Indian stone jewelry is beautifully decorated and available in various stone and precious metal types. Sterling silver, amethyst, and citrine stone jewelry are a few of many gems seen adorning the runways of Indian Fashion Week 2021. From chandelier earrings to choker style necklaces, adding bold indian accessories isn’t a challenge. Keep reading to learn how you can achieve high fashion looks by creating casual and evening outfits with indian stone jewelry! Add a collar necklace with an embroidered skirt and dupatta A collar-style necklace is the perfect way to accentuate your neckline. This look also allows you to skip earrings and bracelet accessories, since the intricate detailing of your necklace will become the focal point. You can add a full skirt with a ruffle hem and an all-over embroidered design. This indian stone accessory works best with lighter, neutral colors against darker colors, like white and blue. You can wear your hair in a sweet half up, half down hairstyle and light makeup. For a royal touch, add a matching, sheer dupatta scarf!

This article is for handloom users keen to understand more about the process and those interested in exploring handlooms for the first time. We would like to acquaint you with the different stages in the process, where individual fibres come together to become beautiful fabrics and how you can distinguish pure handloom from imitations. Knowing handlooms also allows you to understand the challenges industry is facing in current times. This journey into the handloom world, we hope, will enable you to better enjoy and appreciate these fabrics. 1. In Cotton Cotton was traditionally the single largest natural fibre used in clothing. Today India occupies the second position in cotton production in the world. Many varieties of cotton were produced in our country, the majority being the short staple variety which is ideal for hand spinning. We have moved away from growing short staple varieties but still produce good amounts of cotton both for domestic use and for export. Heavy use of pesticide has led to many problems and now there is a shift to organic farming Over 500 indigenous varieties of cotton were grown in India in the past. Today, we grow less than 20 varieties

Not all saris are created equal. In the world of Indian saris, the Banarasi Sari is in a class of its own. In fact, a few years ago, the Banarasi Sari was granted Geographical Indication rights, which distinguishes a product as originating from a particular region, where superior quality, excellence, renown, and distinct characteristics are associated with that specific location. This means that, much like Champagne must come from the Champagne region of France in order for it to be actually called Champagne, a sari must meet certain characteristics and be produced within the six districts of Uttar Pradesh in order for it to be rightfully called a Banarasi Sari. So, what makes the Banarasi Sari so special? First, it’s important to understand its history. Banarasi Saris originate from the city of Varanasi, also known as Banaras, which is, naturally, within the region of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was during the Mughal period in the 14th century when the art of intricate weaving began to flourish in the city. During those times, the exquisite silk of the Banarasi Sari was exclusively crafted for royalty and was woven using genuine gold and silver threads. It could often take as long as one year in order to handcraft these silks. Suffice it to say, when it came to garments, the Banarasi Sari represented the pinnacle of quality craftsmanship, luxury, and extravagance.

Buddhism is full of unique religious expressions, in which faith combines with culture to shape all those beliefs that make up this ancient religion. Within Buddhism there are many deities with special characteristics that are worthy of veneration by believers; whether they are from Hinduism or other beliefs, these deities are important and the rituals to worship them are always present. That is why deities such as Tara, a goddess with many forms in which the green Tara stands out, is important to Buddhists, as this divine mother has qualities such as helping you achieve success and get ahead.

The dupatta scarf is one of the most highly decorated scarf types made of delicate materials and luxurious detailing. The length alone makes it breathable for movement, while allowing for easy pinning to create different looks. It’s more than just a square cloth, with both devout and sentimental meaning. In this article, we dive into the symbolism, design and styling of this diverse cut of fabric! A brief history of the dupatta scarf A dupatta is a traditional headscarf (usually worn over the shoulders), within Asian cultures including Indian, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Dupatta is a combination of two Sanskrit words which means two or double (du) and (patta), which means piece of clothing. The earliest remembrance can be dated back to Indus Valley civilization, when they were worn by both men and women. Males mostly wore their scarves to symbolize royalty and were mainly used to cover the upper body area. Over time, the dupatta scarf was geared more towards the seclusion of women within the social hierarchy. Majority of women not only covered their upper with a scarf, they rarely showcased bare legs. The delicate fabric has also been used as a way to show respect for elders within families, while keeping the look of modesty.

