Gems and Jewellery of Rajasthan
Rajasthan
Gems
& Jewellery of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is rich in jewellery each area havings its own unique style. Rajasthan, popularly known as the ‘treasure trove of Indian handicrafts’ and ‘shoppers’ paradise’, has been able to preserve its craft despite several ups and downs. Its rich heritage has played an important role in the economy of the state. The glittering jewellery and attractive handicrafts of Rajasthan have caught the fantasy of the people abroad and earned rich dividends. In Rajasthan, men and women traditionally wore necklaces, armlets, anklets, earings and rings. With the advent of the Mughal Empire, Rajasthan became a major centre for production of the finest kind of jewellery. It was a true blend of the Mughal with the Rajasthani craftsmanship. The Mughals brought sophisticated design and technical know-how of the Persian with them.
Gemstones :-
A piece of jewellery very popular in Rajasthan is the navratna. This is a collection of nine gems set together in a single piece of jewellery, either a pendant or a ring. Pearls were also considered extermely lucky to wear and emperors even ate ground pearls as medicine. A large number of traditional designs in jewellery are still very popular. Many in cheaper metals for the common man, and precious stones are replaced by coloured glass or semi precious stones. The jewellery of Rajasthan has rich tradition that has imbibed the best brought in by the Mughals without losing its own distinct character. Jaipur has been famous artisans specializing in cutting of precious and semi-precious stones. The design and the way the stones are cut in Jaipur represents he admixture of Mughal and Rajput styles. Jaipur workers use simple tools, in spite of which their dexterity and skill is remarkable.
The Masculine Jewellery :-
The
ornament worn in front of the turban is called a sarpech. It was often extended
into a golden bank set with emeralds, rubbies, diamonds. Pearls were greatly
loved by the Maharajas and they often wore double or triple strings of pearls
with pendant of precious stones round their necks. Men also wore earrings,
jeweled sashes around their waists and several rings on every finger. It was a
status symbol and a portable display of wealth, and consequently, power. The
common man of Rajasthan has traditionally worn jewellery too, though what he
wears is made from more modest metals like silver, and gems are substituted by
coloured glass. Earrings, armlets and anklets of silver are still commonly seen
adorning the rural Rajasthani male. Males also wear necklaces, earrings and
lucky charms which are considered to ward off evil.
The Feminine Jewellery :-
Feminine jewellery is more complex than masculine jewellery. Ladies generally wear a number of jewellery right from head to foot. these are Borla, Nose rings, Bajuband, Chuda, rings on the toes, Payal for the foot and bangles and rings and many more. So it is not surprising that the royal ladies of Rajasthani were bedecked from head to toe in jewels so much so that it sometimes was mystery as to how they could carry the weight of all the jewellery worn.
Metalware :-
Indian craftsman always shown an exceptional skills in engraving, chasing and ornamenting of gold and silver articles of everyday and decorative use. The metalware of Rajasthan comprises artistic brass work, enameled, engraved and filigree cut work on silver. The Jaipuri engravers have mastered the medium of engraving on metal. Lacquered and engraved brassware comes in an amazing variety of articles: hanging lamps, boxes, bowls, picture frames, and plates. Traditional designs are used in different techniques such as hammered, chased or embossed and the motifs are of flowers, hunting scenes and landscapes. In Jaipur, the engraving is done in three styles namely, (a) 'Marori' work- minutely lacquered designs covering the entire surface, (b) 'chikan'- floral ornamentation standing out vividly against a chased and lacquered background and (c) 'bichi' - a delicate pattern of flowers and leaves, on a lacquered surface.
Lac and Glass :-
Lac is mainly used in bangles and decorative items. Lac bangles are made in Bright colors. these bangles and decorative items are inlaid with glass and colored stone.
