Types of Jewellery
Antique Jewellery
The jewellery which is not in mainstream production and of which the mode of production is no longer popular is known by the name of ‘Antique Jewellery.’ This kind of jewellery has dull and rough look, combined with an old world charm, and this serves as the major USP of such jewellery. Oxidised in the modern industry passes for antique style jewellery and looks really great with traditional wear. Antique jewellery abroad can be Victorian or Edwardian styled jewellery which was extremely popular in the era and later died down but now has sprung back into action.
Bead Jewellery
Bead art in India is five thousand years old and dates back to the time of Indus Valley Civilization. People of that civilization used to make beads out of gold, silver, copper, clay, ivory and even wood. Beads have been of an important significance as well like black beads in the mangalsutra keep the evil at bay. Beads are woven and created into beautiful necklaces, bracelets and even long earrings and as there is a huge variety available in the market there can be a lot of experiments done on the jewellery creativity side. Beads are available in a variety of range.
Bridal Jewellery
Made of superior metals and excellent quality, jewellery accentuates the beauty of bride in multiples. Though these days silver and platinum jewellery is gaining popularity, gold jewellery still holds the most popularity among Indians. But as you move from country to country you will learn that bridal jewellery style and tradition changes from place to place. For eg. In India bridal jewellery means heavy studded jewellery that consists adorning from head to toe but abroad bridal jewellery means brooch, pendant and a bridal set which is different from Indian bridal set because it only consists of an engagement ring and a wedding ring.
Bespoke or Custom-made Jewellery
Custom-made jewellery is personalized jewellery this type of jewellery why the entire base of designers first came into existence. The more customer and business came into relationship. A customer gets to explain their needs, budget, requirement, occasion and the designer creates a piece keeping the above in mind and this kind of bespoke design has a personal touch to the jewellery. This happens particularly in cases where readymade jewellery does not match the taste of the person.
Fashion Jewellery
Fashion jewellery is also known as costume jewellery, mainly for the reason that it is not made of precious metals and stones, rather lighter and more flexible material in terms of quality and also value. Like brass, copper along with plating etc. Fashion jewellery is trend-conscious and keeps on changing as per changing needs. For e.g. H&M
Filigree Jewellery
Filigree is a delicate embellishment in which fine, pliable threads of precious metal are twisted or curled into a design and then soldered onto (or into) the jewellery. In my definition I like to call filigree the ancient way of quilling. Filigree work is done on silver and involves lots of precision and technicality, added with great amount of patience and an eye for minute details. Historically, filigree work was quite popular in countries like Egypt, Italy, and Spain. India’s history of filigree work goes back to early centuries. Filigree jewellery is very popular in Orissa.
Gold Jewellery
Gold is a metal that lures many. It gives the security against any financial crisis, because of its easy liquidity and is also used by women for adorning themselves. Traditionally, gold has been considered auspicious among Hindus and is regarded to be symbolic of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth.
Handmade Jewellery
Talking about jewellery manufacturing in India is as good as talking about handmade jewellery in India. A major chunk of jewellery in the country is made by independent craftsmen whether the jewellery is costume or fine. Traditionally also, a significant part of jewellery manufacturing has been handmade. A jewellery piece in India can be bulk manufactured but somethings like the intricate details of settings, enamelling need a skilled craftsman which is why every jewellery is handmade.
Ivory Jewellery
Jewellery that is made from the tusk of an elephant is called ivory jewellery. Importance of ivory jewellery can be guessed from the fact that in Gujarat, the bride receives an ivory bangle from her family just before marriage as jewellery. During marriage ceremony wearing of ivory bangles used to be a must for brides. But over a period of time as hunting become forbidden by law, ivory selling is illegal now and the ivory bangles are not replaces with white plastic bangle.
Jadau Jewellery
Jadau jewellery has always been considered as the prized possession in our country. Jadau Jewellery forms one of the major examples of high skilled craftsmanship that was brought into India by Mughals. This kind of work is carried out of highly skilled craftsman of Rajasthan. Rajasthan is also the hub for jadau jewellery. It’s a traditional technique of embedding diamonds, pearls, rubies or emeralds into gold. Kundan jewellery is made from gold with a core of wax. Gold used for this kind of jewellery is highly refined it involves 24k, 22k gold. Kundan jewellery is also the brides favourite kind of jewellery to wear. Kundan jewellery has had a legacy of 2,500 years. The art of making kundan is known as jadau.
Meenakari Jewellery
Enameling is the ancient art of melting powdered glass onto metal. Meenakari jewellery was initially used as a technique to be used on the back of polki/jadau jewellery. Later it became a design of its own. The design basically contained vibrant colours like blue, red, green etc and were filled into motifs of flora and fauna. Primarily this kind of craftsmanship you will find in Delhi, Rajasthan and Banaras.
Navratna Jewellery
In Navratna jewellery, nine auspicious stones are used in a single ornament. The belief behind this is that the nine stones together ensure well-being of the person who wears it. In India, Navratna jewellery has been given major importance, because of its astrological significance as well as its innate charm. But historically seen Navratna was not only considered auspicious in India but also in other parts of Asia like Thailand, the Navaratna is officially recognised as a national and royal symbol of the king.
Silver Jewellery
Silver Jewellery along with gold jewellery is quite popular amongst Indian women. Ornaments made of silver such as rings, bracelets, chains, necklaces, nose rings, earrings, toe rings, heavy kadas, and armlets, form integral part of Indian jewellery. Silver is also a popular metal in places that have hot weather so silver is worn on the body to equalise the body and weather temperature.
Temple Jewellery
Ethnic jewellery of South of India. It’s also a jewellery type that uses a lot of spiritual symbols like sculptures of gods and goddesses. It was originally made with gold and precious stones but now with growing demand but decreasing the investment level people have started buying other materials made temple jewellery. The intricacy of this type of jewellery is so very precise and antique that every south Indian bride would have one piece of temple jewellery on her in every ceremony.
Tribal Jewellery
Tribal jewellery in India is quite rich. Each tribe has kept its unique style of jewellery intact even now. The original format of jewellery design has been preserved by ethnic tribes. Jewellery that is made of bone, wood, clay, shells and crude metal by tribals is not only attractive, but also holds a distinct rustic charm. This kind of jewellery also talks about each tribe and the areas that they live in and speak of the supplies they receive. Tribal jewellery is very unique is shows very creative ways of jewellery making.
