Kalka, kalam, ekka, padma --- that's the order in which we see the pendant, wrought from outside in. Except that that's not a padma but a sunflower there in the middle. It's a simple enough tribute...

Kalka, kalam, ekka, padma --- that's the order in which we see the pendant, wrought from outside in. Except that that's not a padma but a sunflower there in the middle. It's a simple enough tribute to wisdom through the association its ruling Goddess has to some of the elements and patterns used in its construct.

First, the decoration on the core is a paisley-palash pattern laid on a distinctive buli-frosted dome replicating the unopened disc florets in the middle of the sunflower whose own petals, rounded and wire-framed, have an Art-Deco stepped skyscraper (the prosperity angle?) motif on each. The ekka-wire surround also has this distinctive pointillist effect that hand-frosting makes possible, and then comes the pièce de résistance of the pendant ---- a halo of perfectly produced pen nibs, every one of them cut, shaped and formed by hand and given a high gloss finish to maximize the play of light and also create a visual motif that draws the eye to the ornament. The final border is of katai kalkas with a ball on each to prevent denting but also to extend the jewel and make the volume lighter.That lightness and an astonishing energy seem to result from the judicious use of voids all over the pendant and a coalescence of spindle whorls fronts the loop through which the thick twine of black glass beads travels. The earrings, unique in form, keep the central receptacle intact but halve everything else and cap the top with a ball edging.

A pendant, handmade with guinea-gold pen nibs, in a pattern so rhythmic that it evokes pure music, and which is an artistic treat for those who care to move beyond fashion to the realms of unspoken divinity, Ira not only evokes She whose blessings bring knowledge and wisdom but enshrines Her in a goyna of supreme virtue for Her to reside with you for ever.

Here, the pendant set is seen imparted a cerise polish, and it looks peacefully powerful. But remember, yellow's Her favourite colour so you might want a more xanthous theme (it's the reason why we chose the sunflower over a lotus, say) to the half parure and leave the gold natural. She'll be sure to approve of it, and you'll love it as well ----- it looks glorious both ways.