A quintessential item of Indian fashion is undoubtedly the Sari. In fact, when considering Indian style, the first thing that many often think of is the sari. The word “sari” itself comes from the Sanskrit word “sati”, which means strip of cloth. From the very meaning of the word, the Indian sari, which can also be spelled as “saree”, is one long piece of cloth, which is unstitched and usually measures between four and a half to nine yards long and twenty-four to forty-seven inches wide. Now, a sari is not just any simple piece of cloth. Saris come in a wide range of eye-catching colors, and striking designs that often feature various prints, embroideries and embellishments, and are made of different fabrics. There are said to be approximately thirty different regional varieties of Saris in India. The nation’s well-known tradition and expertise in dyeing, printing and silk weaving fabrics all come alive in the countless saris worn by women in India and beyond the country’s shores.

If you’ve ever attended a wedding or special occasion, then the chances are that you saw dozens of women wearing jhumka. They’re a style of earrings popular on the Indian subcontinent and hold a cultural significance, dating back to the Mughal Empire. Jewelry is the ultimate form of self-expression and an opportunity to reconnect with your heritage through a form of living art. You can find jhumka earrings in almost every shape and style, each incorporating the signature bell shape into the design. No woman’s jewelry box is complete without a pair of jhumka earrings. These timeless earrings double as an ornament, giving you a statement piece that is sure to be the center of attention wherever you go.

No one does body art like in India, where the craft has existed for thousands of years. Mehendi or Mehndi, as it’s also known, is the ancient form of temporary body art or skin decoration. In fact, the tradition goes so far back that archeologists have found mummies with forms of Mehendi on their hands. You could say that it’s the early ancestor of today’s common tattoo but one that isn’t permanent. In Western cultures, the temporary skin art is widely known as the henna tattoo. Unlike permanent tattoo ink, Mehendi is applied on the skin using a paste that’s derived from the crushed dried leaves of the henna plant. Hence its western name. A paintbrush, gold rod, plastic cone, toothpick or stick are the usual tools used to apply the paste onto the skin. While the color of the paste is usually a dark brown, it can also vary in shade with Mehendi sometimes applied in red color tones.

Ethnic traditional bedspreads from India are full of vibrant colors! This makes it easy to add a touch of culture to your room decor. Traditional Indian quilting dates back as early as the 17th century, when the technique was used to make clothing such as hunting coats. Usually made from chintz fabric, which was dyed and painted cotton, each was made with running stitches. Originally made to carry babies, kantha quilts specifically are a popular Indian style bedspread. Made from cotton or silk, they adorn patterns of flowers and birds. They have a soft feel due to the intention of creating each quilt from cotton saris. Lep Kanthas, a different type of quilt, are made of 7 layers and usually have geometric designs and patterns. There's also Sujni quilts that are mostly used for guests. Between vibrant colors and intricate prints, these homemade bedspreads from India will satisfy your eclectic home decor needs.

As the saying goes, all that glitters is not gold. However, in India, well, it often is. A magnificent part of Indian culture is traditional Indian jewelry. Imagine intricately formed, ornate gold adorned with the most stunningly brilliant gemstones, pearls and diamonds. There are actually three major classifications of traditional Indian jewelry. There’s bridal jewelry, spiritual jewelry and, last but not least, temple jewelry. The origins of temple jewelry can be traced back to South India in particular. From the ninth century until the sixteenth century, the region of South India was ruled by the Chola, Pandya and Krishnadeva Raya dynasties, who were all fine jewelry connoisseurs. Ruling for such a long period of time, temple jewelry became an intrinsic part of both religious and cultural tradition.

Paintings are one of the oldest forms of storytelling in the world. Pattachitra art is one of the oldest forms of art from Pattachitra – giving the artform its name. This art style was used to depict images of Hindu mythological stories and fascinating characters. You can spot Pattachitra art with its distinctive bold colors and Italian craftsmanship. If you want to add a unique piece of Indian art to your home, there is nothing better to choose than a Pattachitra painting. These paintings incorporate Indian customs, rituals, and values in a unique and beautiful way that celebrates the Hindu faith and religion. This traditional art has evolved to appear in clothing and accessories, becoming living art that you can incorporate into your everyday life.

