Vedic Age

The Vedic age was also very rich in culture and the Rig Vedic references to gold jewelry are ample. Several