gems, ancient jewelry, Indian jewelry

Throughout the ages, ornaments have been worn in India not only as a means of adornment, but for certain religious and superstitious reasons also. It cannot be denied that the goldsmith’s and jeweller’s art in this country is of the highest antiquity. The forms of Indian jewellery as well as its decorative designs and techniques have come down to us in an unbroken tradition from the most ancient times. The famous sculptures of Bharhut, Sanchi, and Amaravati, the frescoes of the Ajanta caves, the more recent sculptural art of Orissa and elsewhere, prove without doubt that in its forms also Indian jewellery has remained unaltered during the last many centuries. The history of Indian jewellery provides very fascinating material for study, and this is the only book dealing with this subject in a way to entrance and interest every type of reader. The author traces her subject from age to age — the jewellery of ancient India, of Muslim times, and the modern trends. She has also dealt with enamelling, the craft of the goldsmith — the inherited craft of his ancestors. There is a very important section on hints for the collector and buyer of antiques. The Appendix contains lists and names of ornaments used in ancient India and in modern times.