India is a land of vibrant colours draped in hues of grandeur, rejoicing in the laughter of its many festivals, gliding like a barge through the mists of time. The festive season is in full bloom and the Indian jewellery mart is dazzling with all sorts of precious stones and jewels.

Jewellery plays an important part in the Indian culture. The various types of necklaces, rings, bangles, trinkets, belts and earrings have their own significance in the various customs and rituals performed throughout the country.

Indian jewellery is ethnic, aesthetic as well as sophisticated. One can find an array of designs and gemstones as per your needs and requirements. Every state in India is famous for its unique styles of jewellery. The rajas and nawabs of India are famous for their lust for jewellery and its collection.

Indian markets are flooded with various types of designs with the commencement of the festive season. Gold and silver jewellery is most popular followed by gemstones and diamonds. One can find gorgeous Victorian designs, Mughal designs, Nizami jewellery, Gold plated silver jewellery, Rajasthani designs, stone studded designs Kundan jewellery, Meenakari designs and antique jewellery.

Many jewellery designers have started to experiment with designs and patterns. They have given a trendy look to Indian jewellery, at the same time, blending it with new age designs, stones and patterns.

Anita Garg, jewellery designer says, “Nowadays, people want something different. They want to stand apart from the crowd and are going after custom made jewellery. The customer knows that he is spending a substantial amount on jewellery and wants value for his money. He is looking for something unique as well as contemporary that can be matched with several apparels and worn on different occasions.”

According to Raghav Dhir of Dhirsons Jewellers, “Diamonds, gold, kundan and jadau sets have been the favourites of our clientele for ages. Customers keep coming back for them year after year. Be it a festival or marriage, they want something dazzling as well as flamboyant.”

Gold on the other hand has lured one and all with its lustre and sparkle. People not only view it as a precious metal but also as an investment. Silver jewellery is also very popular in India and is used in gift items during the festive season. One can find beautifully crafted silver necklaces, rings, sets or statues of gods and goddesses and other items for gifting to friends or relatives. Platinum is also widely used in India. It has become a popular jewellery base in recent years and is used to create stunning designs.

Nizam’s Jewellery: The word takes us back in time to the splendid era of the Nizams. The grand and luxurious past is instantly revived and one can identify with the resplendence of the age by taking one look at the gorgeous jewellery. The rule of the stately Nizams might have declined, but they will always be remembered for the legacy they have left behind—the most exquisite collection of precious jewels in the world.

The treasure trove of the famous Nizam of Hyderabad, now the property of the State Government of India, is one of the largest and most valuable collections of Indian jewellery. It belongs to the Asaf Jah dynasty that ruled the state of Hyderabad from the 18th century until independence. The entire collection is known to contain over 25,000 diamonds weighing over 12,000 carats and 2,000 emeralds weighing over 10,000.

The Imperial diamond (Jacob), weighing 184.5 carats with 58 facets, was discovered in the 19th century. It was sold to the Nizam of Hyderabad for a price of Rs 46,000,00 in 1891 by Alexander Malcolm Jacob. An exhibition displaying the Nizam’s jewellery was held recently in which the Jacob diamond was displayed along with several other pieces of which the most popular ones are Satlara, the seven stringed pearl necklace consisting of 50,000 pearls, the favourite ornament of Princess Durreshevar, Chand Tara— the official sign of Nizam and Sarpech Kalan Jamrud Wa Kanwal Almas Ba-Awaize-e-Jamrud—turban jewel with 30 emeralds and 90 diamonds.

Royal Rajasthan: Rajasthan— the most pulsating State of India is not only known for its rich folklore, puppets, marble, grand palaces and magnificent forts but is also cherished for its unique designs of jewellery and age-old traditions. Rajasthan boasts of both noble and classic forms of jewellery adorned by the royals, aristocrats or the nobles made in pure gold and platinum, studded with precious stones or the reasonable silver jewellery worn by rural people with beautiful cuts and gorgeous designs. Some of the most appealing and striking hand crafted jewellery in India comes from the Royal State of Rajasthan. The State is famous for its jewellery industry and is one of the world’s largest centres for hand-cutting of gems. Some of the most popular precious and semi-precious stones found here are Ruby, Emerald, Garnets, Agate, Amethyst, Topaz, Lapis lazuli and Carnelian.

Rajasthan is famous for the art of silver smithy. You can find almost everything ranging from anklets to earrings, necklaces, and bangles. What better place to shop for jewellery than the land of festivity itself?

Another famous item from Rajasthan is Lac. Beautiful Lac bangles can be seen displayed in the markets of Rajasthan and are a must buy. Kundan jewellery, Minakari, enamelled gold jewellery, uncut diamonds and emerald cut designs are popular jewellery items from Rajasthan.

Thewa, an exclusive art form from Chittaur is popular for its gold work on glass. Some of the traditional ornaments are Rakhdi (head ornament), Tussi (necklace), Baju Bandh (armlet), Adah (special necklace worn by Rajputs), Gokhrus (bracelets), and Pajebs (anklets).

The Royal jewellery of Rajasthan is made in precious and semi-precious stones and is made in Jaipur and Jodhpur. Jaipur market holds the monopoly in jewellery houses all over India as well as across the globe. Johri Bazaar, which is ranked among the most exclusive jewellery markets of the world, is located in Jaipur. Another form of Rajasthani style jewellery is the setting of precious stones in solid 22-carat gold. This art has no comparison in terms of design and workmanship and is worn by women in the royal homes of Rajasthan.

Mughal Jewellery: Mughal gems and precious stones are back this festive season. It was exactly 500 years ago when Emperor Shah Jahan first met his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal at the royal Meena Bazaar. Jewellers in the Capital are busy displaying fine designs of Mughal jewellery. Shah Jahan was not only a great builder but was also an admirer of precious jewels. The peacock throne (Takht-e-Tavous) was Emperor Shah Jahan’s royal srat and was inlaid with sapphires, rubies, emeralds, pearls and other precious stones. The famous Kohinoor diamond was also embedded in the throne.

Stones of the Mughal era such as laips lazuli, turquoise, jade, rubies, tourmaline, onyx, amethyst and garnet are in fashion this season. Rish Persian motifs and the colours of the stones give Mughal jewellery a royal appeal. The importance of preserving stones as a complete piece started during this period and started the trend of stone studded jewellery.

Navratan Jewellery: The spectacular designs in Navratan jewellery are extremely fascinating and are said to bring about good luck. According to Hindu astrology, the nine planets of the solar system are represented by precious stones. It is believed that the navratan or nine stones when worn together bring abundant wealth, happiness, renown, longevity, honour and mental peace.

Victorian Era Jewellery: The romance and aesthetic sensibilities of the Victorian era come alive with its gorgeous jewellery designs. The imperial designs and subtle hues bring back the magic of a bygone era. One can find classy designs in gold and silver, combined with precious stones in the form of chandelier earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

Every occasion in India is associated with shopping for jewellery. The festive season is the best time of the year to find the most exotic of jewellery designs overflowing in the markets. As the festival of lights, diwali, draws near, diamonds and gold become the most sellable commodities. The festive season is also accompanied by the season of marriages in India and purchasing jewellery becomes a must.

Art Nouveau jewellery designed by Farah is and has become quite a rage with women in India, Europe and the Middle East. The pieces are a stylish blend of ancient Indian and Western Gothic motifs. This type of fusion jewellery is rare as well as being a trend-setter in itself. Women all over India love to deck themselves with jewellery and have started experimenting with designs and patterns.

According to business-standard.com, 60-70 percent of gold jewellery is sold during the festive season. Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Kerela and Karnataka account for 40 percent of the 800 tonnes of gold consumption.

The biggest consumption of gold in India starts in October and reaches its peak in November during Diwali and the wedding season. The hike in gold prices has led people to recycle their gold jewellery into new designs instead of purchasing new jewellery. According to the World Gold Council: Recycled gold now accounts for 30 percent of gold consumption in India.

With the festive season round the corner, jewellery stores are coming up with new promotional and free gifts offers. There is tremendous action taking place these days. The 100,000 crore jewellery retail industry in India has clicked the festive season with a bang. Branded stores such as Nakshatra, Tanishq, Asmi, and Orra are leaving no stoned unturned in their promotion campaigns.

If you are in India, this is the best time to plunge in jewellery shopping. You are likely to discover some of the best pieces of craftsmanship in jewellery designs at this time of the year. It is indeed a royal and exquisite experience to shop in the Indian markets when everything around you is nothing else but gold!