Indian Jewels
Collaborating with the best Indian jewelry designers and manufactures, Anuschka has brought a stunning selection of hand crafted, and expertly designed jewelry to Denver. We're hosting this collection through the end of June, with a two-day featured showcase June 3rd and 4th from 12-6pm.
The traditional methods that follow Indian Jewelry are as old as history itself. About six thousand years ago, in the Indus Valley Civilization is where beautifying oneself with jewelry became common practice. Beads and shells were commonly used, until the mining of fine products, such as gold and diamonds became common.
In the 15th century, the Mughal Empire (Not to be confused with the Mongol Empire, The Mughal Empire was created by a descendent of Genghis Khan) invaded northern and central India, claiming the land as an addition to their ever growing empire. With the changes in nobility and culture, many nobles began seeking out skilled artisans to complete their artistic desires.
Raja Ram Singh is largely credited with bringing the art of meenakari (the embellishment of enamel on silver, gold, brass, etc) to India. It is believed that meenakari was used in architecture— pillars, roofs, walls, anywhere where the delicate art could be admired by any who passed by. Raja Ram Singh adored the use of meenakari so much that he commissioned artisans to do it in the form of wearable jewelry.
As the Mughul Empire gained more control of Northern and Central India, meenakari became much more popular, and has become a cultural norm in India even today— with each region having their own speciality. The motifs of meenakari are mostly representative of nature, including lotus flowers, leaves, trees, etc.
We have a small collection of Indian jewelry adorned with green and red enameling, coming directly from the cultural traditions in the Jaipur, Rajasthan region. The red and green enameling comes directly from this region, for many of the nobles of this region preferred red, green, blue and white.
Another distinct trait unique to India is the use of Polki Diamonds. India was the first country in the world to mine diamonds. It wasn't until the end of the 19th century that diamonds were mined elsewhere in the world. Polki diamonds are defined as diamonds used in their natural, untreated form, typically with the cut following the natural structure of the stone.
Many of our pieces feature these gorgeous polki diamonds, making each item distinctly unique. Also featured in this batch of jewelry is carved emerald and leopodite, stunning pave diamond brooches, one-of-a-kind earrings, and much more.
