Early Jewelry

• Ancient Indian people made jewelry by hand out of items they found in nature, such as seeds, feathers, flowers, berries, animal bones, leaves and animal teeth. They used these items to make intricate jewelry pieces, according to the Crafts in Indian website. Some tribal communities in India now still make these types of jewelry.
  
  

Nature Themes

• The use of natural objects to make jewelry later led to the same designs reappearing when using silver and gold. Floral and plant designs continue to permeate traditional Indian jewelry designs. Hindu religion also plays a role in the nature themes of jewelry. Indian jewelry often depicts animals, which have significance in the Hindu religion.
  
  

Types

• Indian jewelry is made for almost every body part. Although large, elaborate earrings and necklaces are popular, so are nose rings, anklets, rings, arm bands and even jewelry for legs and abdomens. A series of bangle bracelets, made of ivory or glass, are often worn from the wrist to the armpit.
  
  

Materials

• Traditional Indian jewelry is made out of gold, silver and iron and alloys of those metals. Because India has a vast supply of precious gem stones, these are also abundantly used in designs. Rubies, pearls, sapphires and diamonds, black onyx, moonstones and amethysts are some of the most popular stones in use. India led the world in exporting gemstones, especially diamonds, by the third century B.C., according to the Crafts in India website. India has been importing gold into the country for centuries as well.
  
  

Cultural Significance

• In Indian, jewelry is more than just ornamental. Jewelry is an essential piece of women's wardrobes, which convey status and class. Gem stones are thought to give special powers to people. Some types of jewelry also show off a person's place in the world. For example, only rulers wear double-strand pearl necklaces or turbans with ornamentation. Jewelry is also a major part of the gifts given to women when she gets married. It is considered an investment and an identity marker.