Ditch the overflowing jewellery box! Nivi Shrivastava explores the world of multi-purpose jewellery, pieces that adapt to your style and needs, maximizing your wardrobe's versatility.
Whether it's a relaxed brunch date with your girlies or a high-glam evening, multi-purpose jewellery seamlessly transitions from a casual day out to a formal occasion. A single piece can transform from a statement necklace at a cocktail party to a subtle bracelet in the boardroom. The versatility of a designer piece can make the wearer shine regardless of the setting, simplifying the process of dressing up and giving out an effortlessly polished impression at all times.
Modern jewellers are constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible, integrating clever mechanisms and intricate craftsmanship to create pieces that are as functional as they are beautiful. From detachable components to adjustable elements, the ingenuity involved in these designs is both a technical marvel and an artistic triumph. This innovation not only captivates consumers but also sets new standards for creativity and craftsmanship in the fashion industry.
Dazzle with detachment:
Today, consumers are more conscious than ever and are looking for solutions that can simplify their lives. The newer generation wants to make the most of their wardrobe be it jewellery or clothing that is driven both by design and practicality. Hence, the trend of multipurpose jewellery is quite relevant and timely, believes Gauri Tandon, co-founder of Isharya. Speaking about her latest collection ‘Villa Isharya - The Travel Edit,’ she mentions, “We’ve tried to incorporate the concept and designed detachable earrings that one can wear for different occasions. We also recommend styling necklaces as bracelets. Especially, the chain link medallion-esque necklaces that look just as stunning when wrapped around the wrist. Any material from resin to silver can be used to create multi-functional jewellery but it comes at a certain cost. We prefer using brass with 18k gold plating as it strikes the perfect balance between affordability and quality.”
Wow with versatility:
In 2024, most millennial and Gen Z consumers are drawn to pieces that can be worn in various ways to suit different occasions. Multi-purpose jewellery allows individuals to express their style uniquely while maximising the value of their investment. The ability to transform a single piece into multiple looks caters to the modern consumer's desire for adaptability and sustainability, highlights senior jewellery designer Archana Aggarwal. She mentions, “In our latest collection, we have a stunning convertible necklace that can be worn as a choker, a lariat, or even wrapped around the wrist as a chic bracelet. This versatile piece seamlessly transforms to complement various outfits and occasions, making it a standout accessory in any jewellery lover's collection. Other signature pieces from the collection include a pair of detachable rings that can be styled as a single or multi-finger ring, an elegant reversible necklace that can be worn from both sides, creating two distinct looks in one, and an ingenious piece that allows you to disassemble a bracelet and transform its components into stunning earrings, maximising your styling options. The flexibility of these designs empowers wearers to customise their looks and showcase their personal style with ease. When it comes to creating multi-functional ornaments, we often utilize precious materials such as 18K gold, rose gold, and white gold to achieve a luxurious and enduring finish. The incorporation of fine gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds further elevates the aesthetic appeal of multi-purpose jewellery, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication.”
Designer Archana Aggarwal
Unisex appeal
Multipurpose jewellery fits perfectly in a world where minimalism and practicality are valued. As modern consumers seek more value and versatility from their purchases, the concept allows individuals to maximise their wardrobe options without investing in multiple pieces while having options for different occasions, mentions Vasundhra Raj, founder and designer of the label Vasundhra Raj Luxury. She says, “Multipurpose jewellery is all the rage right now because of practicality, versatility, cost-effectiveness and personalisation. This practicality appeals to both fashion-conscious consumers and those who value functional design. Unisex jewellery is another factor that gives multipurpose jewellery more dimensions. People can mix and match components or wear pieces uniquely to express their individuality, empowering them to create their unique style and giving the audience a sense of satisfaction with their purchases. We have introduced unisex brooches, which can be converted into pendants or chokers by adding a readily available sarafa (beaded string in the market). We also have designed choker-cum-bracelets which make transformation easy. We make all kinds of jewellery only in pure gold, along with natural precious gemstones, and to make it multipurpose, we tweak a few things in the design with no or minimal cost addition to the piece.”
Sustainable solutions
One of the most compelling reasons behind the popularity of multipurpose jewellery is its alignment with sustainable fashion. With growing awareness of environmental issues, consumers are seeking more sustainable choices in their purchases. Multipurpose pieces reduce the need for multiple purchases, thus lowering demand for raw materials and minimizing waste. The high-on design and multi-functional jewellery encourages longevity and reduces the need for excessive consumption, aligning with sustainable fashion practices. Designer Musskan Agarwaal, founder of Kiwi by Musskan, says, “It appeals to modern consumers who value versatility in their accessories while also being mindful of their environmental footprint. As this trend continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more creative and functional designs in the coming days. One of our bestsellers is the amethyst pendant with earrings, which can be styled for evening events, office wear, and date nights. Its understated elegance allows it to complement professional attire in the office, while its ability to be layered or paired with bolder pieces makes it suitable for evening events. For date nights, this piece can be subtly glamorous, adding a touch of sophistication without overwhelming your look. The key lies in choosing a timeless design and neutral tones that effortlessly enhance any outfit, ensuring you look polished and stylish for every occasion. Another great investment is rose quartz earrings, which is versatile enough to be worn with both Western and Indian attire. Its design seamlessly blends elements from both cultures, making it suitable for a variety of occasions.”
Timeless appeal
Jewellery pieces that can be adapted for multiple uses provide great value, allowing individuals to create various looks without needing a large collection of ornaments. This trend caters to the modern lifestyle, where functionality and style must go hand in hand. According to designer Shweta Gupta, founder of the label Jewels by Shweta, “The use of precious materials and gems for a multi-purpose design enhances the aesthetic appeal and ensures that it remains timeless and valuable. We incorporate diamonds and a variety of precious stones, including sapphires, ”emeralds, and rubies, to add a touch of opulence, which influences the price; however, the investment is justified as the piece serves multiple purposes, offering a cost-effective way to enjoy fine jewellery. One of the highlights from our collection is the ‘convertible necklace-bracelet’, which is designed to be worn as a stunning necklace or wrapped around the wrist as an elegant bracelet. When styled as a long necklace, it adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit, perfect for both day and evening wear. When converted into a bracelet, it becomes a statement piece that enhances any look, from casual to formal."
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