India is a land of varied jewellery traditions or parampara which makes traditional jewellery exotic by international standards. So it can be quite overwhelming when you shop for, collect or study Indian Jewellery. In this post, I have compiled a list of things to know about Types of Indian jewellery and their styles so that you know exactly what to expect when you shop for them.
Meenakari
Western term – Enameling
Style Inspiration – Mughals. Later was greatly patronized by the Rajputs of Rajasthan from the 16th century
Process – Meenakari is enameling or decorating the metallic surface of jewellery with colors. The color portions are engraved (kudhai) for shallow depressions and the enamel dust of the required color ( ground, mixed with water) is then poured into those engravings and heated at high temperature. The colors are filled in accordance to their resistance to heat – white to red. When cooled, its polished with agate for luster. The color accuracy can be guaranteed only when 22- 24K gold is used.