This flowing, flora-tastic armlet from Farah Khan Fine Jewelry “used nature as its central theme of inspiration,” says designer Farah Khan. But its proportions—and raison d’être—are in homage to bajubands, the ornate bracelets worn by Indian brides on their upper arms. “It’s a neo-interpretation of the traditional Indian bajuband…with Art Nouveau style,” explains Khan, whose Mumbai-based collection is a red-carpet staple in Bollywood. “I wanted to explore unique and exotic color combinations in precious and semiprecious gemstones with exquisite cuts. I like people to fall in love when they wear my designs.” 

Garden Party

This natural beauty—part of Khan’s Le Jardin Exotique collection—features 2.9 cts. t.w. diamonds, 0.6 ct. t.w. tsavorites, 2.99 cts. t.w. sapphires, 1.9 cts. t.w. rubies, 11.21 cts. t.w. emeralds, and 51.41 grams yellow gold. The piece was for sale, price on request, at press time.

His Story

Men in first- and second-century Scotland displayed wealth and power with Celtic-style upper armbands in heavy bronze; ancient Assyrian art depicted deities and monsters in the accessory. In India, the Bharatnatyam dancers in the Dravidian region debuted the armlet in the 17th century. Its first adopters? Rural men.

Fit Model

The biggest challenge when bringing this intricate design to life, Khan says, was “making the armlet fit around the arm. One size [had to] fit all.” She “explored lots of options,” including magnetic closures, until finally settling on an adjustable slider clasp that actually does “fit one and all!”