At Bhagya Sivaraman’s home studio in Chennai, the walls are adorned with her intricate black line drawings on pristine white paper. Amidst this sea of creativity, a large stand of vibrant earrings catches the eye near her desk. The earrings vary in color, size, and shape, showcasing an array of bright pinks, checked patterns, and sunny yellows.
“Art, to me, is open-eyed meditation,” Bhagya shares, radiating passion as she dons a pair of striking black and white earrings from her own brand, Coloured Ears. Bhagya, an interdisciplinary artist, recalls her journey that began in early 2018 when she started experimenting with polymer clay. “I always enjoyed wearing silver and stone jewelry, but I discovered I was allergic to nickel. I wanted to create something that was safe for me to wear, which led me to try polymer clay,” she reminisces.
Initial forays into working with polymer clay were filled with challenges. Bhagya remembers burning material and even injuring herself in the process of mastering the craft. Fast forward six years, and she has honed her skills, excelling in using polymer clay—a hardenable modeling medium—and incorporating surgical stainless steel or titanium (upon request) for the earring backs.
Crafting these unique pieces involves an intricate 18-step process, during which Bhagya has developed a deep affection for colors and their endless combinations. Each earring design is unique and meaningful, with pieces named Atma, Terrazo Stones, Kintsugi, and Andromeda, reflecting the inspirations behind each creation.
The earrings, made of polymer clay and surgical steel or titanium, appeal to a varied clientele with their lightweight nature and durability. Bhagya explains, “At pop-up exhibitions or markets, I encourage customers to try the earrings on to feel how light they are. The material is robust and doesn’t break easily.”
Coloured Ears is not just known for its aesthetic appeal but also for its luxurious, sustainable, and gender-fluid designs. “Each piece is unique and handmade, which gives it the luxury label. Although the material might not be entirely sustainable, I make a conscious effort not to waste clay. Broken pieces are recycled into new creations,” Bhagya emphasizes.
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The brand has been making waves globally. At Lakmé Fashion Week Finale in 2021, Bollywood actress Ananya Panday walked the ramp donning Coloured Ears for the clothing brand Bodice. Additionally, Bhagya’s creations have been showcased by models presenting designs by Pankaj and Nidhi at the same event. Her work reached international recognition during New York Pride in 2023, when designer Mayyur Girotra included her jewelry in his collection, an exhilarating project for Bhagya.
Coloured Ears’ journey has brought Bhagya into the orbit of many admired personalities. During a show in Chennai, writer and performer Alok V Menon showcased her jewelry on stage, reflecting the brand’s cultural resonance. Bhagya is also brimming with excitement about custom-making jewelry for actor Alia Bhatt for an upcoming ad campaign.
March saw Bhagya displaying her intricate pieces at Cluster London’s contemporary jewellery art fair, bringing together designers from across the globe. Hoping to expand her creative repertoire, Bhagya muses, “In a few years, I aim to introduce new categories—perhaps Coloured Necks and Hands, or even brooches.”
Art has always been a binding force in Bhagya’s life. Apart from Coloured Ears, she works as a consultant in the social sector, focusing on women and child rights and well-being. Her artistic expression permeates much of her professional work with women and children, bringing a uniquely creative perspective to social issues. Her line drawings are gaining recognition, finding their way into interior projects and private collections.
“I express myself at the intersection of different art forms—there is abstract jewellery, and abstract expression in my drawings. It’s heartening to see so many people supporting this journey,” Bhagya reflects.
Coloured Ears can be explored online at colouredears.com, and the brand’s vibrant journey can be followed on Instagram @colouredears, where prices for these unique pieces begin at ₹900. Whether you are a connoisseur of art or someone seeking distinctive, handcrafted jewelry, Coloured Ears offers a sustainable, luxurious, and inclusive option that is capturing the world’s attention, one pair of earrings at a time.
