Costume Jewelry

Elegant simplicity and superb craftsmanship characterize Indian jewelry. Kashmir brings to the world rings, chokers, bracelets and earrings made of blackened silver and polished brass, into which skilled craftsmen meticulously set semi-precious stones. Also available are tiger-stone, coral, turquoise, and jade in stained pink, amber and green, which reflect the beauty of the sunset, of flowers and trees of the valley of Kashmir. For ivory carving, tusks were mainly imported from East Africa to be carved into earrings, necklaces and bangles, until ivory trading was internationally banned in 1971. The miniature designs in ivory are, in a way, adaptations from the intricate tracery carved by Persian craftsmen in marble for the courts of the Mogul emperors. Rajasthan offers brightly colored lacquer bangles. Light and delicately chased, the bangles in their rainbow hues bring a dash of color. Other bangles have small beads and mirrors embedded in the lacquer, which sparkle with every turn of the wrist. India's coastal areas are known for a variety of silver articles from Maharashtra -- heavy pieces for those who fancy the spectacular -- and from Orissa dainty filigree in leaf, star and flower patterns. Delhi takes pride in its heavy silver bracelets, necklaces, rings and lockets with delicately etched traditional patterns including the paisley leaf, the lotus, the almond, and the mango. Andhra Pradesh is famous for its cuff-links, buttons, and earrings of silver inlaid in oxidized black metal.

See Also:

• History of Brooches and Pins-- What are pins and brooches from Utsavpedia Indian ethnic fashion
• Custom Pins and Lapel Pins -- Design your own inspirational personalized custom enamel pins
• Bangles of the Gonda Tribe -- Different types of bangles worn by the Gonds of Central India; includes pictures.
• Jewels of Mysore Maharaja -- Pictures of historical jewelry that show the glory of former kings of Mysore.