| Indian jewellery dates back 5000 years ago with | | | | the measurements of the customer, is surely an |
| the use of natural materials found in abundance all | | | | enviable possession. This Indian jewellery is made |
| over the country. These were in the form of | | | | with uncut rubies (pucchakallu), emeralds, uncut |
| seeds, feathers, leaves, berries, fruits, flowers. | | | | diamonds (param), pearls, sapphire and other |
| Even animal bones, claws, and teeth were used. | | | | precious stones with the foundation in gold. |
| Today, Indian jewellery are set with precious | | | | Though due to the finesse required in crafting it, |
| stones and gems alike in gold, silver, and platinum. | | | | the time required to deliver the Indian jewellery |
| The jewelries although are designed in its original | | | | may sometimes even go up to a year, depending |
| traditional form. Antique as it may look like, but | | | | on the number of pieces required. But one sight |
| the intricate detailing of the Indian jewellery is | | | | at the final product and most of customers will |
| beauty in itself. What prompted the Hindus to | | | | forget the agony of their wait. The price range |
| take pride in this art form was the desire to | | | | too could be anywhere between Rs. 80,000 for a |
| adorn oneself, thereby beautifying one self. Since | | | | pair of jhumkas (earrings) to several lakhs for |
| India is a gem-bearing country, the resources | | | | necklaces and other specialized items. A set for a |
| were endless. Because of this too, the country | | | | dancer, meeting all her requirements for the |
| was beset by invaders from all around. | | | | perfect adornment could be between Rs. |
| Transgressing through time and history, Indian | | | | 8,00,000 to Rs. 15,00,000. "The reason for the |
| jewellery has not remained just a craft, but | | | | expensive nature of temple Indian jewellery is |
| evolved into an art - both in design and | | | | obviously the making charge, which itself is almost |
| workmanship. For the rulers, jewels were a | | | | one-third of the total cost," says Kirtilal's manager |
| statement of power, prosperity and prestige. But | | | | Gunashekar. Other Indian jewelries include the |
| for the Indian woman, jewellery was and is, even | | | | antique Indian jewellery and the Minakari jewellery. |
| today in many parts considered as a security, the | | | | The former, antique Indian jewellery, in contrast |
| value of which will almost always accentuate, | | | | to its name, it actually relates to the present |
| never depreciate. One of the precious aspect | | | | trend and is in reality considered more of fancy |
| about the Indian jewellery is the temple jewelry | | | | jewellery. While the Minakari jewellery, or |
| design. This Indian jewellery is commonly | | | | enamelling a unique combination of gems, enamel |
| associated with dancers practicing the dance form | | | | pigments, and precious stones was born as a |
| of Bharatanatyam or Kuchipudi. This is | | | | result of Shah Jahan's aesthetic vision that |
| characterized by some of the finest handwork, | | | | transformed enameling into a sophisticated art. All |
| painfully crafted by skilled craftsmen and jewelers. | | | | in all, the trend set by the Hindus for over 5,000 |
| From earrings to necklaces to pieces for adorning | | | | years never ceased the interest of the people to |
| the hair, feet, hip and even the plait, the temple | | | | beautify themselves. |
| Indian jewellery that is custom-made, according to | | | | |