Traveller's Treasure Trove

SILVER JAIPUR LAC BANGLE - US$8

2008-12-05T11:49:00.008+08:00

This silver coloured lac bangle is similar to the bronze Jaipur bangle posted below.

BRONZE JAIPUR LAC BANGLE - US$8

2008-11-11T04:30:00.074+08:00

What Is This?
A Pretty handmade lac bangle from Jaipur, embellished with sculpted wire work, mirror and glass inlay and coated with glitter, which will rub off a little on your hands!

What Are Lac Bangles?
Jaipur, situated in the desert State of Rajasthan, is famed not only for exquisite gemstones, but also these lacquer bangles or lac bangles as they are colloquially known.

Lac bangles are typically colourful and embellished with glitter, wire-embroidery, mirror-work, semiprecious stones and beads.

Traditionally, women in India consider it auspicious to adorn themselves with bangles, especially for weddings and festivals.

How Are Lac Bangles Made?
Lac bangle makers work from home with the entire family involved in the craft. The metal bangle frame is first coated with hot, coloured, melted resin, which is referred to as lac. While the resin or lac is still hot, the artisan uses his thumbnail, like a calligrapher’s pen, to make intricate carvings, curves, floral patterns or designs on the bangle surface. He then uses tiny pincers to stick the mirror or glass bits, beads or embroidered wires on the designs.

SILVER TOE RINGS - US$10

2008-11-10T19:30:00.015+08:00

What Is This?
This is a pair of pure silver toe rings made in the State of Orissa. Each toe ring has an olive green crystal embedded in the centre. The size of the rings are adjustable. If you feel like it, you can also wear them on your fingers!

What Are Toe Rings?
Toe rings are traditionally used in India by married women as a symbol of their marriage status. They come in all kinds of designs and are invariably made from pure silver. Each ring is worn on the second toe of each foot. These days however, they have become en vogue for any woman, regardless of whether she is married or not, to wear them.

TARAKASHI PURE SILVER ROSE PENDANT - US$35

2008-10-31T13:41:00.066+08:00

What Is This?
This is a pure silver filigree or "Tarakashi"pendant, handmade in the State of Orissa home to the traditional "Tarakashi" form of handcraft.

What Is "Tarakashi"?
It is the form of filigree handcraft famous in Orissa , which dates to as far back as the 12th century.

How Is "Tarakashi" Jewellery Made?
Tarakashi artisans use candle lights and blowpipes to patiently solder together small, fine pieces of silver into intricate lacework, which is fashioned into jewellery and other handicrafts.

Image of side view and approximate size of pendant.