Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend

The word ‘Diamond’ comes from the Greek word ‘adamas’, which is an adjective that was used to describe a very hard substance. (Diamonds are the hardest known natural materials and hence its name.)

Diamonds because of their beauty and value, have always been regarded as symbols of prosperity. Drawing from the characteristics of the diamond, it is also considered a symbol of purity and incorruptibility. The diamond depicts clarity of thought and wisdom as well.

The use of Diamonds however has not been restricted to jewellery. The diamond’s form and shape has inspired the diamond motif and pattern, which we have seen used beautifully in our traditional textiles. Although the diamond shape by itself appears as a simple and elegant geometric shape, it has been used in different ways as a motif, border pattern and border embellishment.

Diamond Shape set as a border embellishment

The appeal of this versatile design has transcended boundaries and inspired many a designers in the Oriental and the Occidental worlds since time immemorial. This has resulted in the diamond pattern becoming amongst the most commonly found patterns in clothing.

In the traditional weaving of the Kanjivaram silk saris, the zari border in diamond pattern has been a much favoured one through the ages. Many women have opted for this pattern in their ‘koora pudavai’ – or traditional 9 yard sari used during weddings and ceremonies. The classic diamond pattern border is one where the diamond shape is repeated as a pattern and every alternating half of the diamond is filled in with gold zari or left plain creating a visually stunning border.

The classic and stunning Diamond Pattern Border

Through this week, we at Sarangi have showcased to you some of the most gorgeous 6 yards of silk which have been embellished with this stunning Diamond pattern. We hope you have enjoyed the beauty of these designs and would love to hear what you think about this timless motif and pattern.