Jewel in the Crown: The Modernization and Cultural Convergence of Indian Jewelry

Designers from several cultures all over the world have been inspired and impacted by Indian jewelry. Exceptionally appealing, with exquisite and ornate designs, Indian jewelry was never just for style purposes alone. 

The jewelry market is an ever-green market globally as women from all parts of the world buy something or the other to add to their existing collection or as a gift to their loved ones. Due to women’s fondness for jewelry, the global jewelry market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.1 percent from 2019 to 2025 to reach $480.5 billion by 2025.

Today, in the fashion and digital media world, both traditional and contemporary Indian jewelry is still prevalent. Let’s glance at the roots of Indian jewelry and how it evolved.

Jewelry and Globalization

India’s traditions are not only limited inside the borders; the presence of a variety of cultures and art has also exerted its impact on our heritage. There has been a significant cross-cultural trade between Indian, Russian, and other European artisans for creativity and art. After British colonialism, around the 19th and 20th centuries, European influences on Indian accessories were evident. 

As a result, there is a more significant market for fusion jewelry than orthodox pieces. Be it kundan or a gold ornament; both are viewed in a much-modernized lens, where the consumer encases the same piece of jewelry in various ways.

Contemporary jewelry designs such as Valliyan, Outhouse Jewelry, and Astha Jagwani combine conventional methods with innovative vibes for elegant jewelry that attracts fashionistas. Numerous accessories are specially designed to be worn at the workplace, at dinner, or even in the summer.

We are likely to see Indian jewelry on runways, particularly now that giant, seductive large earrings and necklaces are again in high fashion. Several Western stars attracted to the artistic, ornamental details have also worn modern Indian jewelry, bringing a large audience to Indian craftsmanship. A few that have recently been seen in Indian designs are Beyonce, Rihana, Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, and Kim Kardashian.

Kundan, jadau, ivory, lac, meenakari, filigree, and handmade, are some examples of  traditional jewelry. All of these are extremely common, both for their originality and quality, and are known all over the world. Another prevalent form of jewelry is tribal jewelry; it uses wood, clay, crude metal, shells, bones, etc. Here, the jeweler’s individuality is preserved. What is most surprising is that it is not carved from costly metals or stones, and still is a success.

Popularity of Indian Jewelry

There are several reasons why Indian jewelry is so popular and loved. Some of them are listed below: 

• The uniqueness of each artisan jewelry is evident, which is crafted with traditional intricacy in    mind.

• The lightweight design of some Indian jewelry attracts the global market to a significant degree.
• What attracts the new generation is the fusion of tradition, culture, trends, and innovation.
• The days when jewelry was combined with traditional attires are over. Now it is worn with both traditional and western outfits. Indian jewelry looks great in modern desi fusion outfits. 

Every jewelry piece is an excellent blend of art and elegance, and since ancient times, traditional Indian artisans have been renowned for these specializations. The Rajput and Mughal periods demonstrated the growth of art in every aspect of life. The jewelry designs crafted during this period are known for its elegance and creative artistry., are still considered popular. Whether they are  bangles, earrings, or necklaces, we wear them regardless of the style of clothing, and all because it’s a period of modernization and cultural convergence.

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Abroo Murtaza is an enthusiastic and passionate writer who loves to write about fashion and jewelry. She is also fond of writing about technology trends.