Is there anything more beautiful than a pashmina shawl? No two styles are the same, with a spectrum of colors and infinite designs to choose from. Pashmina shawls take their name from Pashmina goats that reside high in the mountains of Nepal and across India and Tibet. The word ‘pashmina’ comes from ‘pashm’, meaning ‘inner layer of hair’. These scarves add a sense of luxury to your everyday life. While one human hair is 75 microns thick, normal cashmere is typically 20 microns. What makes pashmina cashmere so luxurious is that it is 12 microns thick, meaning it is 6 times finer than the typical human hair. It takes around three goats to produce enough hair for a pashmina shawl.

The laughing Buddha is the Oriental staple when it comes to symbols of welcome. Usually placed within a rectilinear view of the entrance to homes and offices, this laughing Buddha from the Exotic India collection will be sure to add great sprightliness to your interiors. Look at how the glazing, pastel inlay seemingly complements the mirthful composure of countenance. The Laughing Buddha is a symbol of happiness, contentment, and prosperity. 

To the Hindoo mind, there is harmony and meaning in everyday phenomena. Such a kind of beauty tends to manifest in the deviroopa, to which the full moon is no exception. She waxes and waxes again, over the course of dark successive nights. She emerges as the incomparably beautiful and benevolent poornima (‘poorna’ is Sanskrt for full; ‘ma’, for the maternal), the Indian word for the full moon. Understandably Poornima Devi is a mature woman. She bears the grace and stateliness of age before beauty. Like a superior matriarch, She looks on Her devotees below with compassion and the attitude of nurturing. Indeed, She nurtures us with a flood of light in the dark of the dusk and resolves the tides of oceans often in our favour. In a golden saree She floats amidst pristine clouds, almost washing out from sight because of how fair She is. The Devi Poornima is the very picture of asceticism. In Her hands She holds a rotund kamandalu, which glows with the same mist as the rest of Her person. A bunch of dark-coloured rudraksha is to be found on Her neck and wrists. Zoom in on that graciously lined, white-haired face - note the maternal benevolence in Her eyes and the golden light pouring forth from Her brow.

An eight-legged creature of mythical repute, Sharabha is known to have cleared great valleys in a single jump. Stronger than an elephant and more powerful than a lion, He is an avatara (earthly incarnation of the divine) of the great Lord Veerabhadra. His form is a composite of man and beast and bird, as could be seen in this one-of-a-kind bronze made in South Indian Statue.Lord Shrabha has a fierce, lion-like countenance. He has the torso of the human male flanked by two arms on each side, which makes Him a chaturbhujadhari (the one possessed of four arms). From His back sprouts a pair of powerful wings that bear Him across the three realms of existence (lokas). From His shoulders emerge a pair of legs, in addition to the four beneath Him. Below the navel He has the form of the quadruped beast. From the hindquarters emerges the final pairs of legs, the soles of whose feet are facing skywards. Within the grasp of the forelegs is none other than the now-subdued Lord Narasimha.The scriptures of Shiva - of whom Veerabhadra is a form - narrate that Sharabha came into being in order to pacify the unflinchingly wrathful Narasimha. While numerous Puranas dispute the finality of this episode, there is no denying the importance of that which pacifies a deity as mercilessly ferocious as Narasimha. Note how the independent iconography of the chaturbhujadhari Narasimha is intact despite the odd stance of the figure in this composition.

An unusual stance of the Lord, in a striking color palette. Lord Ganesha is the most widely adored deity of the Hindu pantheon. The son of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati, He is the ideal and the beloved of many. The oil painting that you see on this page captures the glory of Lord Ganesha with all His identifying features intact, starting from the distinctive elephant head to the chubby torso set off by plump limbs.A bitone color palette characterises the composition. The subject is painted predominantly with a limited range of blues. It is the signature elephant head of Lord Ganesha, together with the section of the bust immediately below, that is painted deep-colored cinnabar. Note the golden infusion of the spherical laddoo the Lord cradles in the palm of His left anterior hand, upon which grazes lovingly the tip of His trunk. A salient color block such as this one is sure to turn the heads of devotees and art-lovers alike.Add to this the nrtya (dancing) stance of the Lord, and it becomes a collectible work of contemporary art. The ashtabhujadhari (possessed of eight arms) son of Lord Shiva exhibits a bit of His father’s fierce tandava. There is dynamism in those hands raised mid-air, in those lifelike fingers, and in the almost perceptible thirkana (tapping) of the feet.

