The 4 Incredible Antique Jewelleries Design of India

The 4 Incredible Antique Jewelleries Design of India
August 24, 2021 Vijay Soni Danwar

Indian jewellery is special because of its long-lined lineage traced back centuries, significantly valued and regarded as an important need during weddings and other important functions in the Indian culture. The antique jewellery design of India is varied across a range of metals created minutely by expert craftsmen.

For the overwhelming appeal and matte texture it provides, vintage jewellery is presently experiencing a hall of popularity among other Jewel goods. Vintage gold jewellery is known for its dull shine and understated brightness, which most younger women like. Lockets, earrings, bangles and haars are some in-demand jewel pieces of the contemporary world. 

Here are 4 prominent Antique Jewelleries Styles for you to try:

Temple Jewellery from South India 

One of the most popular jewellery styles in the southern part of the country is Temple Jewellery. Adorned with motifs of Gods like Shiva and Ganesh, and Goddesses like Lakshmi and Durga, this jewellery is not only famous for its expansive style but also due to its religious value.

The Temple Jewellery tends to be made of gold with the addition of precious beads and stones. Necklace, earrings, maang-tika and rings are all available in this style. Temples hold a significant role in the South Indian culture and so does Temple Jewellery. This jewellery consists of long or short necklaces depicting temple motifs and detailed with its beautiful Nakshi work without any repetition in the designs. It includes heavy use of pearls, diamonds, Polki, and other precious stones. 

Both Chola and Pandya empires are believed to be the originators of Temple Jewellery. This type of jewellery accessory was originally produced from valuable metal contributions to shrines in Southern India and was intended to be worn only by deities and royalty.

Temple performers and worshippers began to wear copies of such jewels in their everyday rituals, with retails deriving influence from architectural styles, culture, and deity beauty. Temple jewellery evolved into an item that invoked personal faith throughout time, and as a result, it became a vital heritage in all South Indian brides’ wedding adornment.

Indian Antique Jewellery

Temple Jewellery Set 

Polki Jewellery From Bikaner and Rajasthan 

The Mughal Empire gave birth to the nearly a century-aged skill of crafting rough diamonds into exquisite jewels, which is a specialty of Bikaner in Rajasthan. Such items are now considered vital for a trousseau and artifact purchases for your wardrobe. 

Polki is indeed an untreated and unpolished diamond that is utilized devout of even any physiochemical modification in its original state. It has an anti-smooth texture and is typically carved to match the natural shape of the rock. It is often kept in its natural nascent stages.

There are no 2 Polki that are similar, keeping each one special and one-of-a-kind. It is, in reality, another of the earliest types of cut diamonds, having originated in India before the invention of western slicing techniques. Polki is highly costly because they are the finest type of diamond obtainable. The fact that such patterns are frequently embellished with valuable stones and pearls further add to their worth.

The Polki assortment has a rich history along with a timeless appeal. Possessing an item of Polki jewellery is regarded as a wonderful asset to an Indian lady’s dresser drawer because it is among the earliest types of antique jewellery. Rajputi women, for example, love rigid aad jewelry. Bold earrings like the earrings of Kashmir and Kanser are evergreen choices with the present generation brides, while chokers stacked with lengthy necklaces or hefty circular haars are popular options.

Antique Jewellery

Polki Necklace and Earrings

Kundan Jewellery from the Mughal and Rajput Era

Kundan accessory is one of the country’s most ancient pieces of jewellery traditions, with roots going back to the Rajput and Mughal eras. Several centuries earlier, this design was imported to the nation and thrived under the guidance of  Mughal rulers. The major nations of Hindustan then effectively adapted it.

Kundan’s works are very detailed and require a great deal of expert work. Each item is hand-finished, requiring many days of dedication from experienced craftsmen. The period it takes to make a tiny piece of Kundan necklace can range from 2 to 4 months, based on the scale of workmanship and the complexity of the design.

Kundan is a type of gold accessory that typically has a wax centre. The name ‘Kundan’ refers to markedly refined solid gold, and most of this form of jewellery is made of 24k gold.  Jewellery of the Kundan sort is one of the country’s historical types of the tangent of jewellery, having a history dating back over two thousand years.

