Rajasthan, a source for both precious and semi-precious stones, is famous for its jewelry industry. While in Jaipur we attended a lecture on the different stones that are used in jewelry. Then we headed for a shop in town where several members of our group purchased rings and necklaces set with emeralds, diamonds or pearls chosen from the many stones laid out on the counter.

Tribal women throughout Rajasthan wear personal ornaments on the feet, head, forehead, ears, nose, neck, chest, and arms. At left is an example of silver tribal jewelry I purchased in Jaisalmer. Bags of silver were emptied at our feet for us to sort through. Both modern and old silver jewelry, boxes, and other ornaments were sold by weight.

Additional Reading:
Traditional Jewelry of India
by Oppi Untracht
Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Publisher, 1997
ISBN 0-8109-3886-3 (cloth)