Ethnic Jewelry Glossary
Understanding the terminology is the first step to becoming a styling expert. Explore our A-Z guide to traditional Indian jewelry and craftsmanship.
Kundan
A traditional form of Indian gemstone jewelry involving a gem set with a gold foil between the stones and its mount, usually for elaborate necklaces.
Polki
Uncut, raw diamonds that are mined from the earth in a natural way without any enhancement or lab creation. Polki jewelry is highly prized for its vintage, rustic charm.
Meenakari
The art of coloring and ornamenting the surface of metals by fusing over it brilliant colors that are decorated in an intricate design.
Temple Jewelry
A type of jewelry used to adorn the idols of Indian deities, characterized by heavy gold work and motifs of gods, goddesses, and bells.
Zardosi
An ancient Persian art of embroidery using gold and silver threads, often incorporating pearls and precious stones into the fabric.
Jhumka
A classic bell-shaped earring style that has been a staple of Indian ethnic fashion for centuries.
Maang Tikka
A piece of jewelry typically worn by women on the forehead, attached to the hair, often as part of bridal attire.
Pachchi
A centuries-old jewelry making technique from Jaipur, characterized by its glass-like finish and delicate setting of stones.
Thewa
A unique art of jewelry making which involves embossing intricately worked-out sheet gold on molten glass.
Chikankari
A traditional embroidery style from Lucknow, known for its delicate and artfully done hand embroidery on a variety of textile fabrics.
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