Indian jewellery

Indian jewellery is incredibly diverse and rich in history and cultural significance. It encompasses a wide array of styles, techniques, and materials, varying significantly across different regions of India. To give you a good overview, let's explore some key aspects: Indian jewellerypearl jewellery setKundan jewellerycopper jewellerysilver choker jewellerymen's jewellerypom jewellery

• Materials: Gold is highly auspicious and widely used, often in 22k or 24k purity. Silver is also common, particularly for tribal jewellery and certain techniques like Pachchikam. Precious and semi-precious gemstones like diamonds (both cut and uncut, known as Polki), rubies, emeralds, sapphires, pearls, and various coloured stones are integral. Lacquer, glass, and beads are also used in specific regional styles.
• Techniques:
  • Kundan: This involves setting carefully shaped uncut diamonds or other gemstones in a gold foil, creating an opulent look. It originated in the royal courts of Rajasthan.
  • Meenakari: This is the art of enamelling or colouring the surface of metal, often gold or silver, with intricate and vibrant designs. Rajasthan is also famous for this art.
  • Jadau: This technique involves embedding precious and semi-precious stones into molten gold, creating a three-dimensional effect.
  • Polki: Similar to Kundan, but it specifically uses uncut, unpolished diamonds, giving the jewellery a raw and antique charm.
  • Temple Jewellery: Originating in South India, this style is inspired by temple architecture and deities, featuring intricate carvings of gods and goddesses, often in heavy gold.
  • Filigree: This delicate metalwork involves twisting fine threads of gold or silver into intricate patterns.
  • Pachchikam: Traditionally from Gujarat, this involves setting uncut stones and glass in silver, often with a more rustic and earthy feel.
  • Navratna: Jewellery featuring nine specific gemstones, each associated with one of the nine celestial bodies in Indian astrology, believed to bring good luck and protection.
• Types of Jewellery:
  • Necklaces: From delicate chains to elaborate bridal haars (long necklaces) and chokers. Regional variations include the hasli (collar necklace) and multi-layered necklaces. Mangalsutra is a significant necklace worn by married women.
  • Earrings: Jhumkas (bell-shaped dangling earrings), chandbalis (crescent moon-shaped earrings), balis (hoops), studs, and elaborate bridal earrings.
  • Bangles and Bracelets: Made of gold, silver, lac, or glass, bangles are an essential part of Indian adornment. Kadas are heavier, often ornate bracelets. Hathphool are hand ornaments that cover the back of the hand and fingers. Bajuband are armlets worn on the biceps.
  • Rings: Varying from simple bands to elaborate gemstone-studded designs.
  • Head Ornaments: Maang Tikka (forehead pendant), Maang Patti (broader forehead band), and Jhoomar or Passa (a fan-shaped ornament worn on the side of the head, popular in Mughal-influenced styles).
  • Nose Ornaments: Nath (nose ring), often a significant piece of bridal jewellery, and nose studs.
  • Waist Belts: Kamarbandh or Odiyanam are worn around the waist.
  • Anklets: Payals are worn on the ankles, sometimes with small bells.
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Modern Indian Jewellery:

• Contemporary Indian jewellery often blends traditional motifs and techniques with modern aesthetics and materials.
• Designers are experimenting with lighter, more wearable pieces that appeal to a global audience.
• You can find minimalist designs incorporating traditional elements, as well as bold statement pieces.
• New materials and combinations are being explored, while still honouring the rich heritage of Indian craftsmanship.
• Many modern designers focus on creating versatile pieces that can be paired with both Indian and Western attire.

Famous Indian Jewellery Designers (as of May 16, 2025):

• Sabyasachi Mukherjee: Known for his heritage jewellery that revives and reinterprets traditional Indian crafts like Jadau and Bengal filigree.
• Farah Khan Ali: Famous for her dramatic and detailed high jewellery designs.
• Sunita Shekhawat: Renowned for her exquisite Meenakari work.
• Bina Goenka: Known for her unique and sculptural jewellery creations.
• Amrapali Jewels: Celebrated for bringing tribal and heritage jewellery into the mainstream.
• Manish Arora: While primarily a fashion designer, his jewellery collaborations often feature bold colours and unique aesthetics.
• Suhani Pittie: Known for her contemporary and inventive jewellery designs.
• Neelam Kothari: Former actress who designs handcrafted jewellery.

When you're looking for Indian jewellery, consider the occasion, your personal style, and the specific techniques or gemstones that appeal to you. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of traditional designs or the contemporary flair of modern interpretations, Indian jewellery offers a stunning variety to choose from. Hiron Store