Ram Parkash Sunderdass &Sons

Asian Jewellers
The word jewellery, especially Asian jewellery, traces back its origins to
the word jewel which was anglicised from the old French word jewel in
around 13th century. Further tracing leads us to the Latin word 'Jocale',
meaning plaything.
Asian jewellery originated around 3000 B.C. in India, then Indus Valley
region. With roots deep set in religious and aristocratic designs, asian
jewellery was very decorative and used most often in ceremonies by
the influential people of that era. The Indian sub-continent has the longest
continuous legacy of jewellery making anywhere. Over the period of time
and history, Indian jewellery has not remained just a craft, but evolved
into an art- both in design and workmanship.
It all started with the Indus valley civilization introducing jewellery made
with beads along with the use of metals, which were popular in that era.
As time progressed, the methods for jewellery advanced, thus allowing
complex gemstone jewellery to be made. Necklaces were soon adorned
with gems and green stones paving the way for diamonds which were
introduced around 296B.C. Over time, Asian jewellery has been used for a number of reasons:
Currency
Functional use (such as clasps, pins and buckles)
Symbolism (to show membership or status)
Protection (in the form of amulets and magical wards) and
Artistic display.
Slowly and over the passage of time and dynasties the Asian jewellery
has changed a number of forms. From a simple beads necklace and earrings
it has evolved into complex designs using almost every known metal and
mineral known to mankind. Jewellery today is not just about women's
passion but it has evolved into an art, a transition which drives thousands
of craftsmen towards a never ending quest for perfection. New and new
styles of Asian jewellery keep on evolving amidst the traditional 22kt yellow
gold ornaments.
During the last millennium the most prominent amongst all jewellery forms
has been yellow gold ornaments encrusted with precious gemstones and other
beads. All most all the dynasties had their women dressed up in these and
even the men folk fancied this style of jewellery. With the advances in chemistry
and other areas like metallurgy
and gemology, novel methods like oxidisation were introduced which has
made Asian jewellery now an obsession amongst women, in particular.
Antique jewellery and white gold jewellery (whether be 22kt rhodium
plated, or 18kt white gold one) has taken this art to new and unrivalled heights.
The plain yellow gold ornaments has been replaced by more colourful
sets. The contemporary and traditional designs has been replaced by oxidised
and antique jewellery encrusted with cubic zircons, colourful beads, rubies,
pearls, emeralds and other precious gemstones. With the release of movies
like DEVDAS and with the introduction of all the 'K' based television serials
the demand for all that antique jewellery has been further propelled. Modern
Asian jewellery has got a new form recently with the introduction of Kundan
and Polki jewellery. Polki is uncut diamonds which give Asian jewellery a 21st
century look with a touch of traditional flavour. Thus, with a vast variety of
options available in jewellery today, we are not limited to the plain boring
yellow gold jewellery anymore. Almost all of the known metals and gemstones
can now be used to create a design as per your taste and choice. The quest
for Asian jewellery and perfection are never ending and we may see new forms
and designs in the coming future for sure.