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Traditional Indian Silver Jewellery: An Overview | South Indian Jewels

Indian subcontinent is blessed with skilled artisans and crafts. The traditional Indian silver jewellery designs vouch for the beauty and mesmerizing allure of the craft.


Explore the wonders of traditional silver jewellery designs from different parts of India.




List of Traditional Indian Silver Jewellery


Rajasthani Silver Jewellery


Rajasthani silver jewellery is made from 925 silver and adorned with intricate designs and intricate 

patterns. Designs and patterns of Rajasthani Silver Jewellery are heavily influenced by nature and 

Rajasthan's rich culture - flowers, birds, animals, palaces, etc. The elaborate designs and motifs are 

the hallmark of Rajasthani silver jewellery.  



The jewellery is made using traditional techniques including hand-beating and handcrafting. This jewellery-making tradition has been passed down through generations and is an integral part of the region's cultural heritage. 


Among the popular jewellery items in the region are jewellery sets, aads, armlets, tassels, haslis, gokhroos, churipatlas, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, anklets, nose pins, hathphools, nathnis, sheeshphools, toe rings, and mehri, Rakhdi, Nath. Known for its exquisite designs and intricate workmanship, Rajasthani silver jewellery is extremely valuable and prized. 




You can find beautiful and exquisite silver jewellery, made by local craftsmen in different styles like contemporary, classic, vintage and versatile silver jewellery pieces at a wonderful silver jewellery store named, Ridya.

 



 

Kutchi Indian Tribal Silver Jewellery


Kutchi silver jewellery: Vintage and tribal look is the hallmark of silver jewellery worn by the various tribes of Kutch, Gujarat. Unique nose rings, arm bands, and heavy anklets (Kada) are worn with pride by women there. 



The silver jewellery of Kutch, Gujarat is more than just pieces of adornments, it is a display of superior artistry and skill.

In this region, the silver artistry serves as markers for different tribes. The simple motifs and elaborate designs are made by using highly precise techniques.




Tribal silver jewellery from the Kutch region is popular among the masses, and mostly is considered as statement jewellery pieces.

Inspired by these tribal designs, many of the jewellers and designers are making similar lightweight patterns in their jewellery. 




Temple Silver Jewellery Designs From South India


South Indian silver jewellery mainly showcases temple motifs and features authentic heritage designs handmade by master craftsmen using ancient techniques, similar to the jewellery made for gods and goddesses in temples.



Grand chokers and heavy necklaces, studded with stones and pearls, are the most popular in this category of silver jewellery. Silver guttapusalu to antique silver necklaces are just some wonders in silver from Southern India.




Chitai Silver Jewellery from Hatras UP



Chitai silver jewellery making is a highly skilled craft. Various patterns are hand carved into silver, mostly floral patterns. Chitai silver jewellery is made in Hatras, UP. It is a rare art form that has been passed down from generation to generation.



Hand kada, Ankle kada, necklace, choker, and hasli are some traditional jewellery pieces made using Chitai work.




Glass Work Silver Jewellery | Silver Mirror Jewellery



A combination of glass and silver results in some stunning jewellery pieces which give a traditional yet trendy feel. There are many places in India where glass silver jewellery or silver mirror jewellery is made, such as Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Uttar Pradesh.



Intricate Work Silver Jewellery from Maharashtra



Maharastrian silver jewellery features the original designs that have been passed on from generations so that the essence is not lost in the new creations. They typically use ruby, emerald, coral and other precious and semi-precious stones in their creations.



The designs are intricate and feature wire work, which is the hallmark of silver jewellery made in Maharashtra. The silver jewellery made by Kolhapuri artisans is also world-renowned, just like Kolhapuri footwear.


A very popular piece of jewellery in Maharashtra is Kolhapuri Saaj. Quite long and intricately designed, this necklace is beautiful and rich. The piece is carved beautifully with 21 leaves, two emeralds, and two ruby stones.



Other popular forms of Maharastrian silver jewellery are Bugadi, Maharashtrian Nath (Nose rings made in pearls and gems), Kudi (Typically designed using silver pearls in a floral pattern).


Filigree Silver Jewellery from East India


Local term called "Rupa Tarakasi" refers to the Filigree silver work found in Cuttack District of Odisha. There has been a long tradition of meticulous and sophisticated silver filigree work in Cuttack District, a hallmark of Cuttack silver filigree is its delicateness and intricate craftsmanship. It originated in Persian countries in the 15th century and is considered an ancient art form. Cuttack, Odisha also received a GI Tag for filigree silver work (Rupa Tarakashi) in March 2024.



There are many reasons why filigree work stands out from other ornaments and jewellery, such as the excellent finish, fine foils, textures, and snowy glaze. This is why they are presented as gifts to visiting national and international dignitaries.




A variety of eye-catching and spectacular silver ornaments using silver filigree are with fashion-conscious people, including Lord Krishna's chariot and Konark Chakra.



Final Note

 These are traditional silver jewellery and a sneak peek to their details from different parts of India. India is blessed with such majestic crafts and heritage.


Silver jewellery in other forms has gained popularity alongside these traditional silver jewellery, including fine silver jewellery, hand-painted silver jewellery, and pearl-adorned silver jewellery. It is always good to know the traditional crafts and designs of one's own country.



 

Image Credits: Aadya, Ridya, Sakthi Fashion, google arts and culture

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