Jewelry and Indian Tradition

Jewelry has been part of the Indian civilization since ancient history. Indian Jewelry is the most ethnic form of Jewelry and has an innately oriental aura.The traditional art of India suggest a richness and profusion in the Jewelry worn by both men and women during those times.Earlier, it had a massive quantity to it but the workmanship was coarse. Ornaments made of gold, silver, copper, ivory, pottery and beads have been discovered in civilizations as ancient as the Harappa and Mohanjodaro. One of the first to start Jewelry making were the peoples of the Indus Valley Civilization. One of the most known figurines is perhaps the `dancing girl` (in bronze) wearing a necklace and a series of bangles almost covering one arm. Women wore girdles, earrings and anklets. Ornaments were made of gold, silver, copper, ivory, precious and semi-precious stones, bones and shells etc. Other pieces that women frequently wore were thin bands of gold that would be worn on the forehead, earrings, primitive brooches, chokers and gold rings.

India is a country with timeless traditions and festivals. Numerous celebrations and occasions demand that both men and women be decked in their finest of clothes and Jewelry. In line with past traditions and present customs, genuine and authentic Jewelry is the norm amongst the various Indian castes and communities.

It is a well known fact that Jewelry forms a vital part of the ‘solaha sringar’ or sixteen adornments for the Indian woman. In keeping in line with the past traditions, Jewelry has become a significant element of both festive and regular wear for people. Many women wear Jewelry during religious occasions such as Diwali, Holi, Dhan Teras, and Laxmi Puja, since it is considered extremely auspicious to wear them.

Jewelry has a different meaning in India. Indian Jewelry is not merely an artifact or accessory but also the measure of a person's wealth and prestige in the society.

Besides the traditional forms of Jewelry there is the stylish fashion Jewelry which is an emerging concept in accessories. Womens Jewelry has a wide miscellany based on the metal and embellishments like gemstones etc. Emerald, pearl, corals and other precious stones are generally used in Indian Jewelry for women.The most widely seen womens Jewelry includes those made from pearl. They may be made more attractive with precious stones like rubies, and garnets. This is seen in Kundan Jewelry and authentic Rajasthani Jewelry.

Diamond Jewelry

Diamond Jewelry made out of 18K gold is yet another favorite in India. In addition to this, there is diamond studded platinum Jewelry which is not just exquisite but has a classy touch to it. Platinum bands for men, finger ring and neck chain constitute mens Jewelry in platinum.

Jewelry has become a vital element in everyone’s life. Men, women and even kids love to wear Jewelry articles all the time. Wearing Jewelry is the demand of modern fashion. A few years back Jewelry was used only on special occasions like weddings, engagements and other formal parties and it was associated with the brides and married girls only. But nowadays it is worn casually as well as formally and everyone likes to wear beautiful and elegant Jewelry items. Trendy and stylish Jewelry is in fashion these days. The gems and Jewelry industry has been growing rapidly and has become one of the most profitable industries of the world.

The industry of Jewelry has flourished in the past few years due to the increased demand of fashionable Jewelry. The export and import of Jewelry has also amplified. People nowadays have a passion for Jewelry which accounts for the growth of this industry all over the world. Jewelry is used for fashion as well as decoration. In the past Jewelry was used to adorn bible monuments and other decorations were made using different pieces of valuable jewels. A wide variety of Jewelry is available; costume Jewelry, fashion Jewelry, body Jewelry, antique Jewelry, traditional Jewelry, modern Jewelry and many more.

Passion of Indian art, antique-decorative, religious and jewelry

Indian Jewelry industry is a highly regarded industry and earns huge profits through the Jewelry exports all over the world. Skillful craftsmen of India make intricate designs of Jewelry using gold, silver and other metals. Indian diamond Jewelry is also wonderful. Antique Jewelry, costume Jewelry, body Jewelry, temple Jewelry, Meenakari and Kundan Jewelry are some of the famous Indian Jewelry categories. Indian bridal collection includes a tremendous range of Jewelry articles for the brides and the grooms to make their grand day more interesting and charming.

India is known for its art, workmanship and craft. Indian Jewelry is famous all over the globe and it is so appealing and admirable that everybody wants to have Indian pieces in their Jewelry collection. A diverse range of exquisite designs is available by Jewelry industry of India. You can have gold Jewelry, stones Jewelry, diamond Jewelry as well as artificial Jewelry. India’s artificial Jewelry is also very popular and it is the choice of many unmarried as well as married girls. Gold imitations are easily available from Indian industry that look as beautiful and gorgeous just like real gold Jewelry.

