Sonam Kapoor opens IIJW in the capital

The fourth edition of India International Jewellery Week (IIJW) was flagged off in a traditional manner Friday with a lamp lightning ceremony by actress Sonam Kapoor.

She also walked the ramp to mark the opening of the two-day jewellery exhibition.

Gemstones by Shuddhi Jewels and clothes by Archana Kochhar were the first two collections that were unveiled on the ramp.

The show was dedicated to women's empowerment and motherhood. It began with a dance performances showing the four elements of nature - water, air, fire and earth. After each dance performance, the models showcased the jewels on the ramp.

Bollywood actress Shriya Saran was the show showstopper for Shuddhi Jewels representing women as the fourth element - earth.

Sharing her favourite piece of jewel so far, she told IANS: "It's a ring given by my mother."

Ankita Shorey, brand ambassador of Gitanjali jewels, also walked the ramp for Shuddhi Jewels in a yellow and red sari.

"I love wearing chunky bangles. Diamonds are my favourite stones, and for me, a necklace and a ring are style statement," Ankita told IANS when asked about her favourite possession.

Shuddhi Jewels is a joint venture between Gitanjali group and MMTC.

In the second round, ace jewellery designers Rosily Paul and Monika Kapoor presented their respective collections.

While Paul used Amber as the centre piece in her collection and combined gold and amber to create a bold look with long gold chains, Kapoor's designs had kundan, pearls and coloured stones.

Kapoor called up Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Atul Wassan to walk the ramp for her as showstopper.

After that the students of International Gemological Institute (IGI) presented their creations.