Diva In A Divaa

Kundan & Silver Necklace Set With Traditional Peacock Motifs-Divaa. Model-Geeta Goyal.

“Rangeelo Rajasthan” are the first words that come to my mind when I look at jewelry from “Divaa”. I might not be a huge fan of fashion jewelry but what intrigued me about Sarika Jaju’s creation is her creativity in using vivid colors and materials. Most important fact about Divaa is that it is associated with an NGO and some of her collections are being handcrafted by underprivileged women to support them with employment.

On a recent trip to New Delhi, I got a chance to visit Sarika’s cosy residence. I was accompanied by a common friend Geeta Goyal who has modeled the jewelry in this post. We sipped on soothing coconut water that was served in a fancy wooden server that fascinated me, wink wink (image below) We indulged in conversations not only about jewelry designs, materials and Ngo’s but also on the importance of styling jewelry appropriately with an ensemble.

StylePrer (SP): What is Divaa?
Sarika Jaju of Divaa(SJ): The term “Divaa” means an iconic woman. My passion for jewelry has given me the opportunity to design and enhance the look of women by dressing them with my jewelry, hence the name Divaa.

Silver Necklaces By Divaa

SP: What kind of materials and metals are used?
SJ: We work on various concepts and build collections with it. I have used materials like Wood and Jute, fabrics like Silk, Cotton etc. Metals like Silver, Brass, Copper.The Stain Glass concept worked well for me. Off late I have created a collection with German Silver and another one with hand-painted Pichvai with Shreenathji.

Fuscia Fabric And Kundan Jewelry-Divaa.

Fabric, Kundan, Gems-Divaa.

Temple Silver Motifs On Jute Base With Golden Coins-Divaa.

SP: Please elaborate on some of your collections?
SJ: The collection which is close to my heart, is made from wooden combs and has worked very well for me. I was overwhelmed with the response. The “Silver Destination Collection” has received a phenomenal response. It’s easy for women to carry when travelling. The fabric, bead and prayer collection is handcrafted by the women from an NGO. This is another collection that I like to promote as it helps underprivileged  women and encourages them to be creative and earn a livelihood.

Shreenathji Pendant Hund In Multicolor Thread Work-Divaa.

Shreenathji In Silver With Dual Tone Polish-Divaa.

Alternate Kundan With Radha Krishns Motifs In Silver With Golden Polish-Divaa.

SP: I have seen you style your jewelry tastefully to your apparels. What kind of jewelry do you personally like?
SJ: Personally I like jewelry that is trendy. I do have jewelry from international design houses, however the jewelry made in India is my all time favourite. India offers a rich variety of skilled craftsmanship and I believe in promoting the “Make In India” collections.

Fabric & Coin Fan Necklace-Divaa.

Fabric & Bead Layered Multi-Color Necklace-Divaa.

SP: Where do you exhibit your jewelry? What stores are they available in?
SJ: I exhibit my jewelry at a New Delhi based NGO called Ankur. I prefer exhibiting at NGO’s and have done pop-ups in New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad. Divaa is now available in multi-designer stores in New Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai and Hyderabad. Further one could avail of these by seeking personal appointments.

Peacock, Beads & Kundan Rani Haar-Divaa.

Long Rani Haar With Traditional Motifs- Divaa.

Two Tone Gem Studded Oxidised Look Silver Haar-Divaa.

Enamel Floral Silver Earrings-Divaa.

Gems & Golden Polish Silver Paajeb (Anklet)-Divaa.

SP: What is your personal style quotient?
SJ: In my opinion it’s very important to style your jewelry appropriately with clothes that one wears or vice-versa. Personally I love Indian Handlooms. The fabric jewelry, comb and cord collection looks great and is apt for outfits designed from Indian Handlooms. I like to wear kundan and jadau jewelry over South Indian Silk sarees. Similarly for that royal touch, I like to coordinate my Pichvai jewelry with Pichvai sarees. Color and theme is important. Personally a mono tone i.e. a white or cream with a statement colored piece. Ideally one statement piece does the job, be it a bold ring, cuff, earring or necklace.

(L-R)Sarika Jaju Wearing An Indian Handloom Saree, A Handcrafted Jude Temple Neckpiece. She Wears An Orange Dress Teamed With Her Comb Collection Necklace. Jewelry From Divaa.

Selfie Was Much Needed Trying Divaa XOXO

Coconut Water Wooden Server.