Head line: Indian jewellery dates back 5000 years ago with the use of natural materials found in abundance all over the country. These were in the form of seeds, feathers, leaves, berries, fruits, flowers.

Indian jewellery dates back 5000 years ago with the use of natural materials found in abundance all over the country. These were in the form of seeds, feathers, leaves, berries, fruits, flowers. Even animal bones, claws, and teeth were used. Today, Indian jewellery are set with precious stones and gems alike in gold, silver, and platinum.

The jewelries although are designed in its original traditional form. Antique as it may look like, but the intricate detailing of the Indian jewellery is beauty in itself. What prompted the Hindus to take pride in this art form was the desire to adorn oneself, thereby beautifying one self. Since India is a gem-bearing country, the resources were endless. Because of this too, the country was beset by invaders from all around.

Transgressing through time and history, Indian jewellery has not remained just a craft, but evolved into an art - both in design and workmanship. For the rulers, jewels were a statement of power, prosperity and prestige. But for the Indian woman, jewellery was and is, even today in many parts considered as a security, the value of which will almost always accentuate, never depreciate.

One of the precious aspect about the Indian jewellery is the temple jewelry design. This Indian jewellery is commonly associated with dancers practicing the dance form of Bharatanatyam or Kuchipudi. This is characterized by some of the finest handwork, painfully crafted by skilled craftsmen and jewelers. From earrings to necklaces to pieces for adorning the hair, feet, hip and even the plait, the temple Indian jewellery that is custom-made, according to the measurements of the customer, is surely an enviable possession.

This Indian jewellery is made with uncut rubies (pucchakallu), emeralds, uncut diamonds (param), pearls, sapphire and other precious stones with the foundation in gold. Though due to the finesse required in crafting it, the time required to deliver the Indian jewellery may sometimes even go up to a year, depending on the number of pieces required. But one sight at the final product and most of customers will forget the agony of their wait. The price range too could be anywhere between Rs. 80,000 for a pair of jhumkas (earrings) to several lakhs for necklaces and other specialized items. A set for a dancer, meeting all her requirements for the perfect adornment could be between Rs. 8,00,000 to Rs. 15,00,000.

"The reason for the expensive nature of temple Indian jewellery is obviously the making charge, which itself is almost one-third of the total cost," says Kirtilal's manager Gunashekar.

Other Indian jewelries include the antique Indian jewellery and the Minakari jewellery. The former, antique Indian jewellery, in contrast to its name, it actually relates to the present trend and is in reality considered more of fancy jewellery. While the Minakari jewellery, or enamelling a unique combination of gems, enamel pigments, and precious stones was born as a result of Shah Jahan's aesthetic vision that transformed enameling into a sophisticated art.

All in all, the trend set by the Hindus for over 5,000 years never ceased the interest of the people to beautify themselves.

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