All About Indian Antique Jewellery
by Francis Alukkas | 22 September 2021 | ANTIQUE JEWELLERY
‘Old is Gold,’ but when the gold is old, our love is more. Indian antique jewelry is known for its beautiful designs and intricate work. Indian antique jewelry designs in gold have been inspired by India’s rich dynasties, cultures, and traditions, which are popular and cherished even today. Every design and piece of jewel carries in itself the rich history of ancient India. This is true to each piece of jewel. So what makes a jewel antique? What is antique gold? And what are antique gold colors and the difference between antique gold vs. gold color?
In this blog, we answer all your questions in relation to antique gold jewelry, history, and the present trend for Indian antique jewelry.
What is Antique Gold?
The word ‘antique’ is often used to describe an exquisite and valuable object because of its age and quality. They are unique pieces of art that are from history. Pieces of jewelry made at least 100 years ago are called antique. ‘Antique gold’ is a term denoted to gold design jewelry inspired by ancient culture and art.
What is Antique Gold Color?
Antique gold is a strong yellowish-brown in color gradients of red and orange. They are typically heavy jewelry with a rusty look and dull finish. Indian antique jewelry is inspired by the mixed and diversified heritage of India. Antique gold jewelry is traditional and royal, carrying symbols and art culture from ancient India. Also, Check: Most popular Kerala traditional gold bangles
Antique Gold Vs. Gold Color
The difference between antique gold vs. gold color is that antique gold is gold jewel collections dating a minimum of 100 years old. The gold color refers to the color of antique jewels, i.e., rustic orange. The antique gold color is obtained through various processing methods involving the mix of different alloys. Indian antique jewelry is made of 22-carat gold, making them more expensive compared to the typical yellow gold jewelry. Adding to this is the intricate artistry and unique designs are adding up the making charge, hence the cost.
Indian antique jewelry designs in gold: Popular designs and collections
Indian antique jewelry can be well identified by its distinctive design, style, luster, and materials. There are many traditional Indian antique jewelry designs in gold that are popular and categorized by the era and cultural land to which they belong. Below are a few of the popular and famous Indian antique jewelry names crafted in different parts of India.
Temple Jewel Collection
Temple jewelry pieces are one of the most popular and celebrated South Indian antique jewelry collections. Inspired by temples of India, the origin of temple collections is speculated to be during the Chola dynasty. Adding a punch of trend, tradition, style, sentiments, chunkiness, and grandeur, these traditional south Indian jewelry are a show-stealer and a must have of a bridal jewelry collection. Also, check: Indian wedding jewellery Traditions
Meenakari Jewelry
Love for the Meenakari jewel collection has always been the same. Brought to India by Persians, Meenakari designs are considered one of the most complex and intricate jewelry crafting methods. This is because it takes seven different artisans to complete one piece of meenakari jewel. Popular designs such as animal figurines or images of gods and goddesses are carved and studded with precious stones, then enameled with gold. Raja Man Singh of Mewar introduced meenakari art in 16th century India, and since then, the art form has gained immense popularity across the world and even today.
Navaratna Jewelry
Navaratna jewelry in India is considered to be the most precious piece of jewelry that one could own. The jewelry design is a combination of nine gemstones, the diamond, ruby, emerald, coral, pearl, yellow sapphire, blue sapphire, hessonite, and cat’s eye that are considered to have cosmic significance concerning the Indian religious and astrological traditions or beliefs.
Kundan Jewelry
Kundan jewelry design is a unique style involving many different stages and artisans with various skill sets. In Kundan Jewellery, pieces of glass are embedded in gold to create absolute masterpieces. These art forms are believed to have originated in the royal courts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The love of Kundan jewelry is still intact and is a dream of every bride in India.
What are your favorite jewelry designs and crafts from ancient India?
