Glamorous Gemstone: Stone & Bead Jewelry

People have been using semi-precious stones to make various kinds of jewelry and accessories since time immemorial. Essentially, these are natural minerals, stones, crystals and organic materials with a unique shine that makes them valuable as an ornament or decorative addition. They are also greatly valued in terms of their rarity, which means, the rarer the stone, the more desirable it is.

In fact, this is essentially what differentiates semi-precious stones from precious ones; the latter includes stones which are seldom natural, and are hence more valuable. The relatively lower cost associated with semi-precious stones jewelry is one of the primary reasons behind its viability.

Stone Studded Jewelry

Semi-precious stone jewelry has been a part of human culture for a long time. In fact, almost every culture has beautiful types of regional jewelry that are made with these types of gems. In India, too, semi-precious stone necklaces, bracelets, bangles, earrings and other items of jewelry have been produced for many centuries. The country has a rich history of glorious dynasties. In this regard, you need to know that the erstwhile aristocracy loved to patronize jewelry makers.

As a result, jewelry making is considered an art in India and there are many highly artistic and unique styles from different regions of the country that make use of semi-precious stone beads and uncut gemstones. Though the jewelry industry in India declined somewhat in the early 20th century, the government has taken many steps to revive these traditional arts and restore them to their former glory.

The country has a rich history of glorious dynasties. In this regard, you need to know that the erstwhile aristocracy loved to patronize jewelry makers. As a result, jewelry making is considered an art in India and there are many highly artistic and unique styles from different regions of the country that make use of semi-precious stone beads and uncut gemstones. Though the jewelry industry in India declined somewhat in the early 20th century, the government has taken many steps to revive these traditional arts and restore them to their former glory.

Beadwork Jewelry

The most popular and common type of jewelry made using gemstones is beads. Semi-precious gemstone beads are made by cutting and shaping the stones into harmonious globes without any rough edges. In their simplest form, these can be strung on a basic thread to create a pretty, colorful chain. All types of jewelry pieces, from necklaces, bracelets, bangles and earrings to anklets, mangtikkas, and rings can be created using these pretty beads.

Semi-precious stone bead necklaces often have beads of metallic hues, such as silver, gold, bronze or brass, which add a glamorous touch. The funkier varieties often have beads of different sizes, as well as pendants of varying sizes hanging from the center. Thus, beads can be used to make jewelry pieces of all types, to appeal to women with different tastes and preferences.

All types of jewelry pieces, from necklaces, bracelets, bangles and earrings to anklets, mangtikkas, and rings can be created using these pretty beads. Semi-precious stone bead necklaces often have beads of metallic hues, such as silver, gold, bronze or brass, which add a glamorous touch. The funkier varieties often have beads of different sizes, as well as pendants of varying sizes hanging from the center. Thus, beads can be used to make jewelry pieces of all types, to appeal to women with different tastes and preferences.

Besides beads, you can also use semi-precious stones in other forms to decorate jewelry. For instance, in Kundan jewelry, the stones are fixed into pre-molded settings of beaten gold. Though uncut diamonds are the norm in this traditional form of Rajasthani jewelry, other gemstones are sometimes used to add to the beauty and vibrancy of the piece of jewelry. Nowadays, different gemstones are increasingly being used in traditional forms of jewelry like Polki and Kundan in order to create more innovative designs. This also reduces the cost and makes the jewelry accessible to a wider customer base.

The designs of semi-precious stones jewelry will vary in accordance with the designs and aesthetics of the jewelry creator. Indian designers often utilize intricate, artistic motifs of flowers, fruits, birds, trees and other such nature-inspired designs. The aesthetic of the piece will also depend on the kind of stones used. There

There are a plethora of gemstones of varying colors in the market. From red garnets to green jade stones, from yellow topaz to purple amethyst, from pink coral to black opal and every shade in the rainbow, you can everything in the form of a crystal or rock. Traditionally, designers would use one stone to create a complete set with a necklace, earrings and sometimes, bangles. Nowadays, however, designers love to experiment with colors and patterns. Jewelry sets with multiple types of gemstones are becoming increasingly common.

Trends

Semi-precious stones are not really subject to trends as such. They tend to remain in fashion no matter what. However, as far as showcasing them in the best light is concerned, it is important to pair them up with appropriate outfits. One way to style them is to wear them with an ensemble in a contrasting color that highlights the beauty of the jewelry. For instance, a glittering amethyst necklace would pair beautifully with a black chiffon saree. A multi-colored necklace with ornate, intricate designs can be paired with a designer salwar kameez or wedding lehenga choli.

The policy of matching does not always work well with semi-precious stone jewelry. An overly matching aesthetic can sometimes result in the jewelry being lost in the whole ensemble. Instead of doing that, it’s better to go for complementary colors.