Handmade Jewellery in India You Need to Know

Handmade jewellery in India has been an integral part of the culture for centuries. India has a rich tradition of jewelry-making, and artisans across the country have been creating stunning pieces by hand for generations. From intricate necklaces and earrings to beautiful bracelets and bangles,  Handmade jewelry in India is known for its exquisite craftsmanship and unique designs.

Handmade jewellery in India is often made using traditional techniques and materials, such as gold, silver, and precious stones. Each piece is carefully crafted by skilled artisans, who use their knowledge and expertise to create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the beauty and richness of Indian culture.

Unique Handmade Jewellery in India

1. Terracotta Jewellery

Terracotta jewelry is a type of handmade jewellery in India made from natural clay that is fired in a kiln at high temperatures to create a hard, durable material.

The name “terracotta” comes from the Italian words “terra” meaning “earth” and “cotta” meaning “cooked.” This type of jewellery is often characterized by its rustic, earthy appearance and is typically made by hand using traditional techniques.

Terracotta jewellery can take many forms, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and even hair accessories. It is often adorned with intricate designs, patterns, and textures, and can be painted or glazed to add color and shine.

One of the benefits of terracotta jewellery is that it is lightweight and easy to wear, making it a popular choice for everyday wear or for special occasions. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other types of jewellery, making it accessible to a wide range of people.

Apart from being beautiful and affordable, terracotta jewellery is also environmentally friendly since it is made from natural materials and requires minimal processing.

2. Filigree Jewellery

Filigree jewelry is a type of ornamental metalwork made by twisting and weaving thin wires of gold, silver, or other metals into delicate and intricate designs. The resulting pieces are often highly detailed and can be quite beautiful.

Filigree jewellery has been around for centuries and can be found in many different cultures and traditions around the world. It has been used for everything from decorative objects to religious artifacts, and today it is primarily used for jewelry.

The process of making filigree jewelry is highly skilled and time-consuming. It involves shaping the metal wires into various designs, then soldering or fusing them together to create the final piece. The resulting jewelry is often quite fragile and delicate, but it can also be quite strong and durable if made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship.

Filigree jewelry can be found in a wide range of styles, from traditional and ornate to modern and minimalist. It is often used in engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

3. Tribal Jewellery

Tribal Jewellery refers to the traditional handmade jewellery in India that is worn by the various tribes and indigenous communities across the country. Each tribe has its unique style of jewelry, which reflects their culture, beliefs, and way of life.

Tribal jewellery is usually made from natural materials like beads, shells, bones, wood, and metals like silver, copper, and brass. The jewellery designs are often bold and rustic, featuring geometric patterns, animal motifs, and nature-inspired themes. One of the most distinct features of Indian tribal jewellery is its use of bright colors. The tribes use colorful beads, shells, and stones to create striking pieces of jewelry that stand out.

Tribal jewelry is often worn as a symbol of identity, status, and culture. The jewellery is passed down from generation to generation and is an important part of the tribe’s heritage. Some popular types of Indian tribal jewellery include necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and anklets. These pieces of handmade jewellery in India are often worn during festivals, weddings, and other important occasions.

Tribal handmade jewellery in India is a beautiful representation of the rich cultural heritage of the country’s indigenous communities. It is a celebration of the unique traditions and beliefs of these tribes and a testament to the artistic skills of their artisans.

4. Beaded Jewellery 

Beaded jewelry is a popular type of handmade jewellery in India, known for its intricate patterns and colorful designs. These pieces are made by stringing together various types of beads, which can range from small and delicate to large and bold.

The beads used in Indian beaded jewellery can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, plastic, wood, bone, and even precious and semi-precious gemstones. These beads are often hand-carved or hand-painted, giving each piece of jewelry a unique and artisanal feel. 

Indian beaded jewelry comes in many forms, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and anklets. Some pieces may feature a single strand of beads, while others may be more complex, with multiple strands and intricate beading patterns.

These pieces are often worn to add a pop of color to an outfit and are especially popular during festivals and weddings. They are often sold at local markets and bazaars, where artisans showcase their skill in creating these intricate pieces of jewelry.

5. Rajasthani Jewellery

Rajasthani jewellery is a traditional style of handmade jewellery in India that is known for its intricate designs, vibrant colors, and use of a variety of materials including precious and semi-precious stones, metals, and beads.

