Rajput queens have been the torchbearers of royalty and magnificent jewellery traditions for centuries. It was under the discerning eyes of the Rajput queens that the elegant and royal Meenakari and Jadau-Kundan art form blossomed. The queens adorned the skills of the Persian artisans. They blended their aesthetics with vivid colours and intricate detailing to mirror Rajasthan’s vibrant culture and soul into Meenakari and Jadau-Kundan jewel pieces.
Today, Meenakari and Jadau-Kundan jewellery remains timeless and resembles the intricate craftsmanship of Rajput royalty. They are one of the favourites among Indian bridal collections.
In every gem that sparkles, there is a royal Rajput story that shines. Rajput queens adorned Jadau-Kundan because of its grandeur. Again, queens of Jaipur, Udaipur, and Bikane often commissioned elaborate Meenakari jewels, especially for royal marriages and other prominent ceremonies.
The timeless beauty, Maharani Gayatri Devi, was known for her elegance and modern choice of jewellery pieces. One of her exquisite collections was an emerald and polki jadau choker. It was made with intricate red and green enamel detailing. She adorned and valued Jaipur Meenakari chokers, and most of her pieces were set in gold. The jadau pieces with vibrant Meenakari designs were a reflection of grace and sophistication.
Rani Padmini and her legend transcend time. Beyond the legendary, heart-wrenching story, the eternal, graceful Maharani was also famous for her Polki and pearl Jadau sets. Her traditional necklace was made with uncut diamonds, floral meenakari motifs and seed pearls. She was often found wearing multi-layered jadau necklaces, bangles and maang tikka.
Rajput queens of Marwar popularised the concept of wearing a Maang Tikka. Out of the different options, Rani Sajjan Kumari’s collection of gem-encrusted jadau-style maang tikka or borla has gained prominence in the Indian history of jewellery. The maang tikka is set with uncut diamonds and enamels of different shades of red and green, which beautifully complements the traditional Rajasthani attire. These piece of jewellery depicts a blend of floral designs which also have Mughal prominence.
Bikaner queens have always been patrons of Meenakari art. Among them, special mention should be made of the Meenakari Kadas of Maharani Badan Kanwar. Her fascinating, broad, enamelled kadas were made with gold, with rubies enamelled on them. The kadas have emamells of peacocks and floral vines, which mark the royal craftsmanship of Bikaner. The design of these kadas was a symbol of prosperity and divine protection. These kadas worn by the royal Maharanis of Bikaner were passed down as heirlooms through generations.
The heavy gold jadau haar with rubies and uncut diamonds was the personal favourite of Maharani Kishor Kunwar of Udaipur. This haar features miniature Meenakari paintings of Lord Krishna.
The queens or Maharanis not only adorned themselves with jewels but also preserved legacies, royalties, and artistry in every piece of jewellery. The art of making Jadau-Kundan, polki jewellery, and Meenakari jewellery is time-consuming. Bhuramal Rajmal Surana Johuree, since 1735, have always been connoisseurs of fine art, and our skilled artisans have preserved the style of jewellery making to date. Visit our store for the best polki jewellery in Jaipur.
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