Indian Fashion Jewellery in the 21st Century

The world of Indian Fashion Jewellery has much to offer. There is something for everyone - From pieces rich with delicate carvings to pieces fashioned from wood and stones, from pieces that speak of a by-gone era, to pieces of contemporary design.

Ornaments have been an integral part of the Indian tradition for more than 5000 years. Jewellry making has become an art that has been passed down from generation to generation, and is constantly improving itself, constantly reinventing itself and constantly adapting to the changing times. Indian Fashion Jewellery therefore, reflects the India of the 21st century. Today, this industry is exploring new, unexplored avenues in terms of style and design. Creative designs that balance innovation and contemporary sensibilities with tradition are making waves, not just in the Indian fashion industry but in fashion circles the world over. The ornaments from India are scorching up ramps the world over, as the world explores the versatile range of Indian jewellry. The fact that these exquisite pieces of jewellry are creative, while still retaining their ethnic and exotic identity is making them a hot favorite for people in various parts of the world.

Indian Fashion Jewellery includes a wide range of pieces. Anklets, known the world over for their intricate carvings and embellishments, are popular with women of all ages, while the traditional armlet is now looked upon as trendy and sported by those looking to make a fashion statement. Bangles and nose rings, though worn today by women of all age groups, were traditionally used to signify the married status of a woman. Indian jewellry also includes pendants, necklaces, earrings and armlets. The ornaments are made from a wide range of materials ranging from natural materials such as wood, horn, ivory and stones, to precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum.

Indian Fashion Jewellery is diverse thanks to the unique jewellry making techniques of different regions. For instance, Meenakari, the art of setting precious stones in gold and enameling the gold is exclusive to the region of Rajasthan, while Nagercoil is famous for the traditional ornaments it makes. The states of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa are synonymous with filigree work, which is immensely popular in countries such as Spain, Egypt and Italy. Nature inspired designs on gold jewellry are favored in the southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, while Kundan, the art of setting precious stones in gold, is synonymous with Delhi. A spiritual and religious value is attached to jewellry in India as well. For instance, the ones studded with precious and semi-precious stones are especially popular for the religious and spiritual value attached to the stones. Navratna jewellry or jewellry that uses nine stones, considered to be auspicious, in a single ornament is also extremely popular because of the belief that the nine stones will protect the wearer from evil and ensure his well-being.

When it comes to Indian Fashion Jewellery, everything, right from the material used to the technique used, reflects an art perfected over hundreds of years. Add to this contemporary and creative design, and it is clear why these ornaments have a universal appeal.