This is the history of Indian jewellery, including how it evolved from gold to sterling silver, the ancient crafts that influenced it, and how it is still used in both contemporary and heirloom designs.
It is hand-shaped artistry, heritage carried on the body, and memory cast in metal. Every piece conveys a tale about our identity and origins, from the quiet power of silver jewellery worn in villages to the golden glow of temples and palaces.
Let’s read in the article about how techniques have developed over centuries in various parts of the nation, with each area giving silver its own unique language and each craft reflecting its own land. The jewellery we wear today is still influenced by these customs, which were first developed in royal courts and rural workshops.
From Gold to 925 Silver: India’s Jewellery Journey Through Time
In India, jewellery has always served as more than just ornamentation. It has been a language of celebration, a reflection of culture, and history you could wear.
Gold was once a symbol of grandeur and divinity. Brides were adorned in this as part of Solah Shringar, temples glowed with it, and palaces kept it as wealth. Gold was ritual, power, and permanence.
But there was another story being written alongside gold. Silently, 925 silver jewellery took its place. Silver represented daily life, while gold represented royalty and temples. Mothers handed it down, farmers wore it, craftspeople fashioned it, and daughters received it as gifts. Handcrafted silver jewellery, which is valuable, meaningful, and accessible, became the real ornament of the people in India's villages.
Why 925 Silver Became the Heart of Indian Jewellery
925 sterling silver, which was 92.5% pure and fortified with a small amount of copper, was the silver that really held up. Pieces could be worn and passed down season after season due to their durability.
However, silver's importance extended beyond its physical attributes.
Spiritually: It was associated spiritually with the moon and water, which stand for serenity, innocence, and safety.
Culturally: It was a milestone in culture.jewellery for festivals and harvests, a bride's payal, and a child's first anklet.
Socially: It was accessible on a social level. Silver invited everyone in, while Gold talked about status.
Aesthetically: It was versatile in terms of appearance. It carried a variety of beauty expressions, delicate enough for filigree and bold enough for tribal chokers.
Silver was more than just a substance. It started to accompany everyday routines and intimate tales.
Ancient Techniques Behind India’s Timeless 925 Silver Pieces
Silver was fashioned into regionally specific shapes by craftspeople throughout India. Within families, techniques were quietly passed down from one generation to the next.
Odisha-Tarakasi Filigree: airy, intricate silver threads twisted into lace-like designs.
Karimnagar, Telangana Filigree: floral and geometric patterns that showcased the sophistication of Nizami courts.
Gujarat & Kutch-Pachchikam: rustic yet exquisite raw, organic silver frames adorned with uncut stones or glass.
Thewa in Rajasthan: a dramatic and majestic glass inlaid with precious metals.
Koftgiri, a delicate inlay on steel from Rajasthan, was originally used for weapons before being modified for jewellery.
The grandeur of Rajasthan, the rugged charm of Gujarat, and the lightness of Odisha were all reflected in their respective crafts. Collectively, they influenced India's long-standing jewellery customs.
Royal and Everyday: How Silver Jewellery Shaped Indian Style
Silver moved easily between two worlds.
In royal courts, it appeared as crowns, ceremonial thrones, and anklets studded with gems. In villages and tribal communities, it became part of daily identity: coin belts worn by Banjaras, bold anklets and headpieces in Himachal, and jewellery that carried both beauty and meaning.
Its versatility made it timeless. Silver could be ornate or simple, festive or everyday. It belonged to all: an anklet for a bride, a necklace for a traveler, and a cuff for a queen. Even today, Paksha jewellery continues this tradition, offering heritage-inspired pieces that carry a modern sensibility.
Modern Twists on Traditional Silver Designs You’ll Love
Today, silver has found new expressions. It is lighter, more versatile, and designed for modern life yet rooted in tradition.
Contemporary designers are blending heritage crafts like Tarakasi and Pachchikam with clean, wearable silhouettes. The result is jewellery that feels effortless pieces that move from morning to evening, sari to dress, and ritual to workday.
In wearing silver today, you carry both memory and modernity. Each piece personally feels like an heirloom in the making.
Final Thoughts
The journey of Paksha Indian jewellery is one of balance between grandeur and simplicity, tradition and modern life. Gold may have symbolized power, but silver carried intimacy. It reflected everyday beauty, spirituality, and the artistry of countless hands.
925 sterling silver continues to hold this spirit. It is not just an ornament but a story made wearable, one that lives on, shaped anew for the present while carrying the voice of the past.
