Many of our customers sell gold jewellery to us with Indian or South Asian origin. Indian gold items are some of our most favourite items to handle due to their elaborate designs and beautiful construction. India is known for its rich cultural heritage and has a long-standing tradition that incorporates gold jewellery spanning thousands of years. There is a huge variety of Indian gold jewellery, with each piece reflecting regional cultural and historical influences. We will explore the different types of Indian gold jewellery we commonly see. Customers looking to sell Indian gold jewellery should get in contact with us today.
Origin: Rajasthan
Kundan jewellery is known for its use of precious and semi-precious stones within the jewellery. These stones are usually set in gold foil, which gives the item its unique and stunning appearance. Kundan gold jewellery is known for its intricate design details.
Purity: Kundan jewellery is typically made using 24ct gold for the setting; however, the actual gold content across the whole piece may vary.
Origin: Gujarat and Rajasthan
Design: Similar to Kundan, Polki jewellery features the use of uncut diamonds that are placed in gold. Polki retains the natural form of the diamond, which gives it a raw and traditional look. The use of uncut diamonds was brought to India by the Mughals, over 2500 years ago. Rajasthan is famous for the location of the highly skilled hand polki jewellery craftsmen.
Purity: Polki jewellery is generally made from 18ct to 22ct gold. The diamonds used in the jewellery are not cut or polished, adding to their natural beauty and value.
Origin: Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
Design: Temple jewellery, originally used to adorn idols of gods and goddesses in temples, features designs inspired by deities, nature, and temple architecture. These pieces are often heavy and very ornate.
Purity: Temple gold jewellery is typically made from 22ct gold. Temple jewellery is highly valued for its purity and craftsmanship.
Origin: Mughal Era, predominantly seen in Rajasthan
Design: Jadau is a traditional form of jewellery making that involves embedding soft gold with precious and semi-precious stones without the use of adhesives. The gold is heated and then shaped to hold the stones in place. There has been a recent resurgence in the popularity of this gold jewellery, which can be credited to Bollywood’s influence.
Purity: Jadau gold jewellery is commonly made from 22ct gold. The intricate process and high gold content make it highly sought after and valuable.
Origin: Rajasthan
Design: Meenakari jewellery involves an enamelling process. The surface of the gold jewellery is enamelled with vibrant colours derived from a mixture of metal oxides and glass. This technique often complements Kundan and Jadau jewellery, adding a burst of colour and intricate patterns.
Purity: Meenakari enamelling work is usually done on 22ct gold.
Origin: West Bengal and Odisha
Design: Filigree involves twisting fine gold wires to create delicate and intricate patterns. The jewellery designs are often floral and lace-like, making the items very lightweight yet extremely visually striking. There are two main types of filigree jewellery, ‘openwork’ filigree and ‘metal-supported’ filigree. In ‘openwork’ filigree, the jewellery has no backing so instead stronger wires are soldered together to hold the finer wires in place.
Purity: Typically made with 22ct gold, filigree jewellery showcases the finesse of goldsmiths’ craftsmanship.
Origin: Southern India, especially Tamil Nadu
Design: Nagas jewellery is characterized by its bold and traditional motifs inspired by nature and mythology. These pieces are often large and elaborate.
Purity: Usually crafted from 22ct gold, Nagas jewellery pieces are both heavy and highly detailed.
Origin: Gujarat and Kutch
Design: Pachchikam is an older form of jewellery that uses silver or low-karat gold as the base with uncut glass stones. It has a rustic and vintage appeal.
Purity: While traditionally made with silver, contemporary versions might use 18ct gold.
Origin: Various regions across India
Design: Antique jewellery features designs that appear aged and timeless. The jewellery is often crafted to look like heirloom pieces passed down through generations.
Purity: These pieces are usually made with 22ct gold to maintain the traditional appearance and high value.
Origin: Various regions, including Rajasthan and Gujarat
Design: Beaded jewellery incorporates gold beads along with other materials like gemstones, pearls, and glass beads. The designs can range from simple strands to elaborate multi-layered pieces.
Purity: The gold beads are typically made from 22ct gold, ensuring durability and luxury.
Gold jewellery plays a vital part in Indian culture and history. From the intricate Kundan and Polki pieces of Rajasthan to the vibrant Meenakari and delicate Filigree work, each type of jewellery tells a unique story exclusive to specific regions. The purity of gold found in Indian and Asian jewellery is between 18ct and 24ct. For those looking to sell their Indian jewellery, it is important to choose a gold buyer who specialises in South Asian and Indian gold, as this jewellery often lacks hallmarks. Whether you are looking to sell Indian wedding jewellery or festival pieces, we will pay you the highest valuation for your items.
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