Kastur Jewel’s - Celebrating independent & female founded businesses
I’m not sure if you have noticed recently but I have had a bit of a love affair with Kastur Jewels. We found each other through a mutual friend and when Rajvi got in touch to introduce her handmade collection, I quite literally did a happy dance and got over to her beautiful boutique in Marylebone as quickly as I possibly could.
I have worn five pieces of her collection over the last month and hand on heart, each piece has received a compliment (even one from a random on the street!) and started a conversation about the importance of design which is VERY lacking on the high street atm) and championing independent brands. Kastur has certainly boosted my mood and confidence this month as well as awakening a yearning to support female founded businesses. I am eternally grateful for Rajvi’s natural talent giving me a much-needed boost! (I also recommend you trying a pair to give yourself a lift too! (Exclusive 20% off discount code is at the bottom) She also has presence in my fave museum, the V&A, how cool is that?! As well as winning the fashion fusion award last year and have been shortlisted for ethical Jewellery business of the year 2020 by retail Jeweller London.
The best thing about them…is how incredibly proud I am to be wearing them! I could not wait to tell people about them and spreading the word! They quite literally put a spring in my step, I feel pulled together and they do not hurt my ears (which are annoyingly sensitive to earring weight usually…. Since I ripped an earring out at a wedding…say no more!)
Kastur works with select master craftsmen who have been creating master pieces for generations. Nothing is mass produced or churned out in factory numbers, meaning you’ll never see someone in the same pair of earrings as you! Plus, a percentage of sales go towards supporting humanitarian initiatives. @kastursocialresponsibility with is something they have been doing since the beginning over 8 years ago.
They make the perfect Zoom earrings for work calls because of their exquisite detail and dazzling shapes. They can be a conversation starter if you are awkwardly waiting for someone else to join the chat! They also add some much-needed personality to your Zoom work meetings and make WFH exciting again. From my month of trying them out, they have enhanced to my day to day style and have been the answer to motivating me to wear my nice pieces as opposed to comfy clothes! I feel strong, sophisticated and know I will love them forever. A true capsule wardrobe investment (or gift from someone!) I can assure you all that I will be asking (telling) Jonny that they will be at the top of my Christmas list this year!
A little background on Kastur, before I delve into my fave pieces, who they will suit and why…
Starting with Rajvi’s motto behind Kastur - ‘Be Kind, Be Honest, Be Authentic, Humanity’ which not only perfectly describes Kastur but also Rajvi as a woman. I would not be doing Kastur any favours if I left out the magnificent story behind it. Something that stood out to me most when Rajvi talked me through Kastur was that Indian jewellery was at its very finest in design between the 15th and 16th century which I found truly fascinating. Rajvi mixes traditional Indian heritage pieces with contemporary jewellery design to create the most wearable and magnificent accessories.
Another thing that really spoke to me is that Kastur was the name of Rajvi’s late grandmother which means “Gift of God”. Its spiritual meaning and innate power became instrumental when she was searching for a fitting name for her brand. Her grandmother’s character traits are after all what a woman should feel like when wearing a Kastur jewel, classic, dignified, timeless, fearless, and powerful… These beautiful stories are what makes independent brands so very special. So much love, history and passion are intertwined within Kastur and I think it should be shouted about.
These are inspired by old symmetrical influences of Mughal architecture and for me are the perfect balance of traditional and contemporary design. These are a standout to me, a move on from the classic hoop with a twist that elevates your style. This hoop will suit ANYONE. The soft shape harmonises with soft curves and the angular grids add structure for a straighter shaped figure. I wear mine with my denim boiler suit, but I have also worn them with double denim! If you are a fan of neutrals this time of year, the gold will harmonise beautifully with any Autumnal tone and add that little extra touch to your look. However, ANYTHING goes with these beauties. They are also a first great pair of you are only just starting to get into accessorising!
Temple Jewellery Inspired ‘Jumkhi’ Chandelier Earrings
Inspired by a very ancient and traditional design of old Indian jewellery and my definition of an actual showstopper! Just look at the immense detail, superb shape and see how much they just ooze elegance?! Most people would save these for ‘best’ but I categorically say not to! You cannot waste such pieces of art for minimal wear. Wear these loud and proud all day! They work with jeans and a nice top, a casual dress, or a full-blown ball gown! This shape is particularly great if you have a medium to small top half as they will add proportion to your shape and not overwhelm you if you are busty. However, sometimes if you just fall in love with a showstopper like these – just go for it particularly as they aren’t too long!
Show us that everything is relative, and arrangement lies in each individuals’ eyes, that energies are important and positive agreements are in order… what a pair of earrings to get you through the day! Kastur suggest wearing as a separate just on one ear, or together as a pair! So, its basically three pairs of earrings in one! If any set of earrings take you from day to night in Rajvi’s collection its most definitely a pair from her miss matched collection! The beauty of a miss matched pair… any body shape can wear them, particularly if you are a petite lady. If you are more experienced with accessorising, why don’t you wear a bold, block colour earring that you already own as well as one of the miss-matched pieces to take things to the next level? I dare you!
The powerhouse earrings! Big, bold, and edgy – not just in design but the vibe too! These are THE earrings to get you through quite literally anything from waking up feeling all over the place to securing a promotion over Zoom. I have styled them with another powerhouse – the leopard print, just needs a red lip to finish it off! However, these daring earrings can work with a very feminine style to mix it up – think floaty floral dress with biker boots and these! Or structured leather skirt and a vintage blouse or even jeans and a graphic T with your fave trainers – there is nothing this pair wont work with! Angular and straighter body shapes will flourish with this pair BUT as they do gently curve round, don’t write them off if you have a softer shape!
Antique Inspired Pear drop earring
Introducing the colour pop earring! A splash of vibrant turquoise and sunshine yellow in a delicate and subtle pear shape. You can really see the mix of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design here and this set fills me with pure joy. Id sleep in these if I could! Pyjama chic… Maybe I’ll make that a thing! But in all seriousness, the mix of calm blue and hot yellow makes them the perfect pair to clash or harmonise with any colour you choose to wear. If wearing colour isn’t your thing but you’d like to start exploring it, this is the ultimate combination of colours to wear to start your colourful journey! Style with green for a relaxed vibe or orange if you need an energy boost! As these are so subtle these can be worn with any shape, however if you are very busty or broad these will be great as they won’t add any extra to your top half.
So, there we have my fave five pairs of earrings, each with their own story behind and with different sources of beautiful inspiration. I am over the moon to have met such a talented, knowledgeable and nostalgic designer and I really urge you to check out Kastur online to get you a much-needed boost this winter. Or if your partners ask you for any gift ideas for Christmas! Hint hint!
Oh, and heres your exclusive discount code for a whopping 20% off your order…
And as my fashion Inspiration, Iris Apfel says ‘Jewellery is the most transformational thing you can wear’
Stylish wishes as ever
Sian