Top 5 Traditional Rajasthani Jewellery You Must Know

Rajasthan, a state in India, is known for its rich cultural heritage, and traditional Rajasthani jewellery is an integral part of its heritage. Traditional Rajasthani jewellery is famous for its intricate designs and vibrant colors. 

The jewelry is made from various materials like gold, silver, diamonds, pearls, and precious stones, and the designs are inspired by the state’s history, culture, and natural surroundings.

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Traditional Rajasthani Jewellery

The traditional jewellery of Rajasthan deeply reflects the state’s culture and its richness. Some of the globally famous types of traditional Rajasthani jewellery are:

1. Rajasthani Kundan Jewellery

Kundan jewellery is one of the traditional jewellery of Rajasthan and it is an ancient form of Indian jewellery that originated in Rajasthan, a state in northern India. The word “Kundan” means highly refined gold, and the jewellery is characterized by the use of refined gold and gemstones.

Process of Making Kundan Jewellery

Kundan jewellery is made by setting precious stones, such as diamonds, emeralds, and rubies, into a gold frame using a unique technique called “Kundan”. The gold frame is shaped to fit the stone and is then filled with a lac core, a type of resin, to hold the stone in place. The edges of the frame are then pressed over the stone to secure it.

Kundan jewellery is often worn by Indian brides and is considered a symbol of wealth and status and also considered the best traditional jewellery in Rajasthan. The jewelry can be very elaborate and can include multiple layers of stones and intricate designs.

Demand for the Rajasthani Kundan Jewellery

Kundan necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings are all popular forms of jewelry. Despite being traditional jewellery of Rajasthan, Kundan jewelry is still very popular in Rajasthan and is often handmade by skilled artisans using traditional techniques. The jewelry is also exported to other parts of India and around the world and is often worn by people as a statement of their love for Indian culture and heritage.

The demand for Kundan jewellery has been steadily increasing over the years, with more and more people appreciating the beauty and value of this traditional jewellery of Rajasthan.

One of the factors driving the demand for Kundan jewellery is the growing interest in Indian culture and heritage. Many people are drawn to the rich history and intricate designs of Indian jewellery, and the traditional jewellery of Rajasthan is seen as a symbol of this cultural legacy.

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2. Meenakari Jewellery

Meenakari jewelry, also known as enameling, is a traditional Rajasthani jewellery. Enameling is a form of jewelry-making that originated in the royal courts of Rajasthan, India. The technique involves fusing brightly colored enamel onto a metal surface, typically gold or silver.

Process of Making Meenakari Jewellery 

The process of creating Meenakari jewelry involves several stages, starting with the preparation of the metal surface by cleaning, polishing, and sometimes engraving it with intricate designs. The next step involves applying the enamel onto the surface using a fine brush. The enamel is then heated at a high temperature to fuse it to the metal. This process is repeated several times to create a multi-layered effect.

Meenakari jewelry typically features vibrant colors, including blues, greens, reds, and yellows. The designs are often inspired by nature, with motifs such as flowers, birds, and animals being common. Meenakari jewelry is highly valued for its intricate craftsmanship and vivid colors.

It is often worn on special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and other celebrations. Meenakari jewelry is considered traditional Rajasthani jewellery. It is not only produced in India but also in other parts of the world and is popular among both traditional and modern jewelry enthusiasts.

Reasons for Demand for Meenakari Jewellery

1. Cultural Significance

Meenakari jewelry has a rich cultural heritage and is often worn by Indian women during important festivals, weddings, and other auspicious occasions. This cultural significance has contributed to the demand for Meenakari jewelry among Indian consumers.

2. Unique Designs

Meenakari jewelry is known for its intricate designs and use of vibrant colors. Each piece is unique and handcrafted, making it a valuable and cherished possession for the wearer.

3. Versatility

Meenakari jewelry can be worn with traditional and modern outfits, making it a versatile accessory. This versatility has contributed to the popularity of Meenakari jewelry among younger consumers.

4. Craftsmanship

Meenakari jewelry is made using traditional techniques and requires skilled craftsmanship. The time and effort invested in making each piece add to its value and appeal.

5. Investment value

Meenakari jewelry is often considered a valuable investment due to its unique designs and craftsmanship. It can be passed down as a family heirloom or resold at a higher price in the future.

3. Thewa Jewellery

Thewa is a traditional Rajasthani jewellery art form of jewelry making that originated in the princely state of Rajasthan, India. It involves a highly intricate process of fusing 23k gold on multi-colored glass to create beautiful and intricate designs often inspired by nature, mythology, and history. 

Thewa jewellery is known for its beauty, elegance, and intricate design work. It is often worn for special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and other cultural events. This traditional Rajasthani jewellery is available in a range of styles, from traditional to contemporary, and can be worn as earrings, necklaces, pendants, bangles, and bracelets.

