Van Gelder

The latest addition to our collections is the Baoli Collection. Inspired by another traditional architectural element, the Stepwells of India, and the concept of running, trickling water. The first engineered stepwells, date from ca 600CE in Gujarat. Stepwells, or Baoli, served other purposes than the provision of water alone. Descending down the Baoli for devotion, ritual purification and prayer, the daily use of water in their ceremonies and rituals.. Many stepwells were built near temples and mosques. Descending down a Baoli is an almost spiritual sensation... Sweltering heat turns to an enveloping cool, and the noise above ground becomes hushed. Views telescope into indefinite space, constantly shifting, and one can tell neither the depth nor the length of the structure. Like an optical illusion. The Baoli Collection comprises of 18k gold rings and earrings, decorated with vibrant enamels and paired with gemstones as blue Sapphire, Tanzanite, Tourmaline and Peridot. This latest addition is again a reflection of our passion for traditional Indian Jewellery, combined with a fresh Western-centred perspective and modern interpretation of the rich Indian visual and cultural language.

In 2007 Van Gelder Indian Jewellery introduced the Colors collection of rings and earrings. This defining collection was illustrative of the magic that is created when the best of Eastern and Western jewellery design are brought together in true Van Gelder Jewellery style. Reminiscent of India is the use and combination of colourful, large-sized top quality gemstones; while the geometrical designs and settings are typical of Western style and stand in stark contrast to the often more playful, organic and lively shapes and forms used in Indian designs. Today, the Colors Collection revisits that fusion of clean lines and color explosion.

Jali is the term for perforated stone or latticed screen, usually with an ornamental pattern constructed through the use of calligraphy and geometry. It was constructed by carving into stone, generally in geometric patterns, while later the Mughals used very finely carved floral designs. Jali, casting long decorative shadows on walls and the floors, helped in lowering the temperature by tempering sunlight and compressing air through the holes, and to reduce visibility for purdah (veil). The use of jali screens in Indian architecture has always fascinated us! The creative concept for the Jali collection originates from the intricate designs of the Indian jali window screens. Traditionally used to create intimacy and privacy for women’s quarters, adding a dreamy and ever changing play of light to a space. The designs also have strong and intriguing visual structures while mesmerizing the eye from different angles. This shielding screen inspired us to create jewellery that is strong yet delicate in appearance, inviting to wear and to touch, and to take a closer look!

This collection draws from the drive, creative power and many accomplishments of strong women. The history of fierce Rajput women has always been an inspiration to us. Jodha Bai, named after one of India’s first, strongest and most influential female royal thought leaders, the Rajput Princess Jodha Bai. This Rajput Princes was equal to men in love, life and battle and these strong traits are translated in the designs: strong, distinctive lines, an expressive appearance, detail and enamel work, with color use inspired by the tradition of North India.

The concept and creation of the Navaratna Collection is driven by a passion for traditional Indian Jewellery, about its uniqueness in the way it marries beauty, craftmanship, significance and wearability. We aimed to combine this with a fresh, Western-centred perspective and contemporary interpretation of the rich Indian visual and cultural language.Ensuring that the unique beauty and traditions of Indian jewellery will remain relevant now and for future generations, is another element that fuels our passion and success. We aim to capture this in our contemporary designs. To see these jewels, and the stories the carry, worn, loved and taken good care of. We want current and future owners of these jewels to add their own, new stories to its already rich history. Our contemporary pieces should never be taken at face value. The new designs are respectfully and responsibly inspired by Indian jewellery, culture and symbolism. They are unique in marrying the original value and meaning of the source themes with contemporary tastes and lifestyles in both the Eastern and Western hemispheres. As such, the contemporary pieces carry a distinctive quality that is similar to the traditional Indian jewellery as compelling narratives are worked into wearable art.