CHENNAI: We have designed jewellery for almost 17 royal families of south India,” says Hitesh of C Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellery. ‘The Grand 1869’, an exquisite exhibition of heritage jewellery, curated by VJ Jewellery Vision and C Krishniah Chetty group of jewellers is happening at Summer Palace, Kalpana House. The title of the exhibition, ‘The Grand 1869 Sale’, stands as a tribute to the 150-year-old CKC Group of Jewellery, says Vijay Kumar of VJ Jewellery Vision.
CKC Group of Jewellery is currently being run by its fifth generation, who strongly restore the royal jewellery of Vijaynagar empire. The company has designed a few royal pieces for the royal family of Mysore as well.
Not just the jewellery pieces, the venue itself has a royal lineage. “Since the 1990s, my collection is being exhibited across the world and in places like the USA. The Grand 1869 Sale is about my association with CKC. Together we have tried to bring a collection of heritage and luxury for all age groups,” says Vijay Kumar.
The handcrafted dazzling pieces stood in harmony with the sheer charm of the place. “The guttapalasu, traditional Telugu bridal jewellery with precious stones and intrigue designs is a 100-year-old piece,” says Hitesh. He adds that the mango malas are popular in north India too, especially Rajasthan. So, they have infused the traditional mango malas with classical Rajasthani designs.
The exhibition also hosts various traditional south Indian jewellery and elegant collection of diamond pendants. Pointing at a dramatic black pearl necklace centred on a diamond ring, Hitesh says, “These are south sea cultured pearls. It is craved with symbols like waves, shark tooth, and sun.” The exhibition incarnates the intricate craftsmanship of India through its miniature art forms. He mentions that each piece takes around a month to complete and usually, a lot of time is spent on studying the prototype itself.
As the hall makes way for a private chat with the clients, a shelf of traditional jhumkas and bangles awaits the customers. “These are Pakistani chandbalis. Unlike the Indian ones, they are oval and have traditional artwork,” says Hitesh. He also tells us that female jewellery pieces can be worn by males too. Men can wear a pendant as a brooch on their turban and blazers while women can wear them as necklaces, and as a mangtika. Talking about emboss jewellery, Hitesh adds that their craftsmen prefer to carve the details using their own hand tool.
(The exhibition will be open till July 1 from 10 am to 9 pm at Summer Palace, Kalpana House.)