Traditionally, jewellery has served as a repository of wealth, and a bejewelled wife is the family’s walking-talking treasury. While the prince had his gold, the peasant found security in silver. The village women of Rajasthan are togged up from head to toe in cumbersome silver ornaments, which they never remove.

The various kinds of adornments they use are: tikka or the spherical pendant on the forehead; dangling earrings called jhumkas; hansli or the choker; nath or the nosering which may be attached with a chain to the adjacent jhumka; a girdle or taqri for the waist; a series of bracelets called kadas; anklets with tiny bells on them; and finally the chakti or toe rings of the married women. Not to be outdone, the macho men of Rajasthan commonly wear chokers, earrings and bracelets.

Silver JewelleryIn Jaipur, you’ll find silver jewellery makers and exporters near the Badi Chaupad in Johari Bazaar. Ornate tribal designs, geometric patterns and filigree work are much in demand. A relatively new addition to the repertoire is silver studded with semi-precious stones. Apart from jewellery, you’ll also find little silver boxes, statuettes, containers, glasses, plates, bowls, pens, hand mirrors and gilt combs.

Silver is often alloyed with other metals before being made into ornaments. So beware of silversmiths who mix more than the required amount.