a gold symbol on top, there are lots to choose from. You can also opt to flaunt your sign with a statement zodiac ring. 

Samara 

Samara is a cruelty-free brand started by sisters, Salima and Samara in December 2017 to create sustainable fashion through their handbags and other accessories. In what is their latest launch, Samara collaborated with influencer Radhi Devlukia-Shetty to create the ‘Radhi Necklace’ with a pink opal gemstone, known to open up the heart chakra, heal, and bring joy and happiness. This pretty everyday-wear necklace would pair well with smart casuals and formals.