20 August,2011 09:03 AM IST | | Dhara Vora
Maatikaar's range of curious neckpieces, bangles and earrings made from natural resources will make you want to re-visit your love affair with Indian jewellery
There was a time when you had to scour the markets for funky, contemporary jewellery with an international feel and finish.
Entrepreneurs, who have been sourcing jewellery from all over the world, have now filled that void. But if jewellery with Indian motifs is what your heart desires, Maatikaar's designs are what you should look for.
Colourful wooden neckpieces (Rs 250), Jooda pins
"It started off as a hobby. My friends used to appreciate my designs and that encouraged me to take it to the next level. That's how I started Maatikaar," says 53-year-old Delhi resident Vasanthi Meattle.
Despite having no professional training in designing, Meattle designs all the jewellery by herself.
The designs are consequently executed by the Karnataka-based NGO Aakaar, which works with women living in rural areas around Bangalore. Some of Maatikaar's jewellery is also manufactured in Kolkata.
"Initially I worked with terracotta (clay baked at a high temperature in a kiln) and that's how the name Maatikaar (Maati means clay) stuck," she says.
Meattle's designs are now a mix of wool, jute, brass, glass, wood and even shells. Traditional motifs abound in her works alongwith temple-based motifs such as lotuses.
Meattle explains that she took to Facebook when her retail outlet shut down and has since then received a great response online from people of all age groups.
We especially loved her Ambi (mango) neckpiece (Rs 3,300) which is bold in design as well as feminine and her bird neckpieces (Rs 2,600 onwards) which would be a hit amongst quirk lovers.
Her terracotta earrings are simple-yet-artistic and would look great when teamed up with a plain T-shirt or kurta.
Though mainly aimed at young working professionals, we believe her wooden jooda pins (Rs 80 onwards) with bead detailing will appeal across age groups.
Log on to: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maatikaar-Terracotta-Jewellery/191112984264581
Email maatikaar@gmail.com
At Maati, 109, Powai Plaza,
As Marg, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai. Call 25717209/ 64532111
Call 09810124333
Cost Earrings Rs 110 onwards, neckpieces Rs 150 onwards.
