As a label, we take immense pride in our products and their journey around the world. To witness women all over the world adorning our jewellery, which has been carefully conceptualized and crafted in India continues to fascinate us. Looking inwards, our journey in India has been equally special. The past 10 years have been pivotal since modern Indian women found themselves in new dynamic roles inspiring more sophisticated style choices and enabling Indian fashion businesses like Zariin to truly flourish. As we reel under the devastating effects of Covid-19 disease, the support of our local customers has been overwhelming. By supporting our creations, not only are you helping a business flourish but also some age-old crafting techniques remain relevant? Every piece of jewelry, however modern or contemporary it looks, has a traditional crafting technique behind it, some dating back to the Indus Valley Civilisation. Each timeless Zariin piece contains history and exhibits the wonder of what a talented set of hands can create. By supporting local crafts, you are actually supporting a long-lasting legacy of craft.
We take you through some Indian jewelry techniques that have stood through the test of time and are the driving factor behind some of our most memorable collections.
Filigree
The art of bending metal wires to make lace-like forms is called filigree. Since ancient times, people in India have been utilizing a delicate technique that requires hours of labour and skilful hands. This style of art is most prominent in the state of Orissa.
Pearls and Baroque Pearls
Pearls were believed to ward off misfortune. Found in abundance in the south, medieval times saw the Indian kings and other royal family members adorn pearls in various forms. This made them a symbol of wealth and prosperity, giving them a coveted status in Indian society. Pearls have been mentioned in the Rig Vega, the oldest of the Vedas dating back to 3000 years ago.
Interestingly, Baroque Pearls inspired a powerful art movement during the Renaissance.
In India, we saw them being used in the most spectacular ways.
Bezel Setting
Placing a gemstone into a ring of metal that contours around it closely is known as a Bezel setting. It is one of the oldest methods to hold a stone in place not only in India but around the world. Most of our jewelry uses this style due to its flexible ability to contour around the organic nature of our stones. Interestingly, this old setting method is still considered modern and bold when it comes to aesthetics.
Enamelling (Meenakari)
This technique was brought to India by the Mughals. The craft gained popularity when Raja Man Singh of Mewar flaunted it. This publicity helped it flourish in the 16th-century markets of Jaipur. Craftsmen of Lahore were brought in by the Raja to set up their base to meet the growing demand and popularity. This detailed technique was used in three of our designs.
Ghunghroos
The Ghunghroos are the basic must-have adornment for most Classical dances of India. When the royal women adopted this accessory in the form of a Payal, the sound of the Payal would mark their presence during purdah. Ghunghroos are also part of various tribal and gypsy jewelry of India.
Zariin’ chunky bohemian rhodium-dipped collection – Desert Moon, uses this tinker bell as inspiration.
We hope this informative article inspires you to continue supporting local crafts and making conscious choices in every aspect of life by looking at the deeper meaning of everything.
Website: www.zariin.com
Mamta Gupta
( India )