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The history of jewellery is nearly older than 100 yrs and has seen many evolutions from old age till today. Generally, the word ‘antique jewellery’ is typically used for gems and jewellery owned which were handcrafted in the olden days and were passed from one generation to other.
Antique jewellery pieces are popular in the modern world. Since these pieces are exceptionally designed and have a smooth finish and classy look. The gemstones used in creating antique jewellery are of premium quality and have rusty look. Experts can easily identify the antiquity of the jewellery through its impeccable artwork, radiance and the materials used in crafting them.
Precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum were often utilised to make the jewellery worn by monarchs in the past. Nevertheless, the common citizens continued to use brass, alpaca, copper, and aluminium. Nowadays, antique jewellery is available in a variety of mixed metals to meet the adorner's fashion needs as well as their budget.
Our ancestors used to wear jewellery for different reasons. One of the major importance is that gems could represent one's social position. A glimpse at one's gems can reveal personal information about the person such as background, profession, marital status, and much more. Jewels were also created for exceptional occasions like coronation ceremonies, solar and lunar eclipses, falling comets, changing seasons, and even battles.
Usability, Style, and Aesthetic
Earlier, royals were in charge of commissioning and establishing new trends for various gems and jewellery. The nobles and common people both closely followed this tradition. Priests from temples, churches, and other religious organisations also played an important part in the commissioning of gemstones.
They were entirely responsible for creating sacred antique jewels with supernatural powers capable of transforming a commoner into a monarch and vice versa. As a result, in addition to their aesthetic worth, the gemstones were designed to serve considerably higher mystical objectives.
Antique Indian Jewellery: Different Styles
Antique jewellery may entice one to delve deeply into the rich story around it. Additionally, its outstanding rustic vintage charm and vibrant colours are enough to capture and hold one's attention. Here are a few old-fashioned Indian jewellery designs that are still in high demand:
1. Tarakashi: Unique Blend Of Culture And Beauty
This one-of-a-kind art style originated in Orissa in the late 1500s and is a modified version of Greek filigree work. It is inspired by nature and demonstrates a unique blend of function and beauty. The majority of Tarakashi designs include complex flora and animal components in fine silver wire. A "charkha" was traditionally used to swirl out brooches, necklaces, hoops, and pendants. However, due to their unique ancient style, Tarakashi rings, toe rings, anklets, and hairpins are now becoming immensely popular.
2. Thewa: Impeccable Artistry
During the 16th century, Thewa jewellery was handcrafted and is still quite well-known in some areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat. This style was created in the beginning by a jeweller from Pratapgarhia named Nathu Lal Sonewal. Thewa jeweller is a combination of exuberant luminous beads with the brazen brilliance of 23K gold. Soon after, Maharaja Sumant Singh noticed it, and this art style blossomed throughout his rule.
3. Pachchikam: Craft Heritage
This artistic jewellery has been originated from Gujarat's Kutch region and got its name from the Gujarati word "Pachchigar," which means "goldsmith." Pachchikam jewellery is created from delicate, shimmering metals such as platinum or (currently) silver. Glass beads and semi-precious metals are commonly used to provide colour to Pachchikam rings, bangles, anklets, trinkets, jhumkis, and pendants.
4. Meenakari: Combo Of Vibrant Colours & Design
Introduced by Raja Mansingh, Meenakari jewellery is in high demand. This beautiful jewellery is crafted with high precision and utilizes enamelling to increase the ornament's aesthetic value. This style of art is typically stored on lac sticks as the designs are etched on them, which makes it quite difficult. Then, the grooves are filled with the appropriate colour of enamel dust, which is heated until it liquefies and spreads throughout the groove. The prepared pattern is then set in silver or gold to finish the embellishment.
5. Kundankari: A Tale Of Rich Legacy
Kundankari is its charm and elegance. Kundankari jewellery is crafted in combination with other precious stones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and other jewels. This awesome craft was developed in the early 19th century in the imperial court of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Kundan's beauty and distinctive claw setting are undoubtedly noticeable. Also, Meena, a vibrantly coloured material, is frequently used to align Kundankari gems with stone inlays. Even now, contemporary brides would love to add Kundan wristlets, cuffs, earrings, and anklets.
6. Jadau: Created With Passion
The Jadau jewellery is a perfect example of artistry, elegance and grandeur. The blend of Meenakari work and Kundankari speaks a lot about the sheer grace, richness and grandeur of the Mughal period. The intricate design and the use of semi-precious stones, polkis and uncut diamonds create a perfect masterpiece.
Typically, a gold or silver layer is put around the polki to make it more gleaming, while the Ghaarias build a lac framework. The polki is then pressed and put into the lac framework and is later on finished with gold. Additionally, Jadau jewellery is embellished with vibrant semi-precious and magnificent stones to make picture-perfect jewellery for weddings.
7. Victorian Jewellery: Unique Collection
The Britishers were highly influenced by European-styled gemstones. The British conquerors brought and crafted the European jewels as per their preference. Victorian-style jewellery is made of gold, platinum, or silver, and it is embellished with cheap garnets, corals, and other easily available materials. Indian women still love to wear inexpensive Victorian brooches, bracelets, and hair ornaments nowadays. These accessories typically have an unmistakable Anglo-Indian appeal that has made them quite popular amongst youngsters and millennials.
Antique Indian jewellery pairs beautifully with traditional costumes like saris, salwar kameez, ghagra cholis, and dhoti kurtas. It can also be matched with contemporary and fusion wear as well. You can also team up your classy antique jewellery with casual wear.
For example, a stylish antique necklace or simply a few bangles goes well with a sober salwar kameez.
Likewise, antique or vintage-styled Indian jewellery can be paired with western outfits for a fusion look.
Care Tips: Do’s & Don’ts
Vintage jewellery must be maintained properly to keep its rustic appeal. For example, prolonged contact with dust, sunshine, or rain may cause the gemstone to shed its charm. Similarly harsh handling, intense cleaning, brushing, or wiping, might damage the antique beauty of the jewellery.
When buying antique jewellery and collectables, keep in mind the adage "the older the better.".
Hope the above blog has provided you with enough information. To know more, browse the antique collection on our website or connect with our experts today!
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