The tradition of Nepalese jewelry

Traditional Nepalese jewelry is handmade, being highly prized by women from all over the world. To learn more about traditional Nepalese jewelry making, it will be important to understand the country's history. Why? Well, in many ways, the tradition of jewelry making is tied precisely to Tibet and its history.

History of Nepalese jewelry

Much of Nepal's ethnic jewelry was created when the Chinese took over Tibet in the 1950s. Many people then fled to Nepal, where the Tibetan tradition of jewelry making continued. The tradition of making oriental Tibetan jewelry continues today, but over time it has merged with Nepalese styles and designs.

The ancient history of jewelry making in Nepal began unofficially in the 5th century, after the discovery of different religions. Nepalese are divided into different classes of people according to their type of work - such as Brahmins or Vaisyas. Since there are different social classes, jewelry of different styles was also produced. The process of making Nepali jewelry was mainly started by women and girls. Making and wearing ethnic jewelry has always been an important part of Nepalese and Tibetan life, as wearing a certain style of jewelry is directly related to the spirituality of life in both countries.

What is Nepalese jewelry made of?

Jewelry in Nepal is mostly made of copper, silver and gold, which contain many precious and semi-precious stones. These stones are sourced from different parts of the country, and Oriental jewelry designs change according to the season and demand for them. The jewelry is often made and priced according to the amount of metal used in its production. Each earring or necklace made also has a specific mantra - either cultural or based on current fashion. So, each piece of jewelry conveys some kind of message directly when you look at it.

There is a common belief that individual components of ethnic jewelry are meant to protect the wearer. And some components also have their own special meaning. Thus, for example, turquoise is the most commonly used stone for Nepalese jewelry. Turquoise is said to represent... the sea and the sky.

Many pieces of Nepalese jewelry reflect ancient Sanskrit words, such as the symbol "Om" (the holiest syllable in Hinduism). It is said to reflect the sound produced by the universe as it ... travels through space. The sound is relaxing and is believed to have healing powers. Jewelry with "Om" is therefore worn to maintain harmony with the universe.

Where is Nepalese jewelry still being made today?

Nepalese jewelry and handicrafts mainly represent the country's culture whether they are used as fashion accessories or for special occasions. The ancient jewelry Nepalese still wear is unique in terms of modern styling.

In Nepal today, there are quite large groups of manufacturers, called Sunars. These groups dedicate their lives to creating traditional jewelry, being experts at creating new designs. They are so accustomed to making oriental jewelry that they don't want to divert attention even for a day from their strenuous work. Why is this so? Well, the making of Nepalese jewelry has been going on among the Sunars for generations. The elders are joined by their children, who eventually take over the family business - some because they want to continue their parents' work, and others because they have become infected with the passion for making oriental jewels.

Today, jewelry stores can be found in almost every part of Nepal, and already especially in the country's main tourist districts - including the capital Kathmandu, which is one of the largest and most developed cities in the entire country. Most of the ethnic jewelry manufacturers and showrooms are located in Nepal's major cities - not only in Kathmandu, but also in Bhaktapur and Lalitpur. Local makers focus on creating Nepali silver jewelry.

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Belarusian folk costume - beautiful clothing of our neighbors

Beads - an integral part of African jewelry

Middle Orient - Balkan diversity

Why wear African jewelry?

The tradition of Nepalese jewelry

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Preferences

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