Rajasthani jewelry is often inspired by the state’s rich cultural heritage and is a reflection of its history and traditions. It is popularly worn during weddings, festivals, and other special occasions. Some of the most popular styles of handmade Rajasthani jewellery are Kundan Jewellery, Meenakari Jewellery, Jadau Jewellery, Thewa Jewellery, and Lac Jewellery.

Rajasthani jewellery is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship and rich heritage of Rajasthan. It is a popular choice for those looking for unique and beautiful handmade jewelry.

6. Pachchikam Jewellery

Pachchikam jewelry is a traditional style of jewelry that originated in the state of Gujarat in India. It is a form of handmade jewellery in India that is made using silver and semi-precious stones like agate, turquoise, and coral. The unique feature of Pachchikam jewellery is that the stones are set in silver without any glue or adhesive, which makes the jewellery eco-friendly and sustainable.

The technique used to create Pachchikam jewellery involves creating a silver frame, which is then filled with wax. The semi-precious stones are then placed in the wax, and the silver frame is hammered and shaped around them to secure the stones in place. The wax is then removed, leaving the stones securely embedded in the silver frame.

Pachchikam jewellery is known for its intricate designs and delicate filigree work. It is often inspired by nature and features motifs like flowers, leaves, and vines. The jewellery is usually made in sets that include a necklace, earrings, and bangles. Pachchikam jewellery is popular among women in Gujarat and is often worn for special occasions like weddings and festivals.

Steps Taken to Promote Handmade Jewellery in India

Handmade jewellery in India is not just a craft, it is an art form that has been passed down through generations. The jewellery-making process involves a great deal of patience, skill, and attention to detail, and many artisans have spent years honing their craft to become masters of their trade. Several steps have been taken to support and promote handmade jewellery in India: 

1. Initiatives by the Government

The government has set up various initiatives to support the development of handicrafts and handloom industries, including jewelry-making. These initiatives aim to provide financial assistance, training, and marketing support to artisans and their communities.

2. Non-Governmental Organizations

Various non-governmental organizations and social enterprises are working to promote and preserve traditional Indian crafts and jewelry-making techniques. They provide training, design support, and market linkages to artisans, helping them to access new markets and increase their income.

3. Indian Designers’ action

Many Indian designers and brands are now incorporating traditional techniques and designs into their collections. This has helped to create awareness and demand for handmade and traditional jewelry, both within India and abroad.

4. E-commerce and other Platforms

Various online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms have emerged that exclusively sell handmade and traditional jewelry made by Indian artisans. These platforms provide a global reach to artisans and help them to connect directly with customers, cutting out intermediaries and increasing their income.

5. Awareness Campaigns

Education and awareness campaigns are also being conducted to highlight the cultural and economic significance of handmade jewelry in India. This includes workshops, exhibitions, and events that showcase the skills and craftsmanship of Indian artisans.

All these steps have helped to promote and preserve the art of making handmade jewellery in India and provide better livelihoods to artisans and their communities. But more needs to be done to provide better infrastructure, access to finance, and technology to these artisans, so they can compete in the global market and earn a fair income for their work.

Over to You

Handmade jewellery in India has a rich cultural heritage and is highly valued for its unique designs and craftsmanship. Skilled artisans use traditional techniques and tools to create one-of-a-kind pieces that are often considered more personal and sentimental than mass-produced jewellery. 

Whether you’re looking for a statement piece to wear on a special occasion or a more subtle accessory for everyday wear, Handmade jewellery in India offers a wide range of options to suit every taste and style. From traditional designs that have been passed down through generations to contemporary pieces that incorporate modern techniques and materials,

Handmade jewellery in India is a celebration of rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions.

What other handmade Jewelleries can you think of? Let us know in the comments. 

Head over to our jewellery section where you can buy authentic silver rings, earrings, pendants, bangles & bracelets, and necklaces.

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Mir Saeid

Mir Saeid is the Growth Hacker of Kashmirica, a brand that is poised to ‘Bring Exclusives from Kashmir to You’. An enthusiastic cultural entrepreneur, he is driven by a passion to bring about a social impact. He has a Masters in International Business from the University of Bedfordshire and has worked in leading Marketing positions at various SMEs and Startups for 8+ years.

Intrigued by the crafts of his birthplace,  he decided to bring the art on the Global Connoisseur through the internet. A polyglot who speaks English, Arabic, Urdu & Koshur, Mir loves traveling, reading, writing, and spending time on the cricket field – a passion rekindled just recently.