Jewellery Art of Rajasthan is a palatial mingling of illustrious craftsmanship, rich culture, and classic designs. The tradition of wearing jewellery has bloomed in Rajasthan from ancient times. A symbol of prosperity and delicacy, jewellery is an inextricable part of every Rajasthani women’s life.
Also read: Jewelry Bazaars Of Rajasthan – Be Clad In Gold & Silver This Diwali
Here is a sneak-peek inside the legacy and heirloom of the jewellery art of Rajasthan:
1. Lac Jewellery
Firstly, the striking colours of the Lac jewellery pose a stark difference against the backdrop of the desert of Rajasthan, where the art first flourished. Lac jewellery is an ornate assemblage of elements of absolute precision by adroit artisans. The art of making lacquered jewellery descends from generations of artisans to keep the heritage alive. Lac bangles are also a sacred symbol of marriage. They are worn with great pride by married women.
2. Gold Jewellery
Secondly, gold is the royal metal in Indian jewellery. Rajasthani gold jewellery is unique for its authentic designs and range of ornaments. There is a special piece to beautify each part of your body; from Borla (A head-pendant) to Nathni (Nose ring), from Surliya (Earrings) to Kanthi (Necklace), from Bajubandh (Armlet) to Bangdi (Bangles), the list goes on.
3. Thewa Jewellery
Thewa jewellery is an exquisite creation of glittering gold and glistening glass. The motifs also render the grandeur of Rajasthan and its culture through florid gold carvings. The process is dexterous and exceptionally detailed. It usually takes over a month to handcraft each ornament. The designs and pieces of this Rajasthani jewellery embody the essence royalty through its embellishments and regal lineage, stretched as far back as the Mughal era.
4. Tribal Jewellery
Tribal jewellery is also a splendid example of the cultural commitment that withstood centuries of change and now became one of the most sought-after trends. The silver jewellery worn by tribal women of Rajasthan is not only an adornment that enhances a woman’s beauty but it delineates a deeper cultural meaning. Madaliya (A type of necklace), Bhor (A forehead ornament), Hansuli (A neckpiece), Kada (Anklet) and Bichuwa (Toe rings) are customarily of Tribal women.
5. Meenakari Jewellery
Meenakari jewellery is primarily an elaborate depiction of natural vistas through intricate engravings and use of vibrant colours. Furrows are made in metallic base (usually gold or silver). Then colours are added to each segment separately. Next, each section is fired discretely to evenly spread the colour across its shape. Also, the portrayal of sceneries and blossoms in the design makes it an exemplary choice for festive seasons and celebrations.
6. Kundan Jewellery
With a glorious legacy of over 2500 years, Kundan jewellery is one of the oldest forms of jewellery. The jewellery is also the purest gold, which is very delicate. Hence, lac is at the core to strengthen the ornament. The technique of making Kundan jewellery is known as Jadau. The most admired motifs in Kundan jewellery are flowers, scenes from nature, and architecture.
7. Rajputana Jewellery
Rajputana Jewellery is the style of jewellery previously worn by the royals of Rajasthan. The jewellery is in refined gold and embellished with precious stones. The heavy ornaments such as earrings or nose rings were supported with gold chains.
8. Polki Jewellery
Crafted with uncut diamonds, Polki is one of the finest forms of jewellery. The diamonds used in making Polki Jewellery are mined naturally and are also free from lab processing. Then, the rustic diamonds are implanted on a gold foil with polished diamonds to reflect light.
9. Ivory Jewellery
Wearing Ivory bangles is an aged tradition for married women in Rajasthan. In Rajasthani tribes, married women wear Ivory bangles all through their married lives. A belief also said that the set of 52 bangles (17 in the upper arm and 9 in the lower arm of each hand) kept the evil eye away and eased labour pain. Due to new regulations against the use of Ivory, cheaper plastic bangles have replaced the Ivory ones.
10. Textile Ornamentation
Last but not the least, the garbs of kings and queens were magnificently embroidered with gold and silver threads. These adorned with flamboyant patterns. Royal attires, regalia, and swords embedded precious and semi-precious stones into them. The bridal dresses still sport the textile ornamentation trend.
The jewellery art of Rajasthan is not only an exhibit of exceptional beauty but of the royal heritage, the state of Rajasthan stands for. Rajasthan is also a vast continuum of regality and Rajasthani jewellery is an Art that upholds its grandeur and glory.
Follow Rajasthan Studio on Instagram for more amazing art and travel content. Reach out to us on email at contact[at]rajasthanstudio[dot]com. This blog is curated by Rajasthan Studio and written by Richa Bhide.
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