Rajasthan Travel Guide: Rajasthan Jewelery

Friday, November 2, 2007

Rajasthan Jewelery

Some of the most attractive Indian jewelry comes from the land of Rajasthan. Rajasthan is considered to be the crafts paradise of India. In colors, concepts and workmanship – the handicrafts of Rajasthan are incomparable. Their ethnic aura makes them absolute collector's delight. Rajasthani jewelry has a vast and varied tradition. Each area in Rajasthan actually has its own unique style of making jewelry. While the rural Rajasthani women prefer to adorn themselves with chunky silver jewelery, the urban ladies generally go for gold jewellery. Some of the traditional ornaments are rakhri, timaniyan, bala, bajubandh, gajra, gokhru, jod, etc.

Rajasthan is also famous for its precious and semi-precious jewelry traditions. Exquisite ornaments are made in Jaipur and Jodhpur using emerald, diamond, pearl, garnet, agate and lapis lazuli. Rajasthan specializes in meenakari. Meenakari is the art of enameling on gold or silver. In Jaipur, craftsmen use the champleve or raised-field style. In Nathdwara, enameling is done on silver and other metals. Pratapgarh meena or theva work in gold on green or red enamel is widely appreciated for its beauty and appeal.

Kundan is the art of setting precious stones in gold. Kundan jewelery is exclusive both in terms of design and perfection. Often, a combination of meenakari and kundan is used to give the jewellery two equally beautiful surfaces – enamel at the back and kundan-set gems in the front.

Jewelry in Rajasthan is much more than just adornment – it is a part of their culture and traditions. All Rajasthani women wear bangles for it is considered inauspicious for a woman's forearm to be bare. Lac bangles are worn as an auspicious sign and good omen. Lacquer bangles are made in an amazing variety of designs and colors – some in flat colors, some iridescent or marbles, while others flash white fire from rhinestones or tiny mirrors at the turn of the wrist. Glass bangles – an all time favorite of all Indian women, are available in a large variety in all the parts of Rajasthan – the greatest variety being offered in Jaipur and Jodhpur.