Indian Jewelry » Costume Jewelry India

India has been well known over the centuries as a producer of fine ornaments of many styles, shapes and different materials, to suit all tastes and pockets. Because of a common taste for adornment, jewellery has been an integral part of Indian life and is patronized by all classes of people. Savings, particularly in the countryside, were usually salted away in the form of gold and silver jewellery to serve the dual purpose of adornment as well as investment.

The finest jewellery is created in gold and is studded with diamonds, colored gemstones and pearls. Then comes silver in all its variety and delicacy. Other materials, down to ivory, shells, beads and even feathers, go into the making of jewellery. Most of this jewellery is hand-made even today. Gold and fine silver jewellery is custom-made. Platinum jewellery too has made its debut mainly for exports.

Imports Liberalized
For increasing the inflow of platinum, gold and silver required by jewellery manufacturers, the Government of India has allowed many banks in the country besides other official agencies authorized previously, to import these precious metals. They have also been allowed to undertake local sales besides supplying to jewellery manufacturers. Indians returning home from abroad after at least a stay of 6 months, are also allowed to bring back gold and silver in bulk, subject to payment of some duty here. The World Gold Council (WGC) which has a branch in India with several Regional Offices is promoting gold in various ways.