Silver work in India reflects the unique combination of tradition and modern, contemporary aesthetics that leave the buyers spellbound with its ethnic beauty. Fashionably shaped silver is among the most popular materials for delicate ornaments all over India. It is chased, engraved, filigreed or granulated giving birth to a wide array of ornaments in different textures and finishes and styles.
Arts & Crafts
Tarkashi : Silver filigree work known as tarkashi, from Orissa is fine and detailed with an eye to the minutest detail. The silver is spun into fine wires and made into jewelry and small boxes, dainty floral kumkum containers, leaf patterned purses, perfume containers, hairpins, armbands and really delicate necklaces. One can pick out trays, small bowls, plates, glasses, rosewater sprinklers, vases, flower bowls, lamps that wafts nostalgia from bygone romantic lives.
Bidriware : Bidriware, an art form that the Persians brought with them to India, takes its name from the Bidar region on the Deccan plateau. An alloy of zinc and other non-ferrous metals is poured into molds. Originally greedy in color, these alloys take on a jet-black hue with the application of silicon clay. Delicate fine patterns of silver are then traced intricately. These art pieces take on forms like cigar cases bowl, trays, bangles, and cufflinks among others.
Centre of Excellence
Kashmir & Himachal valley : The silver smiths of the Kashmir valley reflect the local flora in their design. Their long chained earrings are typical to the Kashmiri women. In the hilly tracts of the misty Himachal countryside they take raw silver and inlay it with precious stones.
Rajasthan & Gujarat : Rajasthan is known for its rich chunky silver jewelry as is its neighbor Gujarat. Earrings, bracelets, heavy pendants in animal motifs, waistbands and anklets are produced in different ways according to local villages in the region. The silver enameling in the Nathdwara style is original and different from what is normally seen. There are many local jewelers in Jaipur who have huge collections retrieved from villages.
Bombay : Bombay is yet another treasure cave for silver. This city has the most exciting things like silver ink well, feathered plumes, pill boxes in intriguing teasing designs, miniature cradles with perfectly worked bolsters, secret locking pendant and the list is endless. In the traditional Marwari silver shops one can walk away withsterling silver Indian dinnerware.
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