Zircon Embroidery
Embroidered Net Circular Lehenga in Beige
Zircon work or embroidery using American diamonds as embellishments are indeed an expensive acquisition. Diamonds have always held a special place in jewelry and having clothes that release a similar dazzle has always been a fascination over centuries. Zircons or cubic zirconia are great alternatives to the real deal and these crystals have been used throughout centuries to decorate the attire of royalty to the present day designer wear.
Zircons were initially produced by the erstwhile Soviet Union, but it had many impurities. In later years, an American company started manufacturing Zircons which were near to perfect. Due to mass production now, Zircon embroidered clothes have now become affordable as they cost a couple of thousand rupees per kilogram. However, the cut of the Zircon is of great importance as it is rated on four factors- carat, clarity, color, and cut.
Origin & History
Stones – whether gems or Zircons- have been used in embroidery over the past few centuries, they are still in vogue in the fashion industry, particularly in traditional Indian attire. Delicate embroidery which has Zircons encrusted had always been a favorite with the maharajas and maharanis. From Lehangas, Turbans, and sherwanis to Zircon-encrusted sword sheaths and slippers, the fascination of glittery embroidery was always there. Till date, a lot of traditional garments, particularly the Indian bridal attire usually has Zircon encrusted components in the embroidery.
Sources of Inspiration
Zircon embroidery is basically a very delicate replication of various patterns and designs found in nature. The major source of inspiration being floral patterns, vine pattern and leaves, apart from various other geometrical designs for embellishment.
Faces Behind the Embroidery
Zircon embroidery is a very delicate craft that requires dexterous craftsmen if performed by hand. From using the perfect Zircon crystals that are even and well-polished, to making careful and balanced patterns on the fabric, this embroidery takes a lot of time to be completed when performed by hand. However, there is also the machine-embroidered Zircon work, which costs relatively less, and has great finesse as well.
Present Day Scenario
In the present scenario, Zircon embellishments are here to stay. You can find a lot of designers being inspired by Zircon embroidery with the models flaunting haute couture on the runway. From crystal encrusted belts to denim, there are a lot of clothes and accessories that have been converted from their ordinary state into a desirable ‘must have’. Stella McCartney, for one, has created stunning designs that are embellished with zircons. Indian designers have also reinforced the fact that traditional clothes seem incomplete without the Zircon bling’. In the West, a lot of designers are embellishing wedding gowns with Zircons, which have now become commonplace.
There are a lot of attempts being made at giving a certain innovative and unique look to Zircon embroideries, by adding a more contemporary appeal to the garment. A lot of fashion designers are promoting Zircon encrusted designer outfits that exude a touch of elegance and sensuality along with various other desirable accessories like shoes, clutches, bags, belts, headgear amongst other merchandise.
Wearing Zircon work
Zircon embroidery is very much in vogue. However, the heavily done clothes are usually for party purposes or wedding attire. From wedding gowns to the traditional saree or lehenga choli, Zircon encrusted wedding attire is invariably on the cards of brides-to-be in India.
Maintenance
Zircons have to be treathttps://www.utsavfashion.com/saree/traditionaled with a lot of care, hence, a garment embroidered with Zircons needs to be dry cleaned to keep the design intact and ensure that no damage is caused to the fabric either.
Global Appeal
Zircon embroidery is globally popular, thanks to the various high-end fashion designers who made a statement with this delicate sparkling embellishment at the various Fashion shows.
Accessorizing
A lot of accessories are coming up such as Zircon-encrusted watches, shoes, waistcoats, belts, bags, purses and headgear which can make the most ordinary and dull outfit sparkle and look extremely stylish, giving it that extra edge and oomph factor
Interesting Facts and Comparisons
- Zircons, like diamonds, are also rated and charged according to their clarity, color, karat and cut.
- Zircon is derived from two Arabic words ‘zar’ meaning ‘gold’ and ‘gun’ meaning ‘colour’.
- Cubic zirconia is grown in laboratories.
Reference
Categories: Motifs & Embroideries