A soft curtain of mist settled over the horizon. It was nearly dusk but not quite; Aparajita let out a content sigh as she leisurely witnessed the slow burn of day giving way to night from her balcony. Soon it will be time for a much-awaited music festival that has been in the works for months. Folk music artists from all over the country are coming together on one stage, and Aparajita is the chief organiser.

It’s a big night, and all eyes are going to be on her. Keeping that in mind, Aparajita chose a slinky green number that made her golden skin glisten and brown eyes pop. That aside, it’s her choice of tribal silver jewellery that truly stole the show!

An ardent lover of traditional tribal silver pieces, Aparajita has been a passionate collector for years. Scouring antique shops in Dhaka New Market, Tantibazar silver market, flea markets in Turkey, and vintage stores in neighbouring countries, she has steadily added unique pieces to her collection that are one of a kind.

A woman of discerning taste, Aparajita chooses silver pieces that are more than just jewellery. They tell a story — of her life, her choices, her past, present and future. Her collection is remarkable, from an evil eye amulet armlet from Tibet meant to ward off bad luck to a Chinese silver filigree bracelet worn by noblewomen for fertility to a headpiece with coins and charms worn on the forehead by Baloch women in Pakistan.

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Generic things do not interest her at all. Her travels take her to far-flung, exotic destinations from where she finds lovely heritage pieces as well as personal ones that appeal only to collectors.

For tonight she chose a silver kaan bala worn by women of Chittagong hill tracts, and a fantastic choker with blue and pink meenakari worn by Banjaran women of Rajasthan.

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On her arms she wore chunky ghungroo bangles from Lucknow, and a large statement ring from Nepal.

A wild, wanton beauty enamoured her person, her silver jewels making her shine like a true star!

Purchasing silver: What buyers need to know

Tantibazar’s name carries its past. Once associated with weavers, the area evolved as Bengal’s textile economy declined. Historical accounts trace how gold and silver entered the region through trade tied to Muslin and silk. When that system weakened, many weaving families transitioned into jewellery-making.

Buying silver jewellery in Tantibazar, like all other jewellery hubs of the city, requires attention to detail.

When asked about the silver’s current general price per bhori, a silversmith replied, “Tk 5000 or more.” But this is not a fixed number. “There are categories here.”

Purity is the first distinction.

“Hallmarked silver carries a slightly higher price tag, often Tk 130 to 150 higher” than regular rates. Lower-purity silver contains alloys, which reduce both price and durability. “The ones that have alloys, the price decreases step by step.”

Appearance is another factor. “Silver is naturally white. It will turn black after you use it for a while,” he explains. “Tarnishing is not a flaw. It is a natural reaction.”

Making charges adds another layer. These are rarely fixed. They depend on design complexity, labour, and negotiation. In a market like Tantibazar, where pricing is fluid, it responds to conversation as much as calculation!

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By Ayman Anika 

Model: Ila

Styling & Fashion Direction: Sonia Yeasmin Isha

Makeup & Hair: Sazzad Hossain Piash

Location: Studio Crane Dhaka

Light Gaffer: Selim Ahmed & Rakib