India has a history of extreme wealth and richness amongst the deprived and degraded local population. Nevertheless there was substantial middle class in periods of history. The symbol of wealth in ancient India was precious metals and stones or gems. These objects took to the form of body adornments that is called jewelry. The popularity of jewelry was much enhanced by local artisans who gave appealing look through indigenous design and innovative shapes.
Throughout its history of five thousand years Indian handicraft industry especially jewelry developed at a regular pace. The art and craft form grew continuously and turned into an industry that favored employment for local artisans all over India.
India is unique diverse country with equally diverse ethnicity hence the products are varied being typical of the regions. There are many communities in India who have been making jewelry items for centuries and have excelled in the art. The jewelry designs carry hall mark of the local communities and traditions. The appeal for Indian jewelry lies in this aspect.
In contemporary India there are growing numbers of fashion jewelry designers who inculcate modern design technology. The modern designs carry a touch of tradition Indian designs and hence create a unique product range which is quintessentially Indian. But the works of traditional artisans is more in demand and the product designs cannot be replicated even by the use of modern technology.
The jewelry industry in India utilized locally available materials like beads, elephant tusks, brass metals and gold and silver. The addition platinum made jewelry items more versatile. In India diamonds and other precious stones were mined since ages. The precious stones gave color and richness to jewelry items being produced in India. Gold silver and brass are commonly used in jewelry items. The Gold jewelry is much more in demand as Indian have a strong desire to possess the noble metal. Before buying Gold jewelry its carat ratings should be kept in mind.
In modern times Indian jewelry reaches far and wide to different countries of the World. It unique and traditional design and artistic excellence find great appeal. This has promoted many exporters of Indian handicrafts to collect, manufacture and the ship to suppliers in foreign countries in bulk.
Indian jewelry can now is bought online thanks to the Internet. The ecommerce websites have secure shopping carts and payment systems. These sites are also known as online jewelry shops or stores. It is best to verify the credibility of online jewelry shops in order to be safe.