Jewelleries are not just adornments or accessories but a reflection of our culture, history, family legacy, traditions and whatever we value in life.Indian jewellery has a rich history woven with threads of artistry and spirituality.The early Inception of Indian jewellery can be traced back to the upper Palaeolithic period around 30,000 to 35,000 years ago.
Archaeological findings from Maharashtra show leftovers of rudimentary ornaments indicating the early human inclination towards jewellery.
Have you ever wondered about the story behind jewellery? Perhaps not. Every piece, whether a simple ring or an elaborate Ranihaar, has a history and cultural significance stretching back 1000 years.
Next time you buy traditional jewellery, the enchanting history behind the adornment might make you more fond of it.
The early history of jewellery
When was the first piece of jewellery born? The history of Indian jewellery starts with the Indus Valley Civilization around 3300 to 1300 BCE. Excavations from sites like Harappa and Mohenjo Daro Have revealed evidence of ornaments made from gold, silver, copper, and semi-precious stones. Advanced techniques like twisted drills and the cire perdue method of casting are also evident in the designs of these jewellery.
This was followed by the Vedic era, 1500 to 5000 BCE, when jewellery was designed keeping religion in mind. Ornaments at that time were not only worn for decorative purposes but also for symbolic meanings and cosmic elements of different deities. Later, with the emergence of the Mughal Era in the medieval period, Indian jewellery making achieved new heights.
Traditional jewellery pieces were made with a fusion of indigenous and Persian aesthetics. With the emergence of the Mughals, techniques like Meenakari and Kundan became the hallmark of Indian jewellery.
Evolution of Indian Jewellery from One Decade to The Other
Traditional jewelleries
In the 1950s, after Independence, jewellery designs became traditional with a touch of royalty. Gold was the primary metal used, and techniques like Kundan and Meenakari gained prominence during this decade. The pieces were not just adornments; rather, they were patronised by the royal families as matters of cultural pride and heritage.
Shift to nature-oriented designs
A decade later, in the 1960s, Indian jewellery designs shifted to nature-inspired designs. During this era, floral motifs, leaves, and organic patterns became famous. Unlike royal jewellery, these pieces were a combination of simple and light designs featuring gold, silver, and pearls.
Embracing the bold designs
During the 1970s, Indian jewellers shifted the focus to bold and chunky pieces to unleash the bohemian spirit within, taking cues from Western jewellery designs. Chunky gold necklaces, oversized hoop earrings, and gemstone-encrusted studs made their way into the designs.
Geometric designs
From 1980 to 1990, economic liberalisation in India brought geometric patterns and minimalistic designs into Indian jewellery making. These designs were mainly based on gold and diamond combinations. They particularly became popular among people who embraced sleek fashion statements.
Fusion, personalisation and expression in designs
From 2000 to 2020, customisation and expressions made their way into jewellery designs. The 2000s saw a fusion of traditional Jadau with minimalistic and modern designs. These jewels complement both traditional and contemporary dresses.
If you want to get a glimpse of the Rajasthan Royalty in Indian jewellery designs, check out the wide range of Jadau, Meenakari, and Kundan pieces at Bhuramal Rajmal Surana Johuree since 1735. We have always been connoisseurs of fine art and have patronised India’s cultural diversity, offering unique experiences to the community.