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PACHCHIKAM JEWELRY

The Pachchikam design is easily identifiable from other Indian jewelry like the Kundan jewelry of Jaipur and Tadtar, though at times it resembles the other one from a distance. But one can notice that at times the setting is very much crude because the work is done by hand. In spite of these variations Pachchikam jewelry is fragile compared to Kundan or Tadtar. Gold was replaced by silver later on since the former made the jewelry unaffordable to many. Research has also shown that this jewellery was worn by children in ancient times.

Another reason for opting for the silver to be the base metal is that it is highly malleable and it closely resembles platinum, the metal used in Europe. Pachchikam jewelry is very flashy in look which can be worn on formal occasions.

The design shaping of Pachchikam jewelry encases uncut semi-precious stones and glasswork which is in simulated open claw workmanship. Fabrication of this kind of jewelry takes place in Kutch and Gujarat by families who specialize in such an art and has been handed down from generations.

Making of Pachchikam Jewelry:

The actual process starts up when the stone is being inserted in a silver case, the edge of which is being pressed onto the stone with the finger and grooves are then filed on it. A closer look shows a design shaping, which is crude in its execution, but it is in this quality that its aesthetical charm lies; making connoisseurs of the beauty to appreciate it. There is also a slight departure from European styling, which Indian artisans have replaced with their own indigenous touches and creativity. It is a gentle blend of the Western genre as well as Indian ethnic charm. The workmanship involves a very laborious process and it is time consuming.

This jewelry is not very expensive. The most advantageous quality of Pachchikam jewelry is that it cannot be mass-produced. The pieces are more or less an exclusive one. The revival of Pachchikam jewelry has also attracted an interest from the West for export. Pachchikam jewelry is back in fashion now. Crafted in Gujarat and Kutch centuries ago, this style of jewelry is being revived and being innovated by the contemporary jewelry designers. Exclusive and artistic, this particular designer jewelry is replacing the traditional gold ornaments.

In the world of fashion and design there is an all round revival of styles of the lost eras in garment as well as in the world of jewelry. One of the most popular revivals in the world of jewelry is Pachchikam jewelry, which dated back to the 18th and 19th centuries in India. In comparison with Kundan work, Pachchikam has crude look and is pretty fragile. Major USP of Pachchikam is that instead of using gold for jewelry making, it makes use of silver and is thus quite affordable. One of the reason for opting for silver is that the base metal is is highly malleable and it closely resembles platinum, a precious metal.

Little is known of the history of Pachchikam Jewellery and yet its beginning can be traced to early European designs worn by the nobility in the 16th century. It was with the exchange of trade and commerce that the intricacy of the art reached the shores of India, where Indian artisans added their style to change it into a work of Indian art.