Shuka Mani Emerald Brooch — Polki & Cabochon Emerald

Some jewels are worn. Others are inherited.

In the sacred texts, Shuka — the divine parrot — is the vessel through which the Bhagavata Purana was first spoken into the world. This brooch is his embodiment.

At its heart rests a deep cabochon emerald — oval, luminous, the colour of the Vrindavan forest at dusk. Around it, a crown of polki-style flat-cut crystals, each set in open gold bezels in the tradition of Mughal jadau craftsmanship. Above, the Shuka himself — body encrusted in pavé crystals, ruby eye ablaze, a single emerald drop at his throat. He perches on a spray of diamond-set leaves, wings folded, watching.

Wear it on a black bandhgala at a wedding and say nothing. The piece will do the talking.

• Material: Antique gold-tone brass, cabochon emerald centrepiece, polki-style flat-cut crystals, pavé crystal detailing, ruby accent eye
• Size: 45mm × 45mm
• Occasion: Wedding, sangeet, reception
• Style: Sherwani, bandhgala, jodhpuri suit