Gold Jewelry
Gold is a metal which lures and attracts many. Gold is one such metal which gives the security against any financial crisis, because of its easy liquidity and is also being used by women for adorning themselves. Traditionally in India gold has been considered as auspicious among Hindus and is regarded to be symbolic of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. Gold in India is the symbol of perfection, immortality and prosperity; it is the substance that myths and legends are made of. It is also the favorite among the jewelers for making jewelry as it is anti-rust and has an everlasting shine.
In India, Kancheepuram in the south and Varanasi in the north have been the centre of gold jewelry making since the historic times. Gold has been used in the making of brocades and weaving also. Zardozi work which was brought to India by Mughals usually uses gold thread in embroidery for the clothes worn by the elitist and royal families. It is an excellent craft which is quite popular even today. Like other jewelry products, gold jewelry is very much typical to the region. Design and pattern of gold jewelry differs and makes itself apart according to the area and tradition carried on historically.
Till date, there is no historical evidence to show that Indian women did not wear any gold jewelry anytime. Instead there are evidences that Indian women adorned themselves with gold. Gold earrings, nose rings, bracelets, armlets, etc., all have been a part and parcel of the women in India, historically. Indian gold jewelry got its international recognition during the Mughal period. The Mughals in those days inspired Indian craftsmen to learn intricacies and nuances of jewelry making. During this period enameling, embedding stones in gold and filigree work attained great popularity.
During Mughal period, gold jewelry especially for the hands and feet was extremely ornated. The reason was that women wore veils and the only exposed parts of their body were their hands and feet. Some major gold jewelry of India includes necklaces, nose rings, earrings, hair clips, waistbands or toe rings, etc, all popular among Indian women. Besides the fact that gold jewelry lures Indian women most for obvious reasons, gold is believed to welcome Lakshmi. During Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped and gold is almost invariably bought.
India is considered to be one of the fastest growing markets in the world for gold jewelry. Also known as Yellow Metal, Gold has captivated the interests of people since times immemorial. The traditional Indian gold jewelry is a very much favorite among buyers and also the first preference for any traditional occasion.
Gold in India is considered to be an investment of sorts. Even though it is a dead investment, it comes in handy during times of financial crunch due to its easy liquidity. Also, the traditional values attached to this metal make Indians invest in it as it is considered to be a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi, the Indian Goddess of wealth. Gold has been mentioned in the Indian mythology since a long time and also finds mention in many holy manuscripts.
In India, almost all women love to wear gold jewelry. One auspicious occasion in the family is enough to send them running to the nearest jewelry store with a big smile on their face! Buying gold in India is a family affair and sometimes kids, grandparents and siblings go to a store together to buy jewelry. Men also wear Indian gold jewelry in the form of chains, bracelets, rings and sometimes studs. The choice of variety and styles in Indian jewelry makes the job of selecting "just the right one" tougher than tackling the kids!
The traditional Indian jewelry offers ornaments like earrings, studs, nose rings, nose pins, finger rings, chains of different varieties, chokers, bangles, bracelets, etc., that can be worn according to a particular attire and a particular occasion. The traditional Indian gold jewelry can make you look like a princess and grants that royal look to your personality. Of course, you can walk across the room with radiant confidence while others just envy you.
Indian gold jewelry is based on Karat and Purity. Pure gold is 24 Karat and in such a pure form that jewelry cannot be made. Usually, copper or some other alloy is mixed with gold in very small amounts to make it everlasting and strong.
Karat Purity:
22 karat Gold : 91.6% Pure
21 karat Gold : 87.5% Pure
18 karat Gold : 75.0% Pure