05 FEB ,2022   NAME   COMMENTS

The Rich History Of
Traditional Indian Jewellery

Prospered further with international trade. For over 2,000 years, India was the only supplier of all precious gems to the entire world. Golconda diamonds, Kashmiri sapphires, pearls from the Gulf of Mannar, we had them all. These were coveted and drew traders and jewel merchants from across the globe to India. For those in power, these gemstones were a solid statement of power, prosperity and prestige. That has now begun to be considered as social and economic security. As the nominal value of which will almost always appreciate, never depreciate.

Taking it from the top: Indus Valley Civilisation!

India started out by being the largest manufacturer and exporter of beads to the world. India was also home to the diamond and invented the diamond drill, which was then taught to the Romans.The craftsmen of the Indus Valley Civilisation used semi-precious material like carnelian, agate, turquoise, faience, steatite and feldspar, fashioning them into tubular or barrel shapes, decorating them with carvings, bands, dots and patterns, or setting them minutely with gold.

Going by the jewellery they made and wore, the ancient people of the Indus Valley Civilisation were an extremely sophisticated lot with a finely developed aesthetic sense, backed by intricate engineering skills. Take for instance the necklace excavated from Mohenjodaro now on display at the jewellery gallery of the National Museum in Delhi.

We have barely covered the tip of the iceberg. Watch out for how the Mughals and the temples of Southern India had an everlasting impact on our karigari.