Top 5 Styles and Designs of Vintage Jewelry in India

Top 5 Styles and Designs of Vintage Jewelry in India

Antique jewelry has witnessed the evolution of human skill sets over hundreds of years. They are equally famous in our times as they were in the past. The presence of best quality gems, state-of-the-art craft, rusty and time-worn appearance makes them all the more desirable than other contemporary jewelry.

The precious stones are combined with specific semi-precious stones like enamel, strass, marcasite, and a few synthetic stones to make the jewels accessible to everyone. The very existence of these jewels is often attached to some classic folklore, which invites even the commoners to take the plunge. Much of your attention gets captivated by the vivid colors of the vintage jewelry as well as the rustic charm.

Check out a few of the best-in-class vintage jewelry that remains high on demand:

1. Tarakashi

It's a specific form of Odissi artwork developed in the 1500s and is a modification of the Filigree work in Greece. It earns inspiration from nature and combines both utility and beauty. It depicts some of the most detailed embellishments in silver lining including the finer elements of flora and fauna. Earlier hoops, necklaces, pendants, and brooches were achieved with the help of a charkha. However, the vintage designs of the anklets, toe-rings, hairpins, and Tarakashi rings are still high on demand.

2. Pachchikam

This form of artwork had originated in Gujarat. Silver and platinum are among soft shimmery metals that help in creating Pachchikam jewelry. Pachchikam pendants, anklets, bangles, jhumkis, and rings acquire their color from the semi-precious metals and glass beads.

3. Meenakari

It’s a truly embellished to enhance the aesthetic value of the ornament, which was once introduced by Raja Man Singh. You’ll need to put a lot of labor to this form of art, and it dwells on lac sticks. After that, enamel is pushed inside the grooves in matching colors and heated until the dust gets liquefied. The adornment gets complete when the design is attained in gold or silver. Kolkata, Hyderabad, Varanasi, and Bikaner are among a few places that have claimed their global niche for Meenakari work. The silver Meena products have even gained much popularity among the young fashionistas. 

4. Kundankari

The early 19th century witnessed most members of the royal courts of Gujarat and Rajasthan adorning gemstones of various cuts, colors, and shapes. The use of sapphires, rubies, and diamonds was also quite prevalent among the courtiers of that era. Your eyes can’t overlook the unique setting of the claw and the charm of Kundan. Kundankari jewels are often teamed with Meena due to the latter’s range of colors. The modern day brides too prefer wearing earrings, necklaces, anklets, and wristlets of Kundan.

5. Thewa

In various parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan, the Thewa artwork performed by jewelry makers has gained popularity since the 16th century. Nathu Lal Sonewal, the renowned goldsmith had first introduced this design by combining all gorgeous festive beads with 23K gold for the latter’s audacious luster. The artwork caught the attention of Maharaja Sumant Singh, and it flourished during his reign.  The famous Rani Haar with Thewa work gets sold in large numbers with brands like Bluestone. 

You must take good care of your vintage jewelry, primarily to preserve the rustic charm. The natural appeal of the jewelry may be lost when you expose it to rain, sunlight, and dust more frequently. Likewise, jewelry of this kind can lose the relic appeal and undergo damages caused by harsh brushing or rough handling. That’s one reason why it’s so essential for you to store the jewelry items within an anhydrous and safe condition.