India has served as the inspiration intersection in the global jewellery design circuit for more than 5000 years, with its array of techniques, motifs, gems, metals and unmatched opulence. It is but natural then that its markets teem with stores of every size trading in everything from royal antiques to new-age ornaments that hinge on simplicity.

Nikhaar sources high quality diamonds with stellar cut, clarity and colour from across the world, and adds an additional 3 Cs to the fine gems - craftsmanship, lower costs and the confidence they instill in the wearer. Besides diamond jewellery that is as beautiful as it is rare, Nikhaar retails gold and platinum pieces that harbour gems from across the colour and cut spectrum. While the store also stocks traditional jewellery, its forte is ornaments that bend the rules of conventional design and are marketed at competitive rates.

Aditya Dugar, a partner in Nikhaar, says, "We are steering Nikhaar towards being viewed as an innovative contemporary design hub for customised as well as traditional jewellery. Jewellery today is an expression of one's individuality and personal preference, and we would like to become the first choice when it comes to picking out a piece of jewellery that exemplifies the person you are."

Illustrations of innovative contemporary design are displayed across the store's two levels; ornate pieces that bear 15 varieties of flower patterns, and South Indian trinkets that are traditionally wrought in yellow gold are redesigned in white gold. The upper level displays German geometric patterns, diamond jewellery and Italian renditions that push the envelope of imagination with feather-light gold pieces that fall like rich organza, and platinum ropes that intertwine into a one-of-a-kind necklace.

Dugar, who designs some of the pieces himself, says, "We maintain the basic idea of the ornament, but play around with the design and materials. For instance, a bangle need not necessarily be circular to closely fit around the wrist. Conventional South Indian jewellery makes use of seven different-coloured stones; we maintain this custom but change the contours of these gems."

Nikhaar carries equally stunning traditional pieces that are sourced from the collections of Maratha and Gujarat rulers, and recreated from family heirlooms. There are large pendants and earrings sporting table-cut and rose-cut diamonds inspired by the Mughal era, and pieces elegantly embellished with Basra pearls, considered the best in the world.

The store has been on an award winning spree. It won the 'DTC Diamond Season Best Showroom' award in 2006, and bagged the DTC 'Best Upcoming Showroom in Bangalore' award in 2007. It holds the unique distinction of being one of the first jewellery stores in Bangalore to sell 100 per cent hallmarked gold jewellery, and is one of the select few stores worldwide authorised by the DTC to deal with 'Forevermark' diamonds.

Nikhaar has extended its inventive touch to silverware and jewellery at the silver store it launched recently. A tie-up with Gitanjali Lifestyle has ensured that the best designs from such masters as Greggio, Dogale and Olri find their way into the homes of Bangalore's cognoscenti.

Cosmopolitan and eclectic, Nikhaar caters to both the experimental and traditional jewellery lovers. "We are not only trying to give our customers choice, but are also trying to influence their mindset," says Dugar.