Here's what to expect at Rawat Jewels, which has just opened in Kolkata

Generations-old Rawat Jewels have travelled outside Rajasthan for the first time and have chosen Kolkata as their second stop. We chatted with Shefali Rawat Agarwal of Rawat Jewels on the brand coming to Kolkata, their journey and the recent trends.

Congratulations! Why did you choose to open in Kolkata after Jaipur?

Thank you very much! I feel happy and proud to bring the royalty of the Pink City of Jaipur, to the City of Joy — Kolkata! Over the years, we have received a lot of love and appreciation for our workmanship, quality and design, specially from our customers in Kolkata. The city holds a very special place in our hearts, and it was a very easy decision to open our second store here. The interiors are inspired by the Jaipur store.

Will the Kokata store have all the unique pieces that the Jaipur store has?

Certainly, Kolkata will see all the unique and beautiful pieces that the Jaipur store has. With years of experience, we understand the aesthetic sense of our clientele here. We have curated exclusive pieces specially for Kolkata and the eastern market, including unique jadau artefacts for art lovers.

What is your current collection like?

The latest collection boasts of our expertise —which is indulgent diamond polkis, enhanced with coloured gemstones in classic kundan meena setting. Our collection ranges from heavy jewellery for brides to lighter ones for newlyweds. We also have pieces for occasion and partywear for everyone!

How have the designs changed over the 11 generations that the brand has existed for?

Jadau jewellery has an old-world charm to it. We are now the 11th generation representing our family firm — the renowned Maliram Puranmal Rawat Jewels of Jaipur.

While techniques have evolved with time, our latest designs are inspired from our archives of over 100 years, capturing the essence of Mughal jewellery. With time, our design has adapted to the sensibilities and requirements of our clientele, with more focus on usability and longevity of jewellery.

Currently, it is interesting to see the returning trend of accessories like mathapatti, hathpool, and karnphool for women, and the growing interest of men in accessories for themselves like jewelled buttons and brooches.

Do you see a trend in how jewellery is being bought today for weddings?

Shopping for jewellery for a wedding has become a family affair! We see members of a family come together to select jewellery for the couple and other family members. Today, our customers are a lot more aware and keen on understanding specifics of the jewellery they are investing in. Brides have clarity on what they want to get. They have a practical approach in picking jewellery that can be used beyond their wedding and is not limited to being an asset only for their locker.

What are your personal jewellery faves?

I enjoy minimal but statement pieces. My personal favourites would be a big polki ear stud or karnphool. These are classics that go well with everything. Apart from that, a statement emerald kada, polki panchlada (5 line) necklace, chunky chandbaalis and big polki or colourstone rings would be my go-to!

Can you give us some classic wedding picks for the upcoming wedding season and tell us why they are great?

For brides, nothing looks better than polki and colourstone jewellery for their wedding day. I’d say opt for layering — so that you can use them as separate pieces later. In most cases, a choker and a long necklace works very well. Also, pay attention to your small accessories like nath and maangtika. For grooms, nice buttons for the sherwani is all that is required! For family, flaunt a statement piece, and keep the rest of it minimalistic.

Store and guest pictures: Pabitra Das and courtesy, Shefali Rawat Agarwal