Rajasthan is famous for its precious stones market, especially emeralds and rubies. One of the most famous type of jewelry found here is Kundan and Jadau. Both of which are symbolic to the state and made with exquisite craftsmanship. Cosmetic jewelry too is very popular here and found in abundance. You can come across scores of places selling jewelry starting from the pavement to the upscale stores selling certified jewelry.
There is something about the craftsmanship found here that adds a touch of elegance and bling to the pieces. Like their colorful attire, jewelry here to is endorsed with bright and radiant pieces of stones, diamonds and gold. Both men and women sport jewelry here, though the masculine jewelry pieces are more subtle and restricted to either studs or rings around the neck. However, before purchasing anything here there are a few suggestions to keep in mind. An assortment or jewelry types is available here. But the most popular kinds of jewelery found in Rajasthan includes-
Different Types of Jewellery of Rajasthan
Silver Jewelry
This
is the most popular and commonly found type of jewelry in the state.
You can see these in rings, pendants, bracelets, nose pins and other
pieces too. Silver jewelry is available commonly and is sported by
villagers along with nomads and farmers.
Emerald or Panna
This
is the exquisite green stone that is used in centerpieces of various
jewelry forms. Even in emerald, you find a range of pieces that are
scarred and cost less. The un-flawed pieces are ones that cost most and
difficult to find.
Ruby or Manek
This stone is used
almost as much as jade, if not more. The beauty of this stone is that
it really goes well with all kinds of outfits and is more versatile. It
is also cheaper than the jade varieties that are found in the market.
The manek is easily available through out the state and you can pick
from a range of low budget pieces or opt for something that is totally
not flowed.
Other Semi Precious Stones
Some of the other stone pieces that you can find here include emerald, garnet, topaz, agate, amethyst and lapiz lazuli.
Kundan
This
one is the speciality of Rajasthan and is made using intricate
technique. Kundan is applied on the core of lac, which acts as a natural
resin. Then various forms of meenakari along with other precious and
semi-precious stones may be applied. These are basically kind of fake
crystals and don’t really cost much. Also Read: Kundan Jewelery of Jaipur
Lac
Basically lac is a staple to all jewelry forms in Rajasthan. It is a kind of Lacquered work that is applied on jewelry. The enamel work is done using
either silver or gold with colored glass pieces. Plain lac jewelry is
used in different kinds of religious ceremonies and rituals. Lac is a
sign of married women and colorful lac bangles are sported by the bride,
post the marriage ceremony.
Meenakari
This form of
craftsmanship uses a range of colors and delicate work. It makes uses of
colorful designs that were used not only in jewelry but also utensils
and other artifacts too. The art which was introduced by Raja Mansingh of Amer is now one of the most sought after jewellery designs not only among locals in Rajasthan but elsewhere as well.
Pratapgarh Jewelry
Pratapgarh
jewelry form is another way of enamel work. It makes use of both gold
and silver and has a colored glass piece on the base. It is also known as Thewa art. It is a traditional art usually crafted over a period of one month to get that pulsating design.
Gold
Pure
gold jewelry is not really popular here but gold is used in almost all
jewelry forms. The people of Rajasthan like to add a colorful touch to
everything that they wear. So you will find jewelry pieces that are is
made from 12 carat gold and classier and heavier pieces made with 24
carat too.
Polki and Jadau
Polki
is a kind of unfinished diamond form that is used to add bling to
jewelry pieces. Jadau is a jewelry form that is made using polki, kundan
and meenakari work. This combination is used for adding value to the
piece and also makes it heavier. Re-sale value of polki is much higher
and in jadau you only get value of the polki, gold along with some other
semi precious stones.
Jewelry for Women
There is literally no body part where
women don’t wear jewelry here. It includes earrings, rings, neckpieces,
head bands, toe bands, anklets, upper arm bangles, hair jewelry, etc.
The local women commonly sport silver wear though upper classes prefer
the more expensive gold and kundan-jadau pieces.
Jewelry For Men
You
can easily find men wearing authentic and classic jewelry pieces here.
Starting from the times of the kings, men have adorned jewelry here.
They might not sport as much bling thouhg, but wearing stud along with
turban jewelry, big bangles called Kadas around the wrists, etc. are
very popular.
Animal Jewelry
Even animals don the
love of jewelry that Rajasthani people have. This includes a vast range
of silver or plain copper jewelry with dangles and bells. Be it camel,
horses or even cows and goats, animals too are decked up.
Textile Ornamentation
This is
another popular kind of art that is used in Rajasthan. Though it is a
form of ornamentation, it is really not expensive. But in ancient times
kings and queens would use real gold and silver on these textiles. Many
designers have now adopted the same concept across the world. Also Read: Traditional Jewelery of Jaipur
Shopping for Jewlery in Rajasthan
Street Fair in Rajasthan
One of the most popular centers for jewelry is Johri Bazaar, which is located right in the heart of Jaipur Old City. It is a hub not only for local purchasers but also global wholesalers. People from across the world come here to purchase precious stones and jewelry. You will find shops on the street that sell semi-precious stones, neck pieces made of beads and other similar jewelry pieces. However on of the most vital things to keep in mind here is the authenticity. Fraudulent agents can easily dupe you. But there are some genuine shopkeepers who own legal street shops. You can easily purchase some exquisite pieces here but do not really go overboard. Something more than street junk and cosmetic jewelry is a viable option. Similar shops can be seen across the entire state, especially in Jodhpur, and Udaipur. These are ideal for doing some street shopping and get the closest to the real thing. But don’t expect a masterpiece to come across your way.
Small Wholesale Shops
The city of Jaipur, especially is flooded with small wholesale shops that offer an amazing collection of pearls, jadau, kundan and other jewelry pieces. However, they really don’t entertain too many tourists unless you come across as a serious buyer. If you are going in groups, then you have a better chance of seeing some of their items, which are usually not in display. Ideally these store-keepers offer dirt cheap prices for local jewelry, especially if you are looking for something in bulk. These stores are again located in central areas like Johri Bazaar in Jaipur. Here you can find everything from diamonds, jadau, polki, kundan and gold pieces along with blend of other metals.
Government Emporiums and Shops
These offer you the perfect option to buy gifts and adornment pieces without worrying about authenticity or high prices. These are government certified shops that sell semi-precious and precious jewelry at low prices. The stores also offer a wide range of antique collection starting from arm bands to neck pieces. You can check out the silver collection here, which is exquisite and rare. Usually these stores do not sell gold jewelry although you may lay your hand on some gold polished pieces.
Jewelery Boutiques
Upscale and plush stores and boutiques have opened all around the state of Rajasthan. These offer craftsmanship that you can really not find in any other place. It includes a range of diamond, Jadau, Polki and Kundan blended with precious stones. Everything made here is of pure gold or a blend of gold, platinum and white metals. Certified and authentic jewelry is sold here. You can get an assortment of bangles, bracelets, rings, wedding pieces, etc. In fact movies in Bollywood like Jodha and Akbar, where kings and queens were laden with jewelry had been crafted here.
If you are lucky enough to plan a visit to Rajasthan during the Jaipur Jewelry show, then you really don’t need to go anywhere else. This is a show that is held once a year in the city and is the biggest jewelry exhibition in India. It has sellers from across the country, with special focus on Rajasthan. You can find everything here from ornamental and funky turquoise beads to exotic and priceless diamond pieces. Be it traditional forms of jewelry or contemporary take on polki, everything is available under one roof. It is an exhibition that is visited by jewelers from across the country and world too. A must see for all tourists, even if you do no buy (chances are negligible that you won’t find something that you like