Evolution Of Indian Jewellery

Pulse

oi-Asha

By Asha Das

Tuesday, April 21, 2015, 15:10 [IST]

Jewellery is always considered as a part of the Indian custom and tradition, no matter how modern we are! Knowing the evolution of India jewellery is as interesting as knowing the history of our country.

It is more than a piece of ornament when we come to know about the history and evolution of the extraction, designing and techniques.

There are many sources that will help us know about the evolution of Indian jewellery. It is clear that jewellery has been classified into different categories based on the type of the materials used and the design peculiarities.

What Kind Of Jewelry Suits Your Neck?

Common materials that are used to make jewellery are gold, silver, emeralds, diamonds, pearls and other precious stones.

History of Indian jewellery is also closely associated with the various religions that were in practice. There are specific jewellery types that are particular for different religious followers.

Being a country with diverse cultural heritage, there are many regional differences also while we consider the evolution of Indian jewellery.

Jewellery was also a representation of the dignity, power and prestige among the rulers. Here we may go through some of the types of Indian jewellery's that became part of our history.

Temple Jewellery
Temple jewellery are dull and rough looking jewellery, which will help us to know about the culture of each period of history, when it was the most popular type.

The main focus of these jewellery making is on the ethnic design, stones, metal and expert workmanship. These were used by women who performed various temple art and dance forms.

Bead Jewellery
Beaded jewellery is almost five thousand year old back to Indus Valley Civilization. It is commonly used with beads made of gold, silver, copper, clay, ivory and wood. They were made according to the prestige of the people who are wearing it. India was also famous for the glass beads of Banaras.

Jadau Jewellery
Jadau Jewellery or engraved jewellery is a part of Mughal culture. This is made using gold with stones, gems, crystals and beads are embedded it.

This also uses polki or vilandi diamonds. Jadau is also considered as antique jewellery, which is an important part of the history of Indian jewellery.

Royal Jewellery
The study of evolution of Indian jewellery used by the royal category will let us know about the costly and special types of materials and techniques used in the jewellery making. Also, it will tell us know about the cultural inheritance.

Minakari Jewellery
Minakari jewellery is one of the most interesting types while going through the history of Indian jewellery. This is based on enameling technique using gems, enamel pigments and precious stones. The designs include flowers, plants, birds and animal forms.

Navaratna Jewellery
Navaratna jewellery is made of nine gems and it was commonly used by emperors. This includes diamond, pearl, sapphire, cat’s eye, coral, emerald, topaz, ruby and hyacinth. Astrology represents the unity of universe with this.

Next time, before you wear your favourite jewellery, just think of the history behind the design. Knowing the evolution of Indian jewellery is more like knowing ourselves; our culture, heritage and evolution.