What is "jadau"

Jadau Jewellery forms one of the major examples of high skilled craftsmanship which originated in Indo-Gangetic plains. Historically speaking, the tradition of Jadau work has been in practice in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat since the Mughal Era. Jadau jewellery is also called Engraved Jewellery and is unique and a kind in itself. Considered to be a traditional jewelry of India, it is used in many traditional and auspicious occasions, like marriages and festival celebrations.

Jadau work is teamwork, where a group of craftsmen are involved together. Each craftsman carries out a specific task related to the jewelry creation. The Chiterias make the basic design, Ghaarias are responsible for engraving and making holes, Meenakari or Enameling is done by the enameler and the goldsmith takes care of the kundan or the gold. These days, Jadau is done on not just jewellery, but also jewellery boxes and delicate showpieces.