Interchangeable or transformable jewellery, as it is known, is not a new concept. Brands like Chanel, Bulgari, Cartier, Chaumet and Van Cleef & Arpels have been crafting jewellery that multi-tasks for years. These brands have rolled out pieces that can be deconstructed into various components and worn separately or together as a set. Coco Chanel used the concept when she unveiled her jewellery line for the first time in 1932. Paying tribute to the old line, Chanel crafted a sautoir in 2012 that had several chains held by a large diamond star, which could be worn as a brooch too. Then, Chaumet crafted a tiara that could be worn as a pendant, a hair ornament, a brooch and pendant earrings.
The trend has seen a fillip this year, owing to the burgeoning number of multi-tasking women and their everchanging expectations from their jewellery.
Consider the concept jewellery brand Lai. It recently launched its Bidri X MCM collection with earrings that can be taken apart and worn as different pieces. The latest to jump on the wagon is Mumbai-based fine jewellery brand Aurelle. Designer Leshna Shah has created a range of earrings that change their look faster than a chameleon changes colour.
Each pair of diamond earrings can be worn in three styles. Encased in frames of yellow, champagne and white diamonds, the earrings are studded with rubies and emeralds. Available at Aurelle’s store at Turner Road, Bandra West in Mumbai and on aurelle.in, the earpieces are priced upwards of `50,000. Now, when you transform from a corporate creature to a night bird, gems will keep you company.