JADAU JEWELRY
Jadau Jewelry is the most famous and forms one of the major examples for the high skilled craftsmanship that was been brought into India by the Mughals. Historically speaking, the tradition of Jadau work has been in practice in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat since the times of the Mughal era. Jadau jewelry is also called as "Engraved jewelry" and gives a unique look in itself. It is been worn usually in the traditional and auspicious occasions like marriages and festival celebrations.
Though the Jadau art was introduced in India by the Mughals, it is because of the Indian craftsmen that the art gained the popularity by the addition of their indigenous skills. In Jadau jewelry the main items used are precious and semi precious stones, gems, crystals and beads. They are embedded in gold, which is first melted a bit. Then later when the gold becomes pliable, the precious stones are set on it with great precision and artistry. After this process it is allowed to cool down and the stones and gems get fixed on it without any adhesives or carvings.
Jadau work is all about the team work, where a group of craftsmen are involved together collectively working to achieve the kind of art. Each craftsman in the group carries out a specific task related to the jewelry creation. The chiterias are the one who make the basic design, and the ghaarias are the ones responsible for engraving and making holes. Meenakari or enamelling is usually done by the enameller and the goldsmith takes care of the kundan or the gold. These days, Jadau is done on not just jewelry, but also on jewelry boxes and delicate showpieces.
Uncut diamonds called polki or vilandi are used as the central stone. Meenakari or art work done at the back of the jewel is purely for beautifying purposes. Highest care and attention is given towards the detail on every piece that the master craftsman creates.
The stone setters first set the stone in silver foil, and then fuse with a finishing of pure gold. Brought into India bythe Moghuls, Jadau jewelry is known especially for its amazing designs with intricate stone settings. The skilled craftsmanship stands testimony to the richness upheld by the Royals. Jadau Jewelry art is the oldest jewelry tradition followed in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat since the Mughal era. Most Jadau designs are rich in Kundan and Meenakari settings with precious and semi-precious stones, crystals and cut diamonds studded in gold.
The most interesting feature of Jadau jewelry is the Meenakari or enamelling work which is done on the back side of the jewelry. The Jadau designs, even today, appeals to one and all with its classic designs. The traditional Rajasthani jewelry designs called Hasli Haar, Jhalar Haar and Ek Ladi Haar which a unisex design worn by both men and women in the royal families have been are some of the famous designs which are used in the daily life in the parts of the Rajasthan.