Warm and beckoning!
The jeweller allows me
to wear the sapphire blue lake on my finger, emerald green leaves around my
neck, and take the citrine sunset with me wherever I go. Jewellery has become my
daytime link to nature in an office with no windows. And if I have to work
late, there's nothing like diamond stars and a pearl full moon against an onyx
night sky. ~Astrid Alauda
This quote beautifully summarizes the allure of jewellery. It transcends beyond being a mere accessory;
it evokes memories, arouses feelings, induces poise and makes you feel unique. I
am not much of a jewellery person and more into minimalistic delicate jewellery.
But I have recently discovered the power of accessories for an outfit and
started dabbling in some statement jewellery and now I am always on the lookout
for unique pieces. My ex room-mate Madhavi introduced me to this amazing shop around
4 years back and I still have not gotten over it! Every time I am in Commercial Street I always
have a quick peek.
This tiny shop in Commercial Street in Bangalore is a stylist’s paradise.
Stocked with silver jewellery and gemstones, this shop is like a candy land full
of colourful gemstones of all varieties, some known and some unknown. It is
here that I first saw Alexandrite which is a rare gemstone that changes colour
depending on the light and is often described by gem aficionados as “emerald by
day, ruby by night”. Having started with
made to order gold jewellery way back in 1958, this shop now specializes in
silver and semi-precious gemstone jewellery owing to the turn in the trend since
the past 10-15 years. Sourcing the pieces from all over India, you can see the
fine craftsmanship and artistry of the silversmiths from different states and
regions, each distinct with their trademark style. Most of the silver jewellery
is handmade and has this charm and uniqueness about it that can only be brought
by the touch of human hand. They also stock machine made fine silver chains, bangles
etc but they are not half as impressive as the handmade ones.
The sheer variety of stock here ensures a constant stream of
customers and the shop is always over flowing. Mr. Babu Prasad, the owner of
this place attributes this success to the perfect vaastu of Commercial Street.
Being close to the cantonment area during the British occupation, Commercial
Street received patronage of the British officers whose wives were enchanted by
the wares of this exotic land! Commercial Street was indeed the commercial hub
of Bangalore and its significance is obvious by its pin code – 560001. Even now
it is the first place we think of when it comes to shopping for fabric and jewellery.
But now the charm of the Commercial Street is fading according to Mr. Prasad
and it is becoming too commercial (now that’s an oxymoron). Earlier all the
shops on Commercial Street had houses attached behind the shop façade but now
none of the families live here, they have all migrated to better homes and
greener pastures. Mr. Prasad’s shop cum house is the only house left on
Commercial Street where people still live. This 160 year old house has seen 5
generations and is still standing firm. Apparently this house is somewhat of an
architectural marvel having a 22x22 feet hall without any pillars.
I had an amazing time talking with Mr. Prasad and his lovely
wife about their shop, the nuances of the silver jewellery and gemstones and
history of Commercial Street. However if you want to explore the shop at
leisure, I suggest you visit over a weekday when they are comparatively less
occupied and will show you box after box of wonders till you have found what
you are looking for. It is definitely a must visit for finding unique statement
jewellery that go well with ethnic as well as western wear. I specially love
their mind boggling variety of silver jhumkis and my Mom loves their statement
necklaces which look amazing when paired with crisp cotton sarees and even
traditional silk sarees. Hope you will the find the shop as attractive as I do :)
Statement Necklaces galore!
Love their silver earrings collection
Arm candy
Array of silver jhumkas
Packed house
Statement rings with semi precious stones setting
The big picture
Necklaces with semi-precious beads
Pendants
Ganeshas in semi-precious stones
Last glance
Address: The
Silver Shop, 28 Commercial Street. Bangalore
Just ahead
of Krishniah Chetty Jewellers on Commercial Street if you are coming from
Mysore Udyog side.
