The timeless appeal of gold is something that is deeply ingrained in our culture. The current gold prices, coupled with the Eid bonus that has filled our pockets makes this the perfect time to invest in some gold pieces, be it a simple pair of earrings, a bangle or a heavy neckpiece. This week, Star Lifestyle focuses on gold's everlasting appeal by travelling back in time and exploring some vintage, regal looks. Center CenterRegarded as the queen of all precious metals, gold is in a league of its own. From the statuesque women of Greece and Rome who used to wear a wreath of filigree gold leaves on their heads to adorn their golden tresses, to the famed queen of the Nile Cleopatra, who unabashedly swathed herself with gold breastplates and wide cuffs among other precious trinkets to assert her status as queen, to the ubiquitous Arab women for whom heavy, gold jewellery is an essential, gold has never failed to impress and incite! For us Bengali women, our relationship with gold is even more special. Gold is considered a lifelong investment, and serious attention is paid to it. Ornate, heavy sets are chosen to bequeath on the darling daughter when she is about to begin a new life. The next phase of her life is begun with blessings in the form of gold jewellery. So many emotions, values and traditions are attached with gold in our culture that it enjoys a devotional status. In the last decade there was a notable dearth in interest in gold jewellery. With the 90s’ minimalist approach to fashion, young women shunned shiny, heavily ornate jewellery of the yore and settled for the slinky and soignée pieces. So much so that many brides chose simpler designs for their weddings. Center2The gaudy yellow gold finish back in the day barely appealed to the hip, urbane women. In the past few years, however, there has been a radical shift in this mindset. With fabulous new dimensions in designs and finish, gold is more en vogue now than ever. Gone are the days of typical, tacky designs. Brilliant jewellers have upgraded their repertoire with traditional designs that are chic and glamorous. Ancient techniques of jewellery making such as Kundan, Polki, and Jadau have been reinvented with gusto. There are now multiple options on finishes as well. Walk into a wedding and you can witness smart, young women clad in beautiful saris proudly sporting their mothers or their own gold jewellery. These women don’t shy away from heavy, ornate sets anymore! Thick, chunky bangles and cuffs are also very hot right now, as are cocktail rings in Kundan and Polki. With a nod to sporting a one statement piece, these are great style options as well as investments. Also, an intricately crafted piece is enough to add oomph to one’s appearance. In terms of regular wear, small pendants and earrings set with tiny diamonds and pearls are also great as office wear, since they tend to complement saris, shalwar kameezes as well as kurtas. The most attractive feature about purchasing gold jewellery is that one is aware of its value and there is a sense of accomplishment in it. They never tend to decline in value and hardly tarnish, so regular usage is easy and worry-free. CenterCenter There are great options in small gold jewellery these days due to the advent of many new stores and their affordable options. So the next time you are enamoured by the glitter of gold, do not shy away from indulging your fancies and remember, this is the time to go for gold! (Daily star)