Easy materials access broadens design choices

	Gie's model R0464 ring has diamonds and a citrine stone set in 18K gold.

Products range from simple to intricate, covering all price points.

Boasting a profusion of local raw material supply centers, India's fashion accessories makers are leveraging the ready availability of manufacturing inputs in turning out varied product selections. Designs are often derived from the country's traditional and contemporary aesthetic influences.

Models are classified under four key categories, specifically jewelry, bags, head- and neckwear, and belts, with each line utilizing materials procured from different areas in India.

Jewelry, which accounts for the bulk of the country's fashion accessories exports, adopts silver and gold from the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. Andhra Pradesh is likewise a source of zinc, as are Sikkim, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Iron, meanwhile, comes from Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Rajasthan is also a major provider of semiprecious stones. Beads made of resin, wood, glass, horn, bone and shell are available domestically as well.

Leather, employed in bags and wallets, is similarly easy to procure given that India turns out 10 percent of the global supply of animal hide. The material comes primarily from Kolkata in West Bengal and Chennai in Tamil Nadu.

Jute and canvas are also used, with the former purchased in Kolkata, Delhi and Bangalore. Canvas is obtained from Mumbai and Delhi, and Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.

On the other hand, Mumbai, Chennai, Coimbatore and Jaipur are the major sources of cotton, silk, wool, linen and polyester- and silk-blended fabrics employed typically in India-made head- and neckwear.

Amid the abundance of domestic material providers, however, some manufacturers opt to procure their requirement abroad. One such company is Laaj International, which gets 20 percent of jewelry fittings and fabrics it uses from China and Italy.

Gallant Jewelry adopts semiprecious stones from Thailand and China, while Jugal Traders ships in mother-of-pearl from the Philippines.

Regardless of the source, materials, together with the manufacturing process employed, are the key factors determining the price, and consequently the positioning, of fashion accessories from India.

Components such as beads, and brass and iron fittings are used in low-priced fashion jewelry. Incorporating semiprecious stones or different types of valuable metal, including silver, naturally raises quotes.

Models with fine workmanship and intricate trimming are among the most-expensive items.

As regards bags, the kind of fabric dictates the level of quotes. Designs in canvas, satin and cotton are on the lower tier of the price ladder. Leather and suede drive up rates.

Low-end versions of head- and neckwear come in basic colors and inexpensive fabrics such as viscose and cotton. Upscale versions are available in a wider variety of hues. Silk or wool are adopted.

	The model SHLG 03 duffer shoulder bag from Superhouse is made of sheepskin. The 14x8x9in product has straps and side pockets.

The majority of India suppliers in this particular line specialize in fashion jewelry. Some, however, also manufacture fine items in pure gold or embedded with precious stones.

Companies offer rings, necklaces, chokers, pendants, bangles and sets. Bracelets come in beaded, semiprecious gems and metal varieties, with silver models an example of the last. Meanwhile, earrings are in drop, hoop, chandelier and stud types.

Low-end fashion jewelry is priced at $0.50 to $1. The line consists of beaded models made of inexpensive metal such as iron.

Midrange designs use nickel-free brass and have better workmanship than lower-priced counterparts. Products in this segment top $5.

High-quality components are adopted in upscale jewelry. These include pieces fabricated from silver or embellished with semiprecious stones. Some also have fine filigree and an enamel finish or meenakari work in traditional styles. Models commonly reach $50.

India-made bags generally come in hand, shoulder and drawstring types.

The first two styles are often made of genuine or synthetic leather, cotton, canvas, jute or PVC. On the other hand, tissue organza and embroidered velvet are used for drawstring models.

Based on the type of material employed, bags in jute, canvas or cotton are classified as low end. Such designs are normally devoid of decorative fittings. Prices are from $0.40 to $1.

Larger in size, midrange models usually come in jute, canvas, leather or PVC. They go from $1 to $5.

Most upscale bags are made of high-grade genuine leather, some with a suede, nappa or glazed finish. Designs have inner and outer pockets, straps, zipper closures and other fittings. Prices in this segment exceed $5.

As for wallets, models for men and women are available, usually in goat- or sheepskin.

Low-end versions have minimal decorations and are quoted at $2.50 to $4.

The more expensive versions feature embossed or handpainted motifs. Such types can be priced as much as $7.50.

Similar to wallets, belts from India come in styles for men and women. The former is typically made of genuine leather and ranges between $4 and $5.

Most designs for women are wider than men's versions by 1.75in, although they also come in real animal hide. They go from about $5.50 to $7.

Products under this category include scarves, shawls and bandannas.

In the low-end segment, scarves and shawls are priced at $1 to $2. Such styles are made of viscose in plain colors. Bandannas are from $0.40 to $1.

Cotton and linen are used for midrange versions, which feature printed motifs. Elastic can run along the length of the product to create a ruffle effect. Quotes are from $2 to $3.

High-end designs come in silk or wool and boast heavy embroidery. Such models are at least $3 and can reach $15.