Jewellery has been an integral part of our society, tradition, culture, and economy for centuries. In India, it’s not just a form of adornment, but a reflection of one’s identity, age, sex, social status, and economic standing. With a history dating back over 5,000 years, jewellery-making in India is an art form that has been passed down through generations. The intricate designs and craftsmanship of Indian jewellery have been a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage.
However, with the rising environmental consciousness among the younger generation, the significance of jewellery is undergoing a transformation. Gen Z and Gen Y are increasingly opting for eco-friendly choices, and jewellery is no exception. This shift in consumer behaviour has given rise to a new breed of jewellery designers who are using sustainable materials to create unique and environmentally friendly pieces.
Bhubaneswar-based Priyadarshini Das is one such designer who has been making waves in the eco-friendly jewellery sector. Using bamboo branches and other natural materials like golden grass, waste wood, palm leaves, betel nuts, handicraft fabric and seeds available around her house, Das creates stunning pieces of jewellery that are not only environmentally friendly but also exude a unique charm. Since 2017, Das has established herself as a well-known name in Odisha’s eco-friendly jewellery sector, and her brand ‘Ecodarshini’ has become synonymous with sustainable and stylish jewellery.
Das’s journey into eco-friendly jewellery design began with a simple yet innovative idea – to create jewellery using natural materials that would otherwise be discarded. Her designs are a perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern sustainability, making her jewellery pieces truly unique and desirable. With ‘Ecodarshini,’ Priyadarshini aims to promote sustainable living and reduce waste, one piece of jewellery at a time.
In an exclusive conversation with Ommcom News, Priyadarshini Das opens up about the unsung hero who played a pivotal role in shaping her journey as an eco-friendly jewellery designer. With heartfelt gratitude, she credits her husband for recognizing the artist within her and empowering her to create a distinct identity in the eco-friendly jewellery sector.
As a teenager, Priyadarshini’s innate creativity found expression in the most unconventional ways. She would collect seeds, bamboo branches, and other natural materials from around her house to craft unique earrings and accessories. Her creations often adorned her ears or were gifted to friends. However, as life’s responsibilities took over, this hobby gradually faded into the background.
But fate had other plans. A few years ago, Priyadarshini’s husband, who works in the fashion industry, stumbled upon a bamboo earring she had designed. He was impressed by the design and encouraged her to rekindle her creative spark. Initially hesitant, Priyadarshini eventually gave in to her husband’s insistence and started creating jewellery again, this time primarily using bamboo.
“I was a homemaker for a long time, and the thought of starting something new was daunting,” Priyadarshini admits. “But my husband’s encouragement and my family’s support gave me the confidence to pursue my passion once again. His unconditional support and encouragement gave me the courage to pursue my passion for jewellery design. I feel truly blessed to have him by my side, as he helped me discover my true potential and create a name for myself in the eco-friendly jewellery sector”, said Priyadarshini revealing the profound impact her husband has had on her life and career.
Priyadarshini’s meticulous approach to jewellery design is evident in every aspect, including her thoughtful selection of colours. In keeping with her commitment to sustainability, she chooses organic and eco-friendly colours that not only complement her natural materials but also align with her brand’s values. This dedication to detail ensures that every piece of Ecodarshini jewellery is a masterpiece of eco-friendly design.
Furthermore, Priyadarshini is committed to minimizing waste in her creative process, ensuring that every aspect of her jewellery-making is sustainable and responsible. This dedication to environmental stewardship shines through in every piece of ‘Ecodarshini’ jewellery, making each one a testament to the beauty of eco-friendly design.
Priyadarshini’s innovations are unique as she makes personalized jewellery and accessories using numerous eco-friendly materials sourced locally.
She is no doubt a pioneer in using and fusing solid bamboo, golden grass, waste wood, terracotta, Odisha handloom fabric, medicinal tree branches & roots, natural seeds, palm leaf, dokra, recycled metal and glass beads to create unique styles and designs that cannot be easily copied by others.
Without exaggeration, we can say that each collection she makes becomes a trend among eco-conscious fashionistas. Her recent collection is a blend of natural seeds like Kaincha, Baijayanti, and other natural seeds fused with solid bamboo, wooden beads and Odisha handloom fabric.
What’s remarkable about Priyadarshini’s eco-friendly jewellery is that the only costs incurred are for labour and time, making each piece a true labour of love.
Priyadarshini delves into the intricate process of creating eco-friendly jewellery from bamboo, revealing the time, effort, and dedication that goes into each piece. “The journey from raw bamboo to a beautiful piece of jewellery is a lengthy one. We begin by soaking the bamboo in water for a week, followed by boiling it in lemongrass to eliminate any unpleasant odours. Only then can we proceed with cutting and designing the bamboo into unique jewellery pieces”, said Priyadarshini who conducts training workshops for women of indigenous communities to help them become financially independent.
Priyadarshini offers a nuanced perspective on the evolving jewellery landscape. “While gold and diamond jewellery will always hold a special place, there’s a growing demand for alternative, eco-friendly options,” she observes.
“I believe we are experiencing a nostalgic resurgence, where traditional practices are being reimagined with modern twists. Just as clay utensils have made a comeback with sleek designs, jewellery crafted from natural materials is poised to gain prominence. The winning formula will be a blend of quality, innovative design, and effective marketing,” stated Priyadarshini.
As Odisha is about to host the Prabashi Bharatiya Divas in January, she is making another unique collection of waste wood-based sublimation jewellery with unique designs that would represent Odisha culture, history, and tradition. While targeting the young generations she has also got unique collections of abstract and optical illusion print jewellery, which is going to set a new trend in the market.
By Rashmi Rekha Das
