After Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Shahrukh's COOL chain was on everyone's neck. Not only guys even girls looked 'cool' wearing that chain. Aishwarya looked ravishing in ethnic junk and silver jewellery in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Junk jewellery has been a fashion statement with the hip, happening and the arty. In fact many designers have used junk jewellery as accessories for shoots and shows.

As super model Madhu Sapru puts it, "I am not too crazy about diamonds, and I don't wear too much gold. I like silver anklets, chains and rings. I always prefer white silver and oxidized jewellery even for my everyday wear. I like the designs, which they make abroad. I wear a lot of kurtas so I combine this jewellery with that. Not everyone can afford diamonds. So to look smart and hep, junk jewellery is the best option."

From baju bandhs, rings, bracelets, bangles, anklets to necklaces, nosepieces and earrings, junk jewellery is available for all occasions and can be combined with western and typically Indian outfits. Smita a student of MA feels, "It's a bit different and looks cool at times. I don't have to cut my dad's pocket for this type of jewellery. In fact piercing your nose, navel and eyebrows is very in. I combine baju bandhs with sleeveless tops and spaghetti straps. It looks hot. I also like wearing anklets which you can combine with those mirror work cholis and ethnic gujju suits."

The best place to shop for these knick-knacks is undoubtedly Janpath. There are many shops and vendors selling junk jewellery at reasonable prices. According to Rakesh Kumar a salesman at Janpath, "This type of jewellery is made in old Delhi and Moradabad area. Our clientele includes mostly foreigners; we also get a lot of export inquiries. Among Delhiites it's the college going guys and girls who shop for these. This is made of white metal, copper and brass mixed with stone sometimes. As for its black colour silver polish is done then it is coated with an antique polish, so it gives an antique look. The designing is done by karigars. Whatever we like we tell them to make it accordingly, but sometimes we give our own designs also."

Other places where junk jewellery can be found is at Central Market Lajpat Nagar, Palika Bazar, one of the best places to get the latest variety is the M-block GK and the all time favourite Dilli Haat. As Rakhi a student of first year puts it, "I love buying oxidized jewellery but even though you get the latest variety and designs at GK, I think Janpath tops it all. There is a wide choice available and the best part about is the scope for bargaining. So my personal favourite is Janpath for junk jewellery."

Even guys today are flaunting bracelets, chains and getting their ears pierced. It’s a fad started by Salman Khan to wear at least one piece of jewellery. According to Naresh Verma called Nishi by his customers, "My shop is a crowd puller in the East Patel Nagar market. I sell bracelets, earrings, nose rings, the stuff that Gen. X loves. In fact a lot of school and college going students come to me for the latest in junk jewellery. Not only girls, even guys come and buy chains in silver, bracelets and gifts for their girl friends."

Be it kurtas, Bhatijipuri suits, cotton and handloom suits with churidars, ethnic oxidized jewellery is the right match with kohl for the day ahead. For the arty and lovers of Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das, junk jewellery is their style statement. It is chunky and can serve as a cheap but smart way to look good and make a statement.

Sunil of Lovely Jewellery, a shop in Janpath says, "The jewellery is manufactured in different parts of Delhi behind Jama Masjid and cities in and around Delhi like Moradabad and Merrut. Our customers are mostly from abroad and NRIs and of course teenagers and tourists from different states. The jewellery is made by using nickel polish and is oxidized giving it a black colour. There are different processes involved in it, but basically machines do it. As for designs we give them ideas and they make it accordingly."

So guys and gals what are you waiting for, even if you are a management executive or a PRO, go and buy that heart shaped pendent to match your Lucknowi or a baju bandh with the spaghetti straps for that sexy look and make heads turn.

Text and Pics by Jyoti Narang