Jewelry of Indian industry brings to mind fascinating articles with a traditional touch and timeless beauty and elegance. The beginning of Jewelry in India started 100 years ago and in early times Indians used to wear Jewelry made of shells and turquoise. Jewelry was deemed to be an investment by the Indian people and the rulers used Jewelry to show off their power and prestige. In India different styles are related to different regions like; Delhi is famous for its Kundan Jewelry, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh makes filigree silver jewels, Jaipur is famous for meenakari and enamel art, and beautiful silver beads are found in Rajasthan, Gujarat and other areas of India.

Costume and body Jewelry of India is also very famous and different materials are used to make intricate designs. Materials used for costume jewels include plastic, glass and metals. Antique Jewelry from India is also top rated Jewelry. The fancy and inspirational antique Jewelry is a unique work of ancient art with trendy styles. Antique jewels can be very expensive due to the history attached to them and people love to buy antique pieces as they are fabulous and unique work of historical art. Wearing antique Jewelry is a status symbol also. Antique Jewelry traveling through history and time has maintained its beauty, charm and exquisiteness.

Indian Jewelry is a rage all over the world. The traditional and classical Jewelry of India is known as Temple Jewelry. Temple Jewelry usually consists of red and green stones studded in handcrafted gold ornaments. These items of temple Jewelry are very expensive due to the complicated hand work done by the craftsmen. Temple Jewelry is associated with the dancers. Meenakari Jewelry, transformation of Shah Jahan's aesthetic vision to an art, is another famous category of Indian jewels. This Jewelry is the Jewelry of Mughals and it includes enameling precious gems and stones. Floral designs, animal and plant motifs were used in these types of jewels.

Kundan Jewelry of India is so terrific and stunning that there is no match to it. The specialty of Indian Jewelry is the beautiful bindis and panjas. You can find new and unique designs of bindis and panjas that are only available in Indian collection. Bindi is an essential item of Jewelry for married Indian women. Other Jewelry articles like bangles, rings, necklaces, chokers and earrings from India includes dazzling and breathtaking designs which are beautifully crafted by the Indian craftsmen.

There has always been great passion for Indian art and antique- decorative, religious or jeweled. The contemporary Indian art was generating a lot of interest but Indian antique pieces were still an international favorite, having stood the test of time.

Significance of Indian Jewelry

Indians have been using jewelry for adornment since centuries. The significance of jewelry in the country is evident from the fact that on many auspicious occasions, jewelry forms a part of gifts. Though the trend of men adoring themselves has now faded away, many of them still use earrings, bracelets, pedants, etc. However, it is the Indian women for whom jewelry holds utmost significance. In India, jewelry is considered auspicious for women. Even poorest of poor women will have some kind of jewelry with them.

Jewelry design is so versatile in India that it varies from state to state. If some jewelry is so much popular in one state, it might not necessarily be popular in another state. However, some basic jewelry is common among all the women across India. Bridal jewelry like Maangtika, Earrings, Nose rings, Necklace, Mangalsutra, Bangles, etc.. make up basic jewelry which adorn women in India. Incidentally, even today, gold is the metal most widely used for bridal ornaments and over the last decade, these are increasingly being studded with diamonds.

A quick tip for cruise passengers

The other evening I went down to the cruise ship dock to meet a friend who was coming through Victoria at the end of an Alaskan cruise. While I was waiting, I watched the passengers file off and be directed to waiting tour buses and horse-drawn trams.
A couple of people asked the guy in charge how to walk to downtown. "You can't walk there," he told them. "You have to take a shuttle."
Wrong.
It's a pleasant walk to downtown from Ogden Point, where the cruise ships come in. I'd estimate it takes about 15 minutes, and you get to see a nice slice of Victoria you might miss otherwise.
When you come out of customs, ignore the guy directing people to the buses and turn left. When you get to the road (Dallas Drive), turn left again and keep walking. Before you know it, you'll be in the heart of the Inner Harbour.
Of course, if you'd like to take a bus to Butchart Gardens or enjoy a horse-drawn tour of Victoria, by all means do so. But don't let anyone tell you you can't walk to downtown from Ogden Point. Just a little inside knowledge to help you enjoy your stay.