Terracotta Jewellery

With earthy colour palettes taking the fashion world by storm, what better time could there be to add a bit of traditional touch to your outfits? Yes, it's the return of the terracotta jewellery! Whether you're exploring new fashion horizons, or you just want to pull off the seasonal look, terracotta jewellery can be the perfect way to redefine your style statement.

Why terracotta?

A hot favourite of local artisans for over 5,000 years, the history of the terracotta is one that is filled with the love of Mother Nature and the colours of Bengal. The lush riverine plains of Bengal have always been home to a wide variety of soil that could be moulded into any form. Artisans had taken it upon themselves to capture the very essence of being Bengali into these sundried clay forms. From fishes and elephants to vibrant wildflowers, terracotta jewellery is more than just a fashion statement. If that doesn't convince you, clay jewellery is non-reactive in nature, which means you don't have to worry about pimples or allergic reactions on your skin! No matter what your skin type is, terracotta jewellery suits all!

Everyday terracotta

From vibrant hues to neutral tones, the boutiques of Dhaka give you plenty of options when it comes to accessorising with terracotta. You could opt for minimalist terracotta studs, or just slide in a cute reddish ring for a hint of heritage in your casual wear. Alternatively, a bright bold pendant can jazz up your work wear for that last minute hangout with friends in the evening. If necklaces are too bold for you, why not check out a chic terracotta bead bracelet?  So, next time when you scour through the corridors of Chandni Chawk for the perfect casual accessory, think terracotta!

Going Traditional

Whether you're picking a simple bead bracelet or an elaborate pair of terracotta jhumkas, the Falgun look is hardly complete without the traditional touch of terracotta. Just like a beautiful piece of poetry of Tagore, or a heavenly Lalon song, traditional terracotta portrays the deep-rooted love Bengali women have for Mother Nature. Floral motifs are perfect for the classic spring-queen look. Coloured in bright bold hues of red, orange and yellow, their simplistic beauty will make anyone fall in love with them. Add fresh marigold wreaths or put roses in your bun to complete this look.

If you're looking for something more sophisticated, there are exquisite pieces of terracotta of silver or brass bases. Finished with bright strands or tassels, these add a touch of contemporary vibe to the traditional terracotta. The intricate designs and polished finish makes them ideal for evening parties and Falgun outings. Match any one of these exquisite pieces with your Jamdani or Muslin, and you are bound to be the showstopper at any party. You can find them at Aarong or Aranya.

Boho fusion wear

Earthy tones scream carefree Bohemian vibes, and terracotta only takes it further. Thanks to the versatile nature of clay, you can match it up with western wear or even fusion wear for a chic boho look. So, if traditional saris aren't your thing, don't worry. You don't have to give up on the intricate jewellery just yet! A pair of brown terracotta jhumkas, matched with a loose-fitted shirt can give you a rustic runway look. Finish off your look with a preppy wicker bag and you're good to go! If your aura is on the dreamier and spiritual side, then look for flowy gowns, flower crowns and terracotta necklaces. Alternatively, if you want to stick to modern motifs, try out bead chokers with brass or stitched base for a unique look. With an aesthetic collection of modern terracotta motifs, Aranya is the go-to place for such exquisite pieces.

Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed