Jewellery has always been a part of human lives and has witnessed evolution in great measures. From stone and shell jewellery to metal jewellery, pearls, precious and semi-precious gemstones, it has been through a long journey of metamorphosis.
In India, with roots of jewellery traced back to over 5000 years to the Indus Valley Civilisation, jewellery back then was created with less refined technique than today. Since those days, India has been a spectator to rise and fall of various kingdoms from around the world and has developed many distinct styles and techniques to craft notable and unique jewellery. Using copper, iron, gold, silver, platinum, pearls, various gemstones, the workmanship we have developed today is diverse and unmatched.
However, Jewellery in our country represents more than just ornaments worn for any occasion but is an integral part of our culture for thousands of years. As profound and varied our culture and traditions are, equally rich and diverse is our range of jewellery. The huge geographical landscape of the country implies distinct styles of jewellery created by distinct groups of people suitable to their region.
Each style, exhibiting refined craftsmanship and representing elegance of respective region, Indian jewellery is known for being elaborate, detailed, intricate and colourful. Below are some of the traditional styles of jewellery popular in India.
Types of Indian Jewellery
We have already established that there are many types of Indian jewellery, each type depicting a unique culture and traditions. Here we outline some of the traditional Indian ornaments that are meticulously designed and deserve to be a part of your collection.
1. Kundan Jewellery/Kundankari
One of the most popular types of Indian traditional jewellery, kundankari refers to a type of gemstone jewellery where highly refined gold is combined with precious or semi-precious gemstones to create intricate and elaborate pieces of art. Literally translating to “pure gold”, kundan art is said to have originated in the royal courts of Gujarat and Rajasthan and extremely popular with the royal families of North India.
What makes kundan ornaments exquisite is the layer upon layer of stones and metal that are combined to form distinct patterns. Each piece of stone is mounted in its own metal foil that frames it, highlights its shape, and outlines each stone individually in the design. On the rear side, kundan jewellery is usually enamelled using Meenakari art that can piece reversible. Today, kundan jewellery is usually bride’s favourite and is worn by wedding guests or for other such celebrations. In fact, to give it a contemporary twist, this kundankari art is also well stylised with modern clothing to give a chic look.
2. Meenakari Jewellery
Meenakari jewellery is known for its bright and vivid colours with smooth polished look. A very poplar jewellery style in North India, it originated from the land of Rajasthan. Introduced by Raja Man Singh of Jaipur, he patronised the art, enabling it to thrive since 16th century. This art of jewellery making features grooves and engravings coated with coloured enamel and is usually paired with diamonds, pearls and other coloured gemstones. Meenakari art on kundan jewellery is one of the most sought after styles.
3. Polki Jewellery
Polki Jewellery is created with uncut, rough diamond paired with other gemstones and set in gold. The diamonds are not polished to provide the usual sparkle but left as it is in its raw form that gives polka jewellery a unique appearance. When designed properly, polki is one of the most elegant pieces of jewellery that offers a royal look to any attire. Often passed down through generations as precious heirloom, Polki jewellery is usually expensive depending upon the size of polka itself. Similar to kundan, most polka jewelley features Meenakari work on the underside, making it reversible jewellery.
4. Pachchikam Jewellery
Set over a silver metal base, Pachchikam jewellery involves intricate stonework using uncut diamonds and semi-precious stones. Once highly preferred by European royalty during 16th century, this artwork was first crafted in Kutch region of Gujarat. Deriving its name from a Guajarati word “Pachchigar” translating to goldsmith, Pachchikam Jewellery resembles to Kundan ornaments but with more fragile and rustic look.
It is a traditional jewellery art created using soft metals usually platinum or now silver. Ideal for a vintage look, the ornaments such as rings, anklets, bangles, jhumkis, trinkets, pendants etc featuring this art are more affordable.
5. Jali Jewellery
Jali jewellery features delicate metalwork exhibiting intricate metal filigree and mesh. The technique of crafting this jewellery type focus on metal instead of gemstones and in creating intricate laced patterns on metal. Each piece of jali jewellery is an art, which requires a design being drawn on the metal surface and then cut out with the help of small saw. The metal surface is then polished to be shiny and radiant. The technique is labour intensive and time consuming, however the outcome is worth the effort.
6. Tarakashi Jewellery
The art of Tarakashi is a modified version of Green Filigree work developed in late 1500s in Orissa. The jewellery crafted from this art characterises intricate work of flora and fauna in fine silver wire. Inspired from nature, the jewellery exhibits a unique blend of utility and beauty. Usually, a charka or spinning wheel was used to create pendants, necklaces, hoops and brooches. However, with changing trends many other ornaments including toe rings, hairpins, anklets, and rings are becoming highly popular owing to the exclusive antique design.
Jagan Nath Jewellers, the best jewellery shop near me and jewellery designers in Bhiwani offers an array of unique and exquisite jewellery designs that defines elegance and flair with perfection. From beautiful Meenakari Jewellery and stunning gold ornaments to beguiling kundan jewellery, the collection is simply awe-inspiring. Leading the legacy of JaganNath Saraf, each piece of jewellery at JNML Saraf is assured with premium quality and refinement. To browse our latest collection, search the nearest branch with jewellery stores near me in Bhiwani.