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June 03, 2019 2 min read
They say it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert – and in the case of Indian jewellers, you can also add generations of family knowledge and the power of mythology. With a legacy of 5,000 years, the history of jewellery and its artisans in India has often been quoted as the history of the country itself. For 2,000 years India was the sole exporter of gems. It was also the Indians who invented the diamond drill which they then taught to the Romans. And in modern day India, there are an astounding five to six million jewellers who contribute a total of 7% to the country’s GDP.
In fact, jewellery is so important to India that jewellers arguably transcend India’s caste system. Instead of being defined by their place or status of birth, they belong to the Vishwakarma caste, a special caste of craftsmen who some consider to be on a par with the priest caste of Brahmans. In recognition of their skills, they are named after the deity Vishwakarma, who according to Hindu mythology is the creative power that holds the universe together and who is the original architect and divine engineer of the universe.
And it is no wonder, given their almost vast array of talents that Indian jewellers are held in such high regard. Indian jewellery has historically been characterised by some of the finest handwork that requires painstaking attention to detail. So fine is their work, that every State in India has its own special style of crafting – from lace-like filigree in Gujarat, to glittering cut stones in Bengal, to vibrant Kundan jewellery combining diamond, gold and enamel created in Rajasthan.
Indian jewellers also have a demanding customer base that far exceeds Western standards. With a love of opulent jewellery that is associated with the Maharajahs, Indian men are proud wearers of some of the most extravagent jewellery. And religion and tradition has played a large part in the amazing breadth of jewellery worn by women, often as a reflection of status as well as for good fortune. It is no surprise then, that Indian jeweller's craftsmanship and expertise knows no bounds - from crowns, waist belts, nose rings and nath chains (chains that connect your nose ring to your hair) to finger rings, necklaces and anklets, the array of choices is breathtaking.
With her own family history in India, Brave Edith founder, Stephanie Sieber, is fortunate to partner with one of India’s leading jewellery firms. It is through such skills Brave Edith jewellery is made with outstanding attention to detail, using a mixture of fine hand skills and industry leading technology.
February 28, 2023 3 min read
August 30, 2022 3 min read
There’s been a lot been said about styling jewellery – from necklace mess and ring stacks to curated ears.
If you are a "more is better" kind of girl, then you probably don’t need to much advice, because you are likely to be happy with all sorts of clashes, which means you will also wear it well.
It’s when you are going for the understated look (and yet still interesting) that the styling task becomes a little more challenging. In this case, here are a few tips to help you make some choices.
July 08, 2021 3 min read
Jewellery choices are often at two ends of the spectrum - highly personal or highly fashionable. But whether your choice is driven by personal taste or by fashion, you should always look for jewellery that is well-designed. Well-designed jewellery looks and feels better no matter the style, because it simply hangs better, moves with you better and complements clothes better. Here are some tips for choosing jewellery that not only looks good, but also feels great.
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