India is known for its rich cultural heritage, and one of the most significant aspects of this heritage is its traditional jewellery. Jewellery has been an integral part of Indian culture and society for centuries, and each region has its unique style and design. Here are some of the traditional jewellery types of India:
- Kundan jewellery– Kundan jewellery is a traditional form of jewellery that originated in the royal courts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. It is made by setting uncut diamonds or other precious stones in a gold or silver base. The stones are held in place with a lacquer called “kundan,” which gives the jewellery its name.
- Meenakari jewellery– Meenakari jewellery is another traditional form of jewellery that originated in Rajasthan. It involves painting the surface of gold or silver jewellery with enamel in bright colours. The designs are usually intricate and depict traditional motifs and patterns.
- Temple Jewellery– Temple jewellery is a type of jewellery that is traditionally worn by classical dancers and brides in South India. It is made of gold and is characterized by intricate designs of deities, flowers, and other traditional motifs. The jewellery is often studded with precious and semi-precious stones and is known for its grandeur and beauty.
- Jadau Jewellery– Jadau jewellery is a type of jewellery that originated in the Mughal era and is still popular in Rajasthan and other parts of North India. It involves embedding uncut diamonds or other precious stones in a gold base using a technique called “kundan.” The jewellery is known for its intricate designs and use of vibrant colours.
- Polki jewellery– Polki jewellery is a type of jewellery that is similar to Kundan jewellery. However, instead of using uncut diamonds, it uses flat diamonds that have been mined from the earth. The diamonds are set in a gold base using the Kundan technique and are known for their natural and raw appearance.
- Thewa jewellery– Thewa jewellery is a type of jewellery that originated in Rajasthan and involves fusing a thin layer of 23k gold on glass. The designs are intricate and depict traditional motifs and patterns. The jewellery is known for its vibrant colours and unique style.
This is just a small list of traditional jewellery in India. India is way too vast and diverse to be covered in one blog or article.
In conclusion, traditional Indian jewellery is a reflection of the country’s rich cultural heritage and is known for its intricate designs, use of precious and semi-precious stones, and unique techniques. Each type of jewellery has its unique style and significance and is still widely worn and appreciated by people across the country.
