Silver has been used as a popular metal for making jewellery since ancient times. It is still the traditional style of jewelry in places like the valleys of Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, etc. The main inspiration for designing traditional silver jewelry there are the flora and fauna in local surroundings. The tribal and rural women in these places still wear silver jewellery and the traditional style is in the form of long and delicate ear chains. Some of the ornaments are inlaid with semi-precious stones and gems.
In states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, silver is used in a chunkier and heavy form. The ornaments like earrings, pendants, waistbands, anklets are very heavy and are decorated with silver enameling. Usually patterns and designs are carved over the ornaments. The women love to adorn themselves with the traditional jewels and they are also a favorite among city dwellers. If you are not very keen on buying chunky earrings, you can always try the beautiful bangles and chains.
In the state of Orissa, you will come across a unique way of using silver in jewellery that is known as "Tarkashi". In this form of jewellery, silver is spun into very thin wires, which is then used to make small containers, vases, lamps, boxes and of course jewellery. The designs carved on this kind of jewelry are very intricate and detailing is very minute thus making it unique in its own way. In big metro cities of India like Mumbai you will find silver being used in very innovative styles like feathered plumes, secret locking pendants, ink wells and even dinner sets!
