Crown jewels

Inherit from your mother
They don't say 'mother knows best' just as a conversation starter. Even if your mother is not much of a jewellery person, she will have pieces you just must inherit before your sister can get her hands on them. Farah says, "Jewellery is generally gifted to celebrate an occasion." Wedding jewellery is timeless so you could pick a necklace she wore for her wedding.

Farah also suggests you wear bangles that remind you of her or, if she lets you, a pair of earrings that could have been a gift from your dad. The best pieces are ones that have been handed to her from her mother or even grandmother. Use your discretion here, you do not have to have every piece of jewellery that your mother owned; pick the best ones and ones that you have a great memory of. These are not just a pair of earrings or bangles, they are memories and emotions so try and retain them in their original glory.

Bridal wear
The Indian bride seeks solace in all her jewellery. But in the bargain she looks like a lit-up Christmas tree. Farah says, "The Indian bride lacks the confidence that she is going to look good without all this paraphernalia." While selecting your wedding jewellery, ensure its longevity u2014 you do not want to lock it away after the wedding is over. You should be able to wear it often. Know your face cut and seek advice from a jeweler about what suits you. Let the jewels compliment your look and not overshadow you.

Care for your jewellery
>>Store in pouches with suede lining
>>Clean with toothbrush and toothpaste or steam (diamonds, gemstones)
>>Do not spray on perfume after wearing jewellery, especially on pearlsu00a0
>>Wipe with soft cloth after wearing
>>Send the piece for servicing where they tighten the prongs and replace stones and steam the piece

While buying jewellery
>>Keep quality in mind
>>Avoid diamonds and gemstones with spots
>>Insist on a good finish
>>Ask if the stones are treated
>>Ask for certification of quality

Warranties offered
While purchasing precious jewellery all stores give a certificate of authenticity stating that the product is of desired quality. Designers like Farah give a lifetime warranty. If you wish to return the piece then labour charges are deducted and a 10 per cent off is given on diamonds. Stores like Anmol Jewellers give guarantees too. Says founder-partner, Ishu Datwani, "We do exchange gold for gold or deduct three per cent of the current gold price and labour charges. If we have a good relationship with the customer then we return the entire amount." With diamonds, Anmol Jewellers give 10 per cent off and 50 per cent off on current value of gemstones. Zoya, along with a certificate, service the piece free of cost. If artificial jewellery interests you, Apriati give a six-month warranty and polish the pieces too.

Classic pieces
Some styles are unaffected by trends; they never go out of style and if you are a smart buyer, include these on your must-buy list. A classic piece is designed around the shape of the stone and not the other way round. }Diamond and pearl combination can be worn for any occasion, as they're sophisticated and elegant.
>>Single-line diamonds are subtle and feminine.
>>Double-line jadaoo diamonds are classically Indian; as long as you're only wearing two lines, it's not garish.



For the festive season
The trend this year is eye-catching, statement pieces. Farah says, "Earrings and necklaces are big this season as are larger pieces of jewellery. Solitaires are a good investment too." She predicts that on Dhanteras, along with buying gold, people are likely to buy chandelier earrings or cocktail rings.

Last Diwali, the classic Indian festive colours of green and red were in vogue, but this season that combination is passu00e9. So switch to rani pink and green which would mean wearing pieces that have emeralds and rubellites.

The blue tanzanite is also hot this time around and is a good replacement for sapphire which, in astrology, is good for some and bad for others, points out Farah. A new trend with those who love to experiment: coloured diamonds blue, red, pink and even green.

At the office
Most work environments are loosening up and moving towards being less conservative in their dressing. The choice of jewellery is still tricky though. Go back to the basics, which insist you wear small earrings. Farah says, "At work, women should not wear too much jewellery. Wear small earrings because you do not want them to distract from your face."

With a shirt, wear a dainty pendant or a long chain that you could loop around your neck. Farah says that when you travel to work with expensive jewellery on, you also run the risk of being robbed.

If you must, then wear a small pair of earrings in gold or small solitaires. If you are an executive and can afford it, then pearls and diamonds are your best bet. They are elegant and sophisticated.

Stick to the colour palette of whites and silvers. Too much colour is distracting. If you wish to make a statement, let your hands do the talking. Slip on a big ring or a watch with a large dial.

Stores like Zoya by Tanishq have collections like Zen that are smaller compact pieces in pearls (earrings and neck pieces), that work best for the working woman. If these are out of your budget then try Italian fashion jewellery at Apriati who have daintier pieces. If you are a guy, tattoo this somewhere no jewellery at the workplace for you.

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