Yantra is as known as the ideal meditation tool used by many. Meanwhile, a Shri Yantra is considered one of the most powerful ones as it represents the entirety of the cosmos, making it be known as the Mother of all Yantras. Overlapping hexagrams symbolize the union between male and female aspects of the divine as well as the depth of Tantric practice. The triangles pointed downwards represent the feminine aspect, while those upwards are of the masculine powers. Shri Yantras feature triangles drawn in an ideal geometric measure. This painting features a yellow dot (Bindu) at the center which represents the center of the cosmos. True to a centuries-old tradition, this painting of the Shri Yantra also showcases the principle Golden Proportion (which makes the nine interlocked triangles appear in perfect proportion). These triangles represent the universe, cosmos, and body. The triangles are also within concentric circles composed of lotus petals that represent the vital force of life and the lotus as a sign of purity.On the corners are images of symbols of mantras such as the OM on the upper right, the most significant syllable in Hinduism representing the sound of the universe. Potted plants are also present. True to Madhubani fashion, this painting features lively colors, with streaks filling the page on thick strokes. Another special feature of this piece is that it is painted on handcrafted paper treated with cow dung. Notice that all parts of the paper are filled with design and detail as leaving no space bare is also a notable feature of Madhubani-style art using non-traditional materials for their pieces.

There is more to the adorable laughing Buddha than meets the eye. His face bursts forth with the mirth of enlightenment. His rucksack contains the bare essentials of a Bodhisattva, which is not much, but He is supremely content. A string of prayer beads graces His ample neck. The laughing Buddha, who lived in Zhejiang during the rule of Later Liang, was reputed to be a Buddha of benevolent character and great with children. His iconography holds great significance in Vastu Shastra (get in touch with a Vastu expert regarding where to place this gem of a Buddha in your space), given His folkloric manifestation of abundance and contentment.

This gorgeous chic is styled with an agate stone crafted with an elegant leafy design around the silver sterling pendant. The stylish look of this jewel is unusual with the quintessential design. The striking look of this ornament is timeless. Give yourself this bewitching bauble filled with the powerful spark of this gemstone.   Agate is the magnificent stone that stabilizes and purifies the aura and it is also known as the stone of harmonizing and rebalancing spirit, body, and mind. This gemstone is excellent in transforming and eliminating negative energy and waves. This ravishing stone developing concentration, improves mental function, analytical capabilities, thoughts, and perception. Agate treats the uterus, eyes, and stomach to heal.

Laughing Buddha is one of the most popular feng shui cures used universally. It is symbolic of bringing good luck, happiness, and success. He was supposedly a Buddhist Zen Monk who lived in China and was popular by the name of Budai or Quieci or Hotei. He is easy to identify as he is always wearing a robe and a necklace of prayer beads, these beads are known as pearls of wisdom. He is bald and has a big fat stomach. It is said that if his stomach is rubbed daily, he would make sure that all the wishes of the person are granted. This sitting posture of Buddha is symbolic of happiness and wishfulness. His left hand is on his left knee and his right hand is in between his right leg and stomach. His cheerful face and ease are responsible for spreading joy and happiness all around. He often laughed wholeheartedly and was a jolly fellow hence he came to be known as ‘Laughing Buddha’. It is believed that he is luckiest if kept near the entrance facing the door.

Meet with this enchanting ornament that is fashioned with striking tiger stone. A presentation of a masterpiece with its elegance and grace, this pendant will surely amp up your style. Mark your day with the beauty of this chic that will flaunt the amiable style. Wear this stunning pendant anywhere with any outfit.  The tiger's eye stone is a gem with the ravishing golden yellow color band that is a powerful stone. This gemstone is carried as an amulet against ill-wishing or curses traditionally. the gem aid the wearer to release anxiety, stress, and fear and helps balance and harmony.  The tiger's eye stone helps the owner with the decisions in his life with understanding and perception and clear by the sentiments.

There is more to the adorable laughing Buddha than meets the eye. His face bursts forth with the mirth of enlightenment. His rucksack contains the bare essentials of a Bodhisattva, which is not much, but He is supremely content. A string of prayer beads graces His ample neck. The laughing Buddha, who lived in Zhejiang during the rule of Later Liang, was reputed to be a Buddha of benevolent character and great with children. His iconography holds great significance in Vastu Shastra (get in touch with a Vastu expert regarding where to place this gem of a Buddha in your space), given His folkloric manifestation of abundance and contentment.