Process of Making Thewa Jewellery

The technique of Thewa involves a highly skilled craftsman creating intricate designs on a sheet of glass. The design is then carefully carved out, and a layer of 23k gold is fused onto the glass using heat. The gold layer is then carefully polished to create a beautiful, shining surface that is highly durable.

Thewa jewellery is highly prized for its intricate designs, vibrant colors, and the use of precious metals. It is often worn during special occasions such as weddings and festivals and is considered a symbol of status and wealth.

Thewa jewellery is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts around the world and continues to be produced by skilled craftsmen in Rajasthan using traditional techniques and materials.

Demands for Thewa Jewellery

Thewa jewellery is also popular because it is versatile and can be worn with a variety of different outfits. Whether you are looking for a piece of jewelry to wear to a formal event or to dress up a casual outfit, Thewa jewelry is a great choice.

The demand for Thewa jewellery is expected to continue to grow as more people become interested in traditional Indian art and culture. Thewa jewelry is a great investment that will provide you with years of enjoyment and beauty.

4. Polki Jewellery

Polki jewellery is a type of traditional Rajasthani jewellery that is known for its creative design. Polki jewelry is made using uncut diamonds that are set in gold or silver, and it is particularly popular in Rajasthan, India.

Process of Making Polki Jewellery

Polki jewellery is made using uncut diamonds that are set in gold or silver. The diamonds used in Polki jewellery are typically natural and unprocessed, which gives them a unique, raw look.

Polki jewellery is particularly popular in Rajasthan, India, where it has been a traditional Rajasthani jewellery for centuries.

Rajasthan is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional crafts, and Polki jewellery is one of the most popular forms of traditional Rajasthani jewellery.

This traditional Rajasthani jewellery is often handmade by skilled artisans, who use traditional techniques to create intricate designs. Each piece of Polki jewelry is unique, and many pieces are designed to be worn on special occasions such as weddings and festivals.

Polki jewellery is often passed down from generation to generation, and it is considered to be a valuable family heirloom. Many families in India have collections of Polki jewellery that have been passed down through the generations and embark on the true meaning of traditional Rajasthani jewellery.

How to Style Polki Jewellery?

Polki jewellery is often paired with other types of traditional Rajasthani jewellery, such as Kundan jewelry and Meenakari jewellery. These different types of jewelry are often worn together to create a complete look for special occasions.

Demand for Polki Jewellery

Polki jewellery is becoming increasingly popular outside of India, particularly in Western countries where it is seen as a unique and exotic form of jewellery. Many designers are now creating modern, contemporary designs that incorporate Polki jewellery into their collections.

5. Jadau Jewellery

Jadau jewellery, also known as Kundan jewelry, is a traditional form of jewelry making that originated in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The term “Jadau” is derived from the Hindi word “Jad”, which means to embed, and refers to the process of setting precious and semi-precious stones, such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, in gold.

Process of Making Jadau Jewellery

The technique of making Jadau jewellery involves a process of melting and fusing 24-karat gold sheets into intricate designs, which are then filled with precious stones. The stones are set using a special type of lac, which is a natural adhesive that is heated and then used to secure the stones in place. The result is a stunning piece of jewelry that is both beautiful and durable.

Jadau jewellery is known for its intricate and elaborate designs, which often feature floral and paisley motifs. It is typically worn by brides and other women on special occasions, such as weddings and festivals. This traditional Rajasthani jewellery is also considered a valuable investment, as it is often passed down from generation to generation as a family heirloom.

Demand for Jadau Jewellery

Jadau jewellery, or Kundan jewellery, is a traditional Rajasthani jewellery that originated in the Mughal era. Jadau jewelry is known for its intricate design and the use of precious and semi-precious stones in combination with gold.

The demand for jadau jewellery varies depending on various factors such as cultural and traditional events, wedding seasons, and the overall economic conditions of the region. Jadau jewelry is always in demand due to its timeless and classic appeal.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend among consumers to prefer handmade and traditional Rajasthani jewellery over machine-made pieces. This trend has led to an increased demand for jadau jewelry in India and other parts of the world, especially among the younger generation. The popularity of jadau jewelry has also increased due to the influence of Bollywood celebrities who are often seen wearing these pieces in movies and events.

Wrapping it Up

Traditional Rajasthani jewellery is known for its elegant designs, creative craftsmanship, and vibrant colors. It is associated part of Rajasthani culture and is worn on various occasions such as weddings, festivals, and other celebrations.

Traditional Rajasthani jewellery is usually made of gold, silver, or other metals, and is adorned with precious and semi-precious stones, pearls, and beads. Taking steps such as creating awareness, sustainable practices, supporting local artisans, government support, and collaboration with a designer would increase demand for traditional Rajasthani jewellery which can also help preserve and promote for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

Look your best on occasions and head over to our jewellery section to buy beautiful 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.