Costume jewellery: An Eid add on for stars

1. Shakila Zafar, 2. Fahmida Nabi, 3. Bonna Mirza & 4. Shanta Islam

Others too are drawn by such jewellery. As Sanjida Preeti says: "I like funky jewellery, especially funky bangles and rings. But gold is a big no no for me. I like buying wooden jewellery from the foot path as well."

Fahmida Nabi is another artiste with a passion for these relatively inexpensive accessories."I like very antique jewellery. Now it has become a fad to wear bronze and metallic ornaments. However, a few years ago even when it was not in vogue, I used to buy those ornaments from India. Now it's readily available in every nook and corner of Bangladesh."

Beckoning the young women in the city are the outlets for Eid trinkets. Although mostly imported, they are not very expensive. They usually have artificial stones set in them and are designed to match the colourful festive clothes. Whether it be in New Market or Chandni Chawk or the shops in the Dhanmondi malls, they glitter with scintillating colours and gold and silver coloured bases. Brass, clay and straw have also gone into the production to win the hearts of the teenagers.

There are the necklaces and earrings in the shape of large copper and brass discs arranged with a row of large matching beads. The discs are decorated with motifs of flora and fauna. It would need a slim, angular face to go with these trinkets. There are then the necklaces with rows of large yellow beads that wink like topaz. Rows of delicate chains ending in Moghul motifs attract the customer.

Silver coloured madulis strung around black threads have been in vogue for many years and are displayed with aplomb. Beads and shells go to decorate other necklaces, while brightly coloured straw, silk, odds and ends go to decorate other earrings and neck ensembles. Carved wooden jewellery in the shapes of flowers and leaves and painted a deep red also appear attractive. Bracelets of different coloured round and oval beads along with necklaces of glass beads with matching earrings are also delightful.

There are then the traditional heavy bangles and bracelets along with chains which are gold-plated and studded with stones to be worn with the gaudy silks and satins. The bracelets are studded with paste stones and look quite real unless closely examined and would go well with either sari or shalwar-kameez. There are plaited chains with bronze, copper and gold strands and these look sophisticated indeed. Plastic bangles and rings can be seen too occasionally and these are topped with stones to give the glitzy look. Toe rings are also sought after by the trendy and graceful feet adorned by these silver bands recall the days of the Rajput royalty.

Some of the shops have chokers with pendants of beautiful patterns set with stones. These too would require a slim face to set it off with the matching earrings. There are strands of semi-precious stones like turquoise and garnets or pale yellow stones that could be taken for a brand of topaz. Coral necklaces are equally alluring. Pink, white and black strings of pearls are there for your choice. The earrings in these stones are intricately made and the necklaces that go with it are naturally a little expensive.

So take up a cue from renowned artistes and indulge yourself by picking up some costume jewellery for Eid.