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In India, cultural sophistication is also reflected in the creation of jewelry. Moreover, Indians attach importance to the ornament since 5000 years. Archaeologists have discovered that the Indians were creating gold, silver jewelry and precious stones from prehistoric times! There are several working methods in precious metals and stones, in different regions of India.

Thus the states of Orissa and Andhra Pradesh (south India) are famous for their fine work in silver jewelry. "Minakari" (a method of enameling jewelry) is popular in Rajasthan. Nagercoil in the south is famous for its craft of jewelry that was once sacred and created to decorate gods and goddesses temples. Artisanal jewelers in Delhi are famous for their Kundan method, a traditional jewelry from Rajasthan: a technique that involves inserting gold foil between each gemstone (or each pearl) and the frame. Formerly, this method was used to make necklaces for refined ladies of royal courts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. That is probably the oldest Indian jewelry technique. Nowadays Kundan necklaces are mostly worn by brides.

India is a country rich in gemstones

Indian jewelers are very creative, they have created a gem for each body part (or almost): There are several variants of bracelets (which are often worn by 10, at least!), plus necklaces, rings, anklets, earrings, nose rings, belly rings, tiaras.... Etc.

Indians and Pakistanis, like many other Asian peoples, enjoy precious stones for their beauty as well as for their therapeutic properties. India has long been an important source of gems (precious and semi-precious stones, pearls). In India one found the first diamond deposit in the world, in the mine of Golconda. In Europe from the seventeenth (17th) century until the eighteenth (18th) century, diamonds were imported from India. In this vast country is also a variety of other gemstones: sapphires, emeralds, tourmalines and garnets are a few examples. Bombay is a major trading center of gemstones and semi-precious stones. It is said that Indian kings were adorned with sparkling stones of all colors skillfully polished their craft jewelers who, according to legend, made them look like gods!

In India, jewelry is the result of several influences: the Mughals have significantly influenced the jewelry with their sculpting techniques and the artisans of Rajasthan (the "Land of Kings") gave their enameling technique. According to some contemporary designer jewelry, ornaments and jewelry from old style are still very popular, including among young people! Fruit of a long maturation and cultural intermingling, the traditional Indian jewelry continues to fascinate Indians and foreigners. It must be said that the finery of old style are enhanced by glamorous actresses from Mumbai ...