The Important Types of Indian Jewellery

Jewellery has been an integral part of Indian culture. Owing to the rich heritage, there are different types of Indian jewellery to decorate each and every body part. There are hair ornaments, earrings, nose pins, necklaces, waistbands, armlets, bracelets, finger rings, anklets, toe rings and many more. Furthermore, due to India’s diverse culture each piece has a lot of variation in terms of craftsmanship and style. The following is a quick preview of the important types of Indian jewellery based on traditional craftsmanship.

• Meenakari Jewellery – These types of Indian jewellery use brightly coloured enamel pigments fused with gold or silver in intricate patterns derived from nature like flowers, vines or animal forms. Invented in Iran, the Mongols spread the craft to India and other countries. The craft is practised more in Jaipur, Udaipur, Delhi and Banaras.

Source: www.bhagwatijeweller.in

• Kundan Jewellery - In this type a gold foil is used to set gem stones on the base mounting piece of gold. This art originated in the royal courts of Rajasthan and Gujarat and was highly patronised during the Mughal era. Kundan is known for very elaborate and heavy necklace sets in gold. The royal appearance of Kundan makes it an important part of the types of Indian jewellery. The art is practised in Rajasthan.

Source: www.strandofsilk.com

• Jadau/ Jadtar Jewellery – This jewellery has uncut diamonds (polki), gems, crystals or beads embedded in gold which is first lightly melted. The embellishments on gold are attached without any adhesives or carvings. Jadau work has Mughal descent and is practised in Rajasthan and Gujarat since Mughal era.

Source: www.mumbaigloss.in

• Pachchikam Jewellery - This type of jewellery has a crude execution in which its beauty lies. It generally uses silver as the base metal and uncut semiprecious stones and glass work are pressed onto the metal. It originated in Rajasthan and Kutch region of India.

Source: www.utsavpedia.com

• Thewa Jewellery - Taking an important place in the types of Indian jewellery, this is an art where intricately designed gold sheets are embossed on molten glass. It originated in Rajasthan under the Mughal influence. The designer, Roopa Vohra, has popularised it through her work.

Source: www.jaipurblog.in

• Temple Jewellery - This jewellery was used to adorn the Hindu idols of gods and goddesses in temples. It was later worn by the temple dancers and then it found its way into the bridal trousseau. The stones used in the jewellery are called kemp stones. It originated in the South of India during the reign of Chola dynasty.

Source: www.onlinejewelryclass.biz

• Filigree jewellery - In this art silver is made into thin wires and then the thin wires are fused together and bent to create intricate patterns. It originated in Egypt and Mesopotamia and the Indian filigree work is Greek inspired. In India fine filigree work can be seen in Orissa and Andhra Pradesh.

Source: www.polyvore.com

Looking at the types of Indian jewellery, from the time of the Maharajahs till today the Indian adornment has undergone a lot of transformation. Taking inspiration from the crafts of India the contemporary fashion jewellery has branched out.

Contemporary fashion jewellery

Indians love gold but due to heavy nature of the metal, the modern girl looks for something more contemporary that suits her lifestyle. Today’s designers have answered her quest by marrying ancient crafts with modern materials. The results are lightweight, uniquely designed amazing pieces to go with contemporary attire. Contemporary fashion jewellery takes an important place in the types of Indian jewellery and the creations of some renowned designers can be found on Strand of Silk, the website for contemporary designer wear. 

Meenakari drop bead earrings by Sannam Chopra

Antique finish kundan earrings by Shillpa Purii

Gold jadau cuff by Diagold

Temple inspired jewellery by Roopa Vohra

Roopa Vohra’s blue peacock thewa inspired cuff on lacquer

Filigree earrings by Roopa Vohra

Orange filigree clutch by Meera Mahadevia

The other types of Indian jewellery are the flamboyant bridal jewellery using gold and gem stones, and the new age subtle jewellery using other metals like platinum and sterling silver, with diamonds. One important member of the types of Indian jewellery is antique jewellery which is generally passed on as heirloom through families and has a dull, old world charm to it. So if you are looking to buy Indian jewellery, you will have trouble shopping, as sky is the limit!

Valentines Gift Ideas from Strand of Silk

Valentines day is drawing nearer, and weather you hate it or love it; it’s hard to escape it! With an influx of Valentines Day gifts swarming shop front displays, TV adverts and magazines, it’s hard to know where to look or what to select.

We are here to make it a little easier for you! We have selected our top 3 Valentines Gift ideas and Indian Accessories sure to put a smile on that special someone’s face.

First is this stunning clutch bag by Meera Mahadevia. This exquisite clutch bag in gold polish is the perfect and luxury gift for a special occasion such as Valentines Day. It features a maroon velvet base ornamented with gorgeous metal flowers at the front lower half. The dazzling big semi-precious embellished stones make it all the more striking and desirable for that special someone. This versatile and easy to combine shape is ideal for those days that require something really special.

A Meera Mahadevia clutch bag is exquisitely detailed with a variety of semi-precious stones to create luxury fashion forward Indian accessories. Hand-made to the last detail, no two bags are identical though each enjoys a life-long after sales service. She designs luxury clutches for Bollywood actresses to famous celebrities.

Second is this stunning Diagold ring, which is a playful take on fine jewellery with a distinct message and look. This Diamond and Ruby Encrusted Bird brings with it a Pear Cut Emerald for an awe-striking effect. Indian Designer Varda Geonka's 'Bird' ring is intricately crafted from 18-karat Gold and plated white for added brilliance. This signature piece will make a love-forever precious investment for that lucky lady.

The Diagold Designer collection by Varda Geonka offers fine and intricate Indian accessories created with passion for creation. Known for it's trendy designs, quality products and exemplary service. Each stunning piece undergoes the 4C's test: 'Cut, Clarity, Carat, Colour' with each stone cut with precision to create stunning master pieces.

Last but not least are these pretty circular dangling earrings by Roopa Vohra, in a stunning hoop design encrusted with five sparkling white stones. It also features a teardrop shaped striking red semi-precious stone with five golden chain danglers. This charming feminine style will make the perfect pretty gift for Valentines Day.

Roopa Vohra is a Mumbai based Jewellery designer who creates contemporary and stylish Indian accessories. Her trademark styles incorporate traditional Indian crafts like Thewa and Kundan into her contemporary styles. Her collections include a range of Necklaces, Bracelets, Cuffs and Earrings in sterling silver plated with 22 kt Gold.

See also other Indian Designers creations!

Indian Designers: My Top Picks for Autumn/Winter 2014

Indian designers are currently thriving and we are seeing a wide variety of styles and designers being brought into the limelight and displayed both on the catwalk and online.We have chosen a few of our current favourite Indian designers at the moment that we feel are perfect for this A/W!

Our first pick is Meera Mahadevia, she is perhaps the best kept secret in the international luxury handbag market. The brand began 27 years ago as a customised design accessory for celebrities and socialites across the world. Till now her designs have been only accessible to those who were lucky enough to grace the red carpet, but today her creations are showcased across India in a number of high-end fashion boutiques and online stores. 

Anushka clutch

A Meera Mahadevia luxury handbag comes in an eccentric and extremely varied range of stunning styles and designs, and are often made up of a distinctive blend of brass and copper embellished with wood carvings, marble inlays, silver engravings, semi-precious stones, antique frames, and spiritual emblems. Each handbag is said to be detailed to a fine precision, and all by using the most basic and artistic manufacturing tool of all time: the human hand! 

                                                 

                                                                  Pochette clutch

                                                
                                                 
                                              Stylish blue and golden clutch

                                                    
                                                 
                                                Maharani gayatri devi clutch
                                               
Our Second pick of one of our current favourite Indian designers is Myoho. Myoho designs have been recently described as a ‘seamless confluence of ethnicity, femininity and subtlety’, which we think describes the designs perfectly!                                   
                                          
                                                
                                                              Red floral pattered dress

Myoho designs are easy, relaxed and organic and have a beautiful range of elegant and wearable looks for any occasion. Although the designs have a clear traditional influence, they also have a modern and contemporary twist which creates a very high fashion and up to date appearance.

See more here

Indian Accessories For All Tastes!

Who doesn't love accessories?
A woman cannot go out without a special finishing touch!

Some of the proposes to differentiate yourself from the masses are these Indian Accessories available to shop at Strand of Silk!

Firstly have a look at these beautiful necklaces and earrings pair by Roopa Vohra, handcrafted in a way that gives unicity to each piece.

After, be inspired by the glamorous styles offered by Sannam Chopra:

But every woman knows that the secret for the perfect look is in the bag! - So have  a look at some of the pieces from the exquisite Meera Mahadevia's collection, which includes not only evening clutches, but also handbags, and iPad covers.

Good shopping of Indian accessories at Strand of Silk!

See also Indian skirts!

Exquisite Collection of Meera Mahadevia's Clutches Available at Strand of Silk

We wrote on Sunday about the admiration that we have for Indian designer Meera Mahadevia. The craftsmanship that goes into her creations is truly remarkable.

That's why we're pleased to announce that a unique collection of her latest creations in clutches is available now on the Strand of Silk website.

Why not go ahead and browse for your favourite style?

Meera Mahadevia Recalls Her First Show in Paris

Meera Mahadevia was the only Indian designer to be invited to the Vendome Luxury Exhibition in Paris, two years ago, to showcase her line of bags along with other fashion designers. She felt so proud that she still recalls all the emotions of the day. “I was part of 29 elite names in the world, under one roof and it was almost like putting India on the global map of high-end fashion accessories”. 

About the French capital of fashion, Meera Mahadevia added: “Paris is a city which is always buzzing with fashion and a fashion week was going on during the time of our exhibition. Just being a part of all this was what made my 26 year journey in designing worth it.”

Paris, what a feeling..!

Meera Mahadevia and the Importance of Accessories

Indian designer Meera Mahadevia is definitely a cult queen in customised accessories. High quality standard and customer satisfaction are achieved through expert craftsmanship work in the manufacturing process of her collections.

The message that we extrapolated having a look to the designer’s creations is that every outfit can acquire a touch of glamour if paired with the right accessory.

                       

 

We fell in love with every single bag!

Every piece branded Meera Mahadevia has a strong and different personality, you can find delicate and simple clutch, but also colourful and heavy embroidered ones.

                       

 

Discover more about Indian Designers