A dazzling side of our vibrant Gujarat!

Close your eyes and think about Gujarat. Invariably we all picture this state as a vibrant place bustling with energetic folks. The flashiness of their clothes, the colourful home interiors and yes, the chunky jewellery – the montage of its lively culture starts playing in our head. As an off-shoot of this vivacious culture, its jewellery heritage too tells the tale of their extravagant lifestyle. Pulled by its scintillating charm, when I delved deeper into the art and culture of this place, I discovered different facets of Gujarat’s jewellery scene.

You may already know but it's worth the mention - the first diamond cutting factory was set up in 1938 in Navsari, a neighbouring town of Surat, with all of 65 workers. As a principle city of the Mughal Empire, Surat’s topographical advantage made it exceptionally enticing for traders and merchants alike and today, it handles 90 percent of the world's rough diamond cutting and polishing. No wonder, Gujaratis are crazy about diamonds!    

But that does not mean, gold and other materials do not have takers here. Gujaratis are always game when it comes to art. They embrace different cultures with open arms and in no time, these cultures, no matter how unfamiliar they are, grow on them. Ras-Rava is one such jewellery art that is derived from filigree work of the western Asia that came here via Cuttack of Orissa. But unlike Cuttack Tarkashi, Ras-Rava designs are created by incorporating granules and minute flat discs with gold links into twisted or braided gold wire. 

Another art of jewellery making that made Gujarat home is Pachchikam which is exclusive to the Kutch region of Gujarat. Influenced by the 16th century European designs, it involves encasing of semi-precious stones and glasswork on silver in a simulated open-claw setting. Since is it made in silver, instead of gold, this range of hand-crafted jewellery is relatively inexpensive and are extensively worn during Navratri. Although the new version of Pachchikam jewellery is a fusion of both, Indian and European designs, it resembles the type of jewellery typically spotted in the portraits of British dignitaries. 

With something borrowed, something home-grown, I am sure you are wondering what would Gujarati bridal jewellery be like and the answers is – a beautiful amalgamation of colours and shine that bejewels the bride from head to toe. While the forehead is adorned with a matha tikka or a borla, hasadi and a variety of other neckwears adorn the bossom. Among other jewels are earrings, a mix of gold and glass bangles, patla, rings, toe rings, nathni (nose ring), chudis and kangans (bangles). An armlet or bajuband around the forearm and a waistband or kamarband round off the bridal look. Gujaratis may be fond of Kundan work but diamonds and gemstones too are thrown in for a lavish look. The Gujarati bride also sports the typically Gujarati Mangalasutra that is basically a traditional pendant strung in a black-beaded chain. 

Having discovered the hidden treasures of this colourful culture, it can be easily said that if ever the jewellery capital of India be made, it cannot be any other place than Gujarat. What say you? Let us know your views in the comments section below.  

Author: Deepa Mishra

Disclaimer: All images used in the blog have been sourced from Google purely for the purpose of informative reference. The models, celebrities or products showcased in these pictures are not to promote any brand in any manner.