Indian Jewelry Information
Jewelry is an integral part of Indian culture and lifestyle; its history reaches back 5,000 years. India is a land rich with gemstones, gold and silver. The Indian people took advantage of this to make beautiful, intricate pieces that are worn on the hands, feet, neck and even hair. Different regions of India have produced different styles of jewelry.
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History
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Throughout the millennia of Indian history, different regions and empires made their mark on Indian jewelry styles. Beads were first used in jewelry 5,000 years ago, in the Indus valley. Beads were made out of gold, silver, copper, clay, ivory and wood. Later, jewelry was made with crude stones and unpolished metals. Eventually cutting and polishing the stones and engraving their settings became commonplace. Rulers wore gold jewelry, resplendent with shine and color to mimic the gods. During the Mughal empire, precious stones were used in intricate settings.
Temple Jewelry
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Temple jewelry is modeled after the jewelry worn by statues that represented Hindu gods and goddesses. This type of jewelry was seen in temples where the statues were worshiped. These pieces are heavy and elaborate. Gods and goddesses wore bangles adorned with jewels, nose rings, anklets and earrings. Temple jewelry still adorns statues in modern-day India and the wearing of this jewelry (during special occasions) is still very popular.
Bridal Jewelry
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Bridal jewelry holds a special place in traditional Indian culture. This kind of jewelry is made with the finest metals and gemstones. Gold is still the preferred metal to use. Hindu brides displayed their dowry jewelry during the wedding ceremony, with rings on every finger, many necklaces, hair pieces, ankle bracelets and bangles. Jewelry served not only an aesthetic purpose but its value was part of the bride's dowry, given to her husband's family.
Styles
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Filigree jewelry is often made of silver and is made of thin wires that are bent and curled in intricate patterns. In Orissa, where filigree is a specialty, the jewelry is called "tarkashi" and the specific "Karim Nagar" style is known for complex designs and precision. Typically, animals and flowers are depicted in Orissa filigree work.
Kundan jewelry originated during the Mughal period. Kundan jewelry is desired for its overall appearance and the skill it takes to produce. A very specific step-by-step process executed by a team of specialized craftsmen creates these impressive pieces. Stones are set in a resin, or "lac," surrounded by sheets of precious metals and enameled on the reverse. This jewelry is made with silver, gold and precious stones.
Navratna Jewelry
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Navratna jewelry is based on astrology. There are nine stones embedded into each piece and each stone is representative of healing properties and a connection to one of the planets. This type of jewelry is thought to be a charm of sorts, that the nine stones working together will ensure the well-being of its wearer. The design of the pieces includes a setting that allows the stones to touch the skin and a specific weight is decided upon based on the wearer's astrological chart. The stones used are diamond, ruby, emerald, coral, pearl, sapphire, garnet, topaz and cat's eye.
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- Photo Credit statue image by Sid Viswakumar from Fotolia.com
