Since time immemorial, women have been fascinated towards various kinds of jewelry. Ornaments and jewelry has always been a center of attraction for all women folk. Jewelry has always been their weakness. Various kinds of jewelry became popular but traditional jewelry always had their own market following.

Rajasthan is famous for its precious and semi-precious jewelry. Each area of Rajasthan is known for its unique style of jewelry making. The ethnic and traditional touch to the jewelry makes them a buyer’s delight.

While going about in the lanes of local markets of Udaipur at Sarafa Bazaar, in search of some of the exclusive jewelry we found out  about ‘Ponch” and Kalingi Top’ . We had a talk to some of the shopkeepers who told us about this magnificent and very old jewelry.

..and the review go like this..

Jewelry: Ponch, worn in hands it is a kind of bangle.

Availability: Not readily available in the market, prepared by order only.

Gold Required: Minimum 20 to 35 grams of gold, quantity of gold may vary according to its size and design.

Description: Its base is made up of red velvet cloth and has gold beads embedded in it. A rope is attached to the ponch to adjust it according to the size of the hand. It requires around three to four hours for its artwork (gadaai), because of its delicate work of preparing and embedding gold beads. Even the rope in this jewelry requires a lot of time, hard work and concentration because of its minute work.

It is one of the most popular regional Jewelry made exclusively in Mewar, and exported all over India. This jewelry has its special significance at the time of festivals and marriages.

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Jewelry: ‘kalangi top’, Earring.

Availability: Readily available in local markets of Udaipur, Sarafa Bazaar.

Gold required: Looks heavy; however it is light weight and requires around 3 to 5 grams of gold.

Description: Lakh/Lac (wax) is used in making of kalangi tops with a red stone embedded in the centre. The art of making ‘Kalingi top’ originated from Udaipur(Mewar). Women wear it on their daily routine . It is not only liked by majority of rajasthani women but is also made by artisans from all over Rajasthan.

Soil of Rajasthan is full with its rich culture and traditions. Rajasthani art, handicrafts and jewelry are world famous. A lot of these items are exported all over India and even outside India. These artists are preserving this glorifying ancient art of Mewar region with their patient work and diligence.