India’s love affair with jewelled creations in all forms goes back more than 5,000 years. The earliest examples date from the Indus Valley civilisation circa 2,600 to 1,900 BC, when artisans transformed gold and hardstones into beaded necklaces and ornaments. Unlike the West, where jewellery can be labelled as Victorian, art nouveau, or art deco, representing defined sequential eras, it is impossible to contain the complex and ever-evolving jewellery culture of India.
Designs that were created thousands of years ago are still in demand today, claiming an essential position in an Indian family’s collection. Each community seeks jewels with distinctive designs and techniques of craftsmanship that echo their beliefs and communicate their heritage. A perfect example, which currently resides in the Victoria and Albert Museum, is the marriage necklace (khazhuththu uru) from the late 19th or early 20th century. The piece is attributed to the affluent merchant community of the Chettiars.
The pendant features the Hindu god Shiva and his consort, Parvati,
