Handmade from a single piece of extra fine natural Indian Chalcedony. 22 karat gold Kundan setting with Indian cut fancy light yellow natural Diamonds. Designed and overseen in their making by Shanane Davis for Olkaan Nishtah
olkaannishtah@gmail.com
The history of the Indian Precious Gemstone bangle
For a thousand years gemstone bangles in Agate, Chalcedony and Nephrite Jade were the preferred choice for India’s female elite. Mass manufactured handmade glass, then moulded glass and leaded glass came along, and the tradition disappeared
It was a goal of Olkaan Nishtah founders to revive this lost art and to see and hear again elegant and stylish women wearing them.
Over a six year period Olkaan Nishtah’s Shanane Davis meticulously brought the precious gemstone bangle back to life.
On average it takes 30 kilos of rough precious gems to produce one extra fine bangle. The knowledge based process is intense, a labour of love.
1st – grade the Gemstone rough and find where the finest quality is.
2nd – to mark the area with India Ink.
3rd – to use a rough uncut diamond attached by lac onto a wooden stick to carefully break the bangle interior.
4th – clear out the rough in what becomes the centre.
5th – to create the bangle shape.
6th – to hand facet the bangle.
7th – polish the bangle on all sides.
One bangle by day, two by evening, and multiple by night. They ring and bell finer than crystal wine flutes. The walls and passageways of the zenana (harem) chimed and echoed their lovely sound.
olkaannishtah@gmail.com