Because 24 karats is indeed a bit softer than 18 karats, it could be used to make a whole jewellery piece—only the Jadayi portion, which would be eventually known as Kundan, is produced in 24 karats. Jadau accessory is another name for the technique of creating Kundan.

Antique Jewelleries designs

Kundan Jewellery Bridal Set

Picture Courtesy: Wedding Wire

Jadau Jewellery From Rajasthan 

Ancient Mughals brought Jadau art to India, and it was polished and refined by experienced craftsmen in Rajasthan, which is now regarded as an epicentre of Jadau jewels. It’s a jewellery-making process in which valuable stones including rough diamonds, sapphires, jewels, and rubies get set in gold. With no application of glue, gold is transformed into a lattice around which valuable stones are set. Jadau is widely utilized in Kundan, Polki, and Meenakari art and draws inspiration from the popular phrase “jad” (which means “to embed”).

Chiterias create the jewellery’s pattern, which is then supported by Ghaarias’ etching and positioning utilizing malleable gold. After the gems are organically placed in the gilded shell, the enameller adds the Meenakari technique to the rear of the accessory

This is among the earliest jewellery-making processes, and it beholds a fascinating backstory. Early Mughals brought it to the Indian country, however, the craftspeople from Rajasthan and Gujarat refined it and gave it their own. It necessitates expert and singularly remarkable workmanship, that, of fact, adds to its allure.

Classical jewels are produced without using science, which measures the performance in regards to man-hours necessary to produce it and create a piece of highly precious jewellery. It’s all done by hand. This is undoubtedly a reflection of our nation’s vibrant historical past.

Bridal Jadau Jewellery 

Conclusion

Therefore, the interest in antique jewellery may be dated directly to the Indus Valley Period. India is a vast ancient nation that has witnessed the decline and rise of several civilizations, as well as the emergence of various civilizations and customs. We have a magnificent history of great workmanship, a time when our brilliant craftspeople collaborated to create what is arguably the nation’s most sought-after jewellery line.

Despite the fact that electronics and machinery have mostly supplanted artistry, a few artisans have survived to carry on their important jewellery-making history and methods to future upbringings. Antique jewellery styles are now the regal relics of our illustrious past. Glancing at some of these magnificent works of art created by the significantly talented artists of former times and which have elegantly withstood the passage of time. 

The mentioned antique pieces of jewellery of India are some popular options. If you want to know more or check out a few styles, you can Contact Us with ease at Mahabir Danwar. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q- What is the difference between antique gold and normal gold?

  • There’s very little difference between antique gold and normal gold. Except for the fact that antique gold is more than 100 years old, warmer, coppery and less yellowish in hue as compared to the contemporary gold that is crafted recently. Their colour is much brighter and lustrous. 

Q- How do I know if my vintage jewellery is valuable?

  • To understand the value of your vintage jewellery, check the metal used. Check the various kinds of gems that have been used alongside. And, lastly, refer to a reliable buyer. You can Contact Us at Mahabir Danwar to have the value of the vintage jewellery checked. 

Q- Is antique jewellery a good investment?

  • Yes, antique jewellery is a very good investment. Savouring it in a  good state can get you good returns. 

Q- What makes Jewellery Antique?

  • If there is an antique piece of accessory, it must be at least a hundred years old. As a result, jewellery made prior to 1921 is currently considered antique as of 2021. If anything is labelled as Victorian, Rajput, Mughal or Georgian, bear that in mind. With each passing year, the precise year a generation prior turns ancient, creating antique and vintage items a worthwhile purchase. Jewelry hallmarking is among the most reliable techniques to determine whether or not jewellery is vintage. 

Q- How to clean antique jewellery?

  • Cleaning antique jewellery is a very easy process, which can be done with a few easy and simple instructions. 

To begin, gently clean the item underneath a stream of warm water. After that, carefully scrape or remove any debris with a gentle toothbrush. Though if it still requires to be cleaned, use moderate dish soap as well as a towel to rub that on the object, and just let it remain for a few moments before brushing it again and rinsing.

Stay up to date

Open chat
1
Talk to our Jewellery Expert!!!
MDJ
Hi, how can I help you?