The Scintillating Jewellery Of India

They say, “Jewellery is the most transformative thing you can wear” and you know they are not wrong! Every piece of jewellery tells a story and in our culture, stories date back to at least five thousand years. One simply cannot separate jewellery and Indian women.

Having a love for both traditional and modern jewellery, our streets are adorned with plethora of jewellery shops displaying the uniqueness of design and the captivating workmanship reflected in the most desirous of jewellery pieces.

Here's a list of most enchanting of jewellery we embellish ourselves with:
1. Kundan

Emerging from royal courts, Kundan jewellery is the most worn when it comes to carrying on a royal look. They are huge and exude a magnificent look when put on. They compliment the looks best when worn with Indian, ethnic dresses.

2. Navratna

The nine gems with Ruby in the centre is most majestically arranged into a grand piece of jewellery. The Ruby in the centre stands for the sun in order to create magic. A symbol of Indian heritage, Navratna jewellery has been enchanting women and especially brides for centuries.

3. Jadau- Old style Chokars

Jadau is the embellished crown for a woman’s neck! They require intricate, manual designing and superb craftsmanship to be produced in the most flawless of manners. Somewhere lost over the years, chokars are again back in fashion and are here to remain for good. Full of grandeur themselves, they go best with low-cut gowns and plain sarees.

4. Floral

Breaking the monotony of gold and diamond, wearing floral neckpieces, head-crows, anklets and earrings is the herald of new fashion sense. Both bride and her bridemaids can be seen flaunting floral jewellery pieces. While they are light and provide a fresh, modern look, the history of floral jewellery can be traced back to Hindu mythological tales where apsaras and princesses often adorned themselves with them.

5. Lac Jewellery

Hailing from Rajasthan, this art form of jewellery has a prophecy attached to its name. In olden days, people from Rajasthan believed that wearing lac jewellery brought good fortune. Today, this special jewellery is amking a roar even in international markets. It's bright colour glass bangles and designs of beady neckpieces are most exported items.

6. Sterling Silver

They say, “Diamonds are a woman’s best friend.” We are sure many women out there would prefer adorning silver jewellery over gold and diamonds. After all, the vintage look it offers can turn around any head. Coupled with block print sarees or even modern dresses like tees and jeans, silver jewellery transforms you into the flamboyant goddess.

7. Pachchikam

Pachchikam jewellery often resembles Kundan but they are cheaper in price. Providing an exquisite look, this art form originates from Gujarat and Kutch. During the 16th Century, even European women wore Pachchikam jewellery. A symbol of Indian heritage, this style of jewellery has once again made its way into contemporary fashion world and has us all drooling over its colours and designs once again.

8. Tribal jewellery

The list of most striking Indian jewellery would sure remain incomplete without mention of tribal jewellery. India is a land of diverse culture and every tribe has its own symbols of recognition. Made of bones, clay, stones, wood, shells and metals, tribal jewellery with their funky, eclectic and antique design add to this diversity and cultural heritage.

No woman ever said that she had enough jewellery? So, are you heading to the markets now?