India is a melting pot of different cultures and communities. We may all have different ideas about rituals and customs, but on some things, we all share a passion - bridal jewellery. Bridal jewellery holds a special place in our hearts. It is considered auspicious that the bride begins her new journey resplendent and shining. The folklore also says that the brightness of the jewels wards off the evil eye and keeps harm at bay. And then, each culture within this melting pot has its unique design and style of bridal jewellery. From the mangalsutra to the earrings, from the Lakshmi haar to kaleeras - each region has their version and design of ensuring that the bride looks ethereal on her wedding day. 

Over centuries, our jewellery making traditions have been influenced by foreign designs. One such influence is the Jadau style of jewellery making. Jadau jewellery has a fascinating history. It was introduced in India by the Mughals but crafted to perfection by the most excellent craftsmen of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The states hold the honour of being the home Jadau jewellery in the country.

The Magic of Jadau Jewellery!

What is Jadau Jewellery?

Jadau is the art of making jewellery in a specific fashion. A skilled artist would take precious gemstones like uncut diamonds, pearls, emeralds, rubies, etc. and embed them into semi-solid gold. This is done without any use of adhesives, essentially fixing these gems into a framework of gold. The name ‘jadau’ stems from the word ‘jad’ which translates to root, and in this case, it is the art of rooting these gemstones into gold. This type of artistry is frequently practised when making Kundan, polki, and meenakari jewellery.

The technical expertise required, and the fact that this art has been practised for centuries by special artisans makes this an extremely precious and sought-after jewellery for modern brides.

How is it made?

There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child. Each piece of Jadau jewellery is labour intensive and therefore, no single craftsman can make Jadau, it is a collective effort.

At the most basic level, making Jadau jewellery is a three-step process. First, the gold is melted into a semi-solid state and designed into a frame. The artisans that do this are called Chiteria.

The next step is for the Ghaaria artisans that make the engravings on the gold frame, and embed the stones. 

And finally, enamellers decorate the back of the jewellery in meenakari work to present a timeless classic. It is a labour-intensive craft, and the results are truly magnificent. Truly, it is a wonderous style of jewellery making and is employed in making many different kinds of jewellery like polki, meenakari, Kundan, etc.

B-town celebs that wore Jadau Jewellery

Deepika Padukone

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone is seen wearing a gorgeous meenakari work jadau choker.

Kajol

Beloved actress Kajol is seen here sporting a gorgeous jadau necklace, Kada, and earrings set!

Shilpa Shetty

Shilpa Shetty saw with a gorgeous and heavy jadau jewellery set including necklace, choker, maathapatti, earrings, and maangtikka!

Sonam Kapoor Ahuja

Actress Sonam Kapoor Ahuja wearing a gorgeously decadent three-tiered jadau choker necklace and earring set.

Final Words

The Jadau style of jewellery making is truly unique and the result is bound to leave you spellbound. The sparkle and shine of these gorgeous gemstones perfectly nestled in pure gold is a truly delightful addition to any bride's wedding trousseau!

For more inspiration, check out our Jewellery page!

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