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Jewellery
making is the art of highest antiquity, the famous among these are
filigree work, open wirework, carving etc. Enamelling is another
noteworthy artistic craft. Kachchh region
is renowned for its necklaces, earrings etc. The art of making jewellery
and precious stone-cutting and processing is a traditional handicraft of
Gujarat. Gold smithy includes filigree-work,
open-wire-work, carving etc.
SILVER CRAFT:
The silver craft is a specialty of Kachchh, in which light embossing is
done on thin silver plates and is enhanced by etching and scrapping.
Attardanis, gulabdanis, flower-vases, trays, jewellery-boxes,
powder-boxes, ashtrays and cigarette-boxes are some of the articles of
silver craft.
The folk jewellery of excellent designs, characteristic of each village
and each community is a typical art of Gujarat.
Silver jewellery is always in great demand with Rajkot
and Ahmedabad
being centres for silver ornaments. For classic chunky tribal jewellery,
you should visit Poshina, enroute from Ahmedabad to
Mt. Abu
, where silver and imitation silver ornaments can be brought from the
tribals and native artisans for very low prices.
IRON & BRASS WORKS:
Gujarat's other paramount craft is silver and iron works, found nowhere
better than in the former princely state of Saurashtra and
Kachchh where descendants of the original
court swordsmiths and jewellers, now make fine beetle nut crackers, copper
coated iron bells, knives and cutlery.
The brass industry of Jamnagar is one
of the largest in India and from Kachchh
and Rajkot come the famous silver
engravings and ornaments that are considered so typical of
Gujarat. Anjar is a good place to buy brass and
iron utensils, cutlery, knives and scissors. You can also watch arrows
being crafted here, and pick up knives and daggers with beautiful sheaths
and hilts.