Indian
Silver Jewelry
Silver work in India reflects
the unique combination of tradition and modern, contemporary aesthetics
that leave the buyers spellbound with its ethnic beauty. Fashionably
shaped silver is among the most popular materials for delicate ornaments
all over India. It is chased, engraved, filigreed or granulated giving
birth to a wide array of ornaments in different textures and finishes
and styles.
Arts & Crafts
Tarkashi : Silver filigree work known as tarkashi,
from Orissa is fine and detailed with an eye to the minutest detail. The
silver is spun into fine wires and made into jewelry and small boxes,
dainty floral kumkum containers, leaf patterned purses, perfume
containers, hairpins, armbands and really delicate necklaces. One can
pick out trays, small bowls, plates, glasses, rosewater sprinklers,
vases, flower bowls, lamps that wafts nostalgia from bygone romantic
lives.
Bidriware : Bidriware, an art form that the Persians
brought with them to India, takes its name from the Bidar region on the
Deccan plateau. An alloy of zinc and other non-ferrous metals is poured
into molds. Originally greedy in color, these alloys take on a jet-black
hue with the application of silicon clay. Delicate fine patterns of
silver are then traced intricately. These art pieces take on forms like
cigar cases bowl, trays, bangles, and cufflinks among others.
Centre of Excellence
Kashmir & Himachal valley : The silver smiths of
the Kashmir valley reflect the local flora in their design. Their long
chained earrings are typical to the Kashmiri women. In the hilly tracts
of the misty Himachal countryside they take raw silver and inlay it with
precious stones.
Rajasthan & Gujarat : Rajasthan is known for its
rich chunky silver jewelry as is its neighbor Gujarat. Earrings,
bracelets, heavy pendants in animal motifs, waistbands and anklets are
produced in different ways according to local villages in the region.
The silver enameling in the Nathdwara style is original and different
from what is normally seen. There are many local jewelers in Jaipur who
have huge collections retrieved from villages.
Bombay : Bombay is yet another treasure cave for
silver. This city has the most exciting things like silver ink well,
feathered plumes, pill boxes in intriguing teasing designs, miniature
cradles with perfectly worked bolsters, secret locking pendant and the
list is endless. In the traditional Marwari silver shops one can walk
away with sterling silver Indian dinnerware.
