If you are looking for jewellery with a story, check out Minnie Menon’s pearl and semi-precious stone collection
Pearls have a certain timelessness about them, just like diamonds, according to Minnie Menon.
“You can never go wrong with a strand of pearls,” says Minnie, whose upcoming exhibition at Collage is titled ‘Song of the pearl’. Her collection comprises everything from necklaces, pendants, light zodiac sign chains, earrings, to cocktail rings and men’s cuff links in pearl and semi-precious stones, set in silver .
“For me and many others, the pearl symbolises love, success and happiness. I believe the pearl is slowly becoming, like the diamond, a girl’s best friend. Pearls appeal to clusters of women and you don’t have to have a certain kind of look to wear them, you can pair them with Indian, Western or Indo-Western outfits”.
One of her favourites this time, is a set of baroque pearls that she says, remind her of ‘a baby elephant’s walk’.
“They look striking and unusual. I have used the same pearl in different variations. I was so moved by the look of these pearls, that melodious notes began playing within me, inspiring me to name the collection ‘Song of the pearl’,” explains the former advertising and marketing professional, who took up jewellery designing out of passion.
She has also incorporated other kinds of pearls in her collection to create her dramatic (yet ‘not over the top’) pieces.
Semi-precious stones including peridot, citrine, amethyst and garnet, are another important aspect of and a staple in her collection.
“Romancing a stone is also part of a jewellery designer’s gig, the stones that you pick have to go with the design. Colour greatly impacts design. That’s why most of my designs are limited editions,” she explains.
“Travel, of course, is a great inspiration. I don’t usually have a design in mind when I am looking for stones. The stones speak for themselves, then I begin designing.”
Minnie is also aware that people don’t usually invest in semi-precious stones unless ‘they are believers’.
“However there is a sense of romance around semi-precious stones, once you become a believer, you are hooked. When customers come to pick up something, they ask me about the backdrop and the history behind the pieces. They love stones but they love the story behind the stones equally.”
‘Song of the pearl’ will be on display at Collage Shop, No 21/1 Wood Street, Ashok Nagar on July 20 and 21. For details, call 25566818.
