| Indian jewellery dates back 5000 years | | | | measurements of the customer, is surely |
| ago with the use of natural materials | | | | an enviable possession. This Indian |
| found in abundance all over the country. | | | | jewellery is made with uncut rubies |
| These were in the form of seeds, | | | | (pucchakallu), emeralds, uncut diamonds |
| feathers, leaves, berries, fruits, | | | | (param), pearls, sapphire and other |
| flowers. Even animal bones, claws, and | | | | precious stones with the foundation in |
| teeth were used. Today, Indian jewellery | | | | gold. Though due to the finesse required |
| are set with precious stones and gems | | | | in crafting it, the time required to |
| alike in gold, silver, and platinum. The | | | | deliver the Indian jewellery may |
| jewelries although are designed in its | | | | sometimes even go up to a year, |
| original traditional form. Antique as it | | | | depending on the number of pieces |
| may look like, but the intricate | | | | required. But one sight at the final |
| detailing of the Indian jewellery is | | | | product and most of customers will |
| beauty in itself. What prompted the | | | | forget the agony of their wait. The |
| Hindus to take pride in this art form | | | | price range too could be anywhere |
| was the desire to adorn oneself, thereby | | | | between Rs. 80,000 for a pair of jhumkas |
| beautifying one self. Since India is a | | | | (earrings) to several lakhs for |
| gem-bearing country, the resources were | | | | necklaces and other specialized items. A |
| endless. Because of this too, the | | | | set for a dancer, meeting all her |
| country was beset by invaders from all | | | | requirements for the perfect adornment |
| around. Transgressing through time and | | | | could be between Rs. 8,00,000 to Rs. |
| history, Indian jewellery has not | | | | 15,00,000. "The reason for the expensive |
| remained just a craft, but evolved into | | | | nature of temple Indian jewellery is |
| an art - both in design and workmanship. | | | | obviously the making charge, which |
| For the rulers, jewels were a statement | | | | itself is almost one-third of the total |
| of power, prosperity and prestige. But | | | | cost," says Kirtilal's manager |
| for the Indian woman, jewellery was and | | | | Gunashekar. Other Indian jewelries |
| is, even today in many parts considered | | | | include the antique Indian jewellery and |
| as a security, the value of which will | | | | the Minakari jewellery. The former, |
| almost always accentuate, never | | | | antique Indian jewellery, in contrast to |
| depreciate. One of the precious aspect | | | | its name, it actually relates to the |
| about the Indian jewellery is the temple | | | | present trend and is in reality |
| jewelry design. This Indian jewellery is | | | | considered more of fancy jewellery. |
| commonly associated with dancers | | | | While the Minakari jewellery, or |
| practicing the dance form of | | | | enamelling a unique combination of gems, |
| Bharatanatyam or Kuchipudi. This is | | | | enamel pigments, and precious stones was |
| characterized by some of the finest | | | | born as a result of Shah Jahan's |
| handwork, painfully crafted by skilled | | | | aesthetic vision that transformed |
| craftsmen and jewelers. From earrings to | | | | enameling into a sophisticated art. All |
| necklaces to pieces for adorning the | | | | in all, the trend set by the Hindus for |
| hair, feet, hip and even the plait, the | | | | over 5,000 years never ceased the |
| temple Indian jewellery that is | | | | interest of the people to beautify |
| custom-made, according to the | | | | themselves. |