Indian jewellery has been integral to the country’s rich culture and heritage for centuries. The sheer variety of styles, designs, and techniques in traditional Indian jewellery is a testament to the artistic prowess of Indian craftsmen. From intricate gold work to elaborate stone settings, each piece of traditional Indian jewellery tells a unique story of the place it comes from and the people who made it.
This article will explore some of the most popular types of traditional Indian jewellery and their unique characteristics.
1. Kundan Jewellery
Kundan is a form of traditional Indian jewellery that originated in the Mughal era. It is known for its elaborate and intricate designs that are created using a technique of setting semi-precious and precious stones in gold foil. The stones are placed in a frame of gold or silver, with a layer of lac used to hold them in place.
Kundan jewellery is popular for its vibrant colours and elaborate designs, using stones like rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds. Kundan jewellery is mostly worn on special occasions, like weddings and formal events.
2. Meenakari Jewellery
Meenakari is a form of traditional Indian jewellery that originated in the Rajputana era of Rajasthan. It involves using the enamel technique on gold or silver, where a design is etched on the metal surface and filled in with coloured enamel.
Meenakari jewellery is known for its intricate designs and use of vibrant colours. It is mostly found in necklaces, earrings, and bangles, with intricate designs and elaborate patterns.
3. Jadau Jewellery
Jadau is a traditional Indian jewellery that originated in the Mughal era. It involves setting semi-precious and precious stones in gold, with the help of a technique that involves heating the gold to form a frame and embedding the stones in it.
Jadau jewellery is known for its elaborate designs and intricate craftsmanship, with the use of precious stones like diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. Jadau jewellery is mostly worn on special occasions like weddings and formal events.
4. Temple Jewellery
Temple jewellery is a form of traditional Indian jewellery that originated in South India. It was originally made to adorn temple idols, but over time, it became popular among the people.
Temple jewellery is known for its intricate designs and use of gold and precious stones. It is mostly found in the form of necklaces, earrings, and bangles, with elaborate designs and motifs that reflect the traditional beliefs and practices of the region.
5. Polki Jewellery
Polki is a form of traditional Indian jewellery made by setting uncut diamonds in gold. It originated in the Mughal era and is known for its natural, rustic look and vintage charm.
Polki jewellery is mostly found in the form of necklaces, earrings, and bangles, with elaborate designs that reflect the traditional beliefs and practices of the region.
6. Navratna Jewellery
Navratna is a form of traditional Indian jewellery that involves setting nine different types of stones in a single piece of jewellery. It is believed to bring good luck and fortune to the wearer.
Navratna jewellery is known for its intricate designs and use of precious stones like diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. It is mostly found in the form of necklaces, earrings, and bangles, with elaborate designs that reflect the traditional beliefs and practices of the region.
In conclusion, traditional Indian jewellery is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India. The variety of styles and designs in Indian jewellery is a reflection of the artistic skill and craftsmanship of Indian artisans. Each piece of traditional Indian jewellery is unique and tells a story of its place of origin and the people who created it. From Kundan to Meenakari, Jadau to Polki, and Navratna, traditional Indian jewellery is a celebration of the vibrant and diverse culture of India. These jewellery forms have evolved over centuries and are still highly valued and cherished today, as they continue to adorn women on special occasions and add to their beauty and elegance.
