Jewellery

Posted by Kajal Naina on January 16th, 2022

Top 10 Unique Jewellery Designs based on Different Cultures in the World.

What  really pops into your mind when someone says jewellery? 

Jewellery Simply indicates the symbol of Prosperity, Influence and Richness.

The interpretation of jewellery has really changed over the period of time but conventionally speaking jewellery was much more than style and fashion,they depicted a sense of royalty, wealth and status. 

So it is no brainer that different cultures across the world have their own unique history behind the jewellery and hold a different essence to it. They also symbolize customs and traditions of a particular place and therefore are a crucial aspect of human civilization.That being said, let\'s broaden our knowledge of various jewellery designs across the globe.

1. Jewellery in Ireland

The word that comes up in the context of Irish Jewellery has to be Celtic Jewellery. The word celtic is derived from the word ‘’Celts’’ which many archaeologists and historians claim to people of iron age culture who resided in Britain and Western Europe from 500 BC and 400 AD.

The celts were known to have expertise in craftsmanship in ornaments. What really sets Celtic Jewellery apart from other jewellery is its unique complex designs and geometric intricacies.

 Instead of including flowers, people or different beauty related aspects, Celtic jewellery are known to have incorporated geometric diagonal lines and spirals associated with weird creatures and patterns.

Back then adornments were used as a medium of showcasing status and power.Some of the prominent celtic jewelleries are the celtic cross, the trinity of life,the harp,the trinity knot, and the claddagh ring. 

The most popular,being the Claddagh ring ,which is used to symbolize friendship, loyalty and love. 

What’s really cool about the Claddagh ring is the way its worn has a different essence.A Claddagh ring on the right hand with the crown turned outwards away from individuals denotes that the individual is single.Similarly a claddagh ring on the right hand with the crown turned inwards,towards individuals denotes that individual is pursuing a relationship.

Likewise an individual wearing a Claddagh ring on the left hand with the crown turned outwards, away from the individual represents a romantic engagement.On the contrary, ring on the left hand with the crown turned outwards, towards the individual depicts a married state. 

Further the Celtic cross holds significance for christian and includes a traditional cross surrounded with a circle. It represents a symbol of christianity.

2.Jewellery in India

 If there’s one thing that is quite remarkable about India is its diverse culture. So it doesn’t come as a surprise that the jewellery of India embodies its varied culture.More significantly used for occasions of marriage, India’s richness in jewellery has always been a topic of appreciation. 

We can’t help but fall in love with their unique and diverse intricate jewelleries.

India’s history of ornaments can be traced back to 5000 years ago, with mentions in great epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana.With the reign of Moghul, India witnessed a wide range of introduction of new forms of adornments.

Since India has a diverse culture, the jewelleries across different cultures have their own essence.The South Indian culture has been known to use gold jewelleries while performing various forms of classical dances like kuchipudi, kathak or bharatnatyam for  further enhancing the beauty of dancers.

Another form of popular ornaments used across India is nath, which is basically a nose-ring, normally associated with married women.They are normally clove shaped ornaments made from single stone. The most popular is that of Maharashtra.

Apart from these, the Chandrahar of Bengal is another unique ornament worn around the waist of a woman. It consists of strings of chains held in criss-cross gold wire, leading to a giant filigree pendant.

Representation of larger than life Bollywood movies have also definitely hyped up the love for Indian jewelleries.

3.Jewellery in Native America

 Native American jewelry has been known to date back at least as far as 10,000 BC.One peculiar feature of Native American jewelleries  is that they are crafted by indigenous artisans and take inspiration from land, the spiritual beliefs, the legends, and the cultures of each unique nation, from the American Indians of the Southwest to those in the Northeast.

They used shells, stones, antlers, bones, porcupine quills, feathers, and similar materials to create appealing adornments. They basically used any natural materials that were available to them.Stones used in these ornaments included Turquoise, Garnets, Charoite, and gaspeite stones.

Turquoise,being one of the widely used stones, are known to signify sky and are assumed to have life giving powers .

Jewellery was mainly used to communicate a status of symbol and prestige among their clans.Native American jewelleries are characterized by massive use of animals, their body parts and plant fibers.

4.Jewellery in African Culture

African culture has some stunning collections of ornaments. Unlike other traditions across the globe, African jewellery were used for trade and barter system, mainly in exchange for cloth and food due to slavery.However, over the period of time they have changed their essence.

African cultures are known to have used hand crafted expertise.Beads are one of the widely used material in adornments.Another essential elements of African adornments are ostrich bone and cowrie shells, which are known for their durability and their shape representing female fertility.

5.Jewellery in Chinese Culture

You know that the world owes a lot of gratitude towards Chinese culture. Whether it is delicious dumplings or rich culture, China has never left us disappointed.The same can be said for its exceptional treasure of jewellery.

The phase of jewellery started with Neolithic  period.One of the prominent jewellery worn by females in traditional chinese culture is Shubi.It is basically an equipment resembling a comb.Shu contained thick and thin teeth which assisted in combing hair while Bi had more fine teeth making it easier to remove dirts from hair.

Made from pearl and jade,Ying Luo is jewellery worn around the neck.Further hairpins like Zi,Chai,Buyao were all highly crafted and made from jadeite,coral crystal or ivory.

Dragons and Phoenixes are relevant designs in Chinese adornments with blue jade dragon symbolizing royalty.Jade is one of the widely used stones in Chinese jewellery representing morality,protection and love.

6.Jewellery in Japanese Culture

Although at an instance people might consider  Chinese culture and Japanese Culture to be the same, that is quite not the case.

Japanese jewellery was meant to compliment their traditional attires.

One of the popular jewellery in Japanese culture includes Kanzashi which is basically a floral head ornament. Kanzashi includes a wide variety ranging from Bira Bira, Kogai,Tama,Kushi Kanoko Dome to Ogi.From simply supporting hairstyle to using it as a defense equipment, this is a crucial piece of jewellery in Japan.

Another traditional jewellery of Japan has to be Magatama, a comma shaped bead, originally meant to be used for decoration and eventually evolved to be applied for religious and ceremonial purposes.

 Metal alloy Shakudo were used in Japanese sword fittings by fighters.Among others, Inro is one form of jewellery that has its own purpose. They were basically pouches or handbags made from wood and leather to carry medicine and essential elements.

Kajal Naina is an award winning jewellery designer. Check out the best gold star necklace from Kajal Naina.

In Kajal’s own words, “Owning something beautiful and meaningful seems to lift people up. Beauty inspires people and empowers them – and that is the greatest reward to me.”