Silvet Jewellery

Since pre-historical days man has been familiar with silver. It was discovered soon after copper and gold. Next to gold, silver has always been considered to be the best metal for making jewellery – hence the popularity of silver jewellery. Since it is more affordable, silver jewellery outnumbers gold items. Silver too was considered sacred in ancient times.

It is malleable and ductile and therefore the ideal stuff for crafting silver jewellery. It was also used as coins and for decoration. Rich households used silver utensils.History and legend is studded with stories about silver jewellery. Joseph is referred to in the Bible to be rich because of his silver jewellery, gold ornaments as well as oxen. In some pre-Christian civilizations silver jewellery was more precious than gold.

To the Egyptians it had a religious significance and silver jewellery was liberally used as items for worship. Silver is associated with the moon and because of this there are many legends and folk tales surrounding it. It is said to be antidote for various maladies and attacking monsters. The silver cross repelled vampires. The ‘silver bullet’ can deal with any enemy.

There are many handcrafted silver jewels fashioned in the Indian state of Jaipur – anklets, toe rings, rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants and complete silver sets. There are silver combs and hair pins. Heavy earrings are fixed to the hair with silver chains for support. Silver tikkas kiss the forehead being held in place down the parting of the hair.

Some nose rings are larger than coins. The silversmiths also take customized orders. In the age of the Internet these units are now connected with global admirers of silver jewellery. The products are made from sterling silver. Some silver jewellery are studded with gems – beautiful as well as astrologically specific stones.

Native American (Navajo tribes of Arizona) silver stuff are also pieces of marvel – bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants, belt buckles, cuff links, money chips and watch straps. All are studded with stones like pearls, amethyst, garnet and onyx etc.Silver jewellery is made by hammering out extremely fine thin sheets from the metal - about 100,000 would make up a 1” thick stack. Wires as fine as human hair can be drawn out of it. Hammering, drawing and spinning are the methods used for crafting silver jewellery.

The jewels may be formed by etching, engraving or chasing. The most highly prized and skilled craftsmen in the world today as of yesterday, are the gold and silversmiths. The technique of fashioning silver jewellery is passed on from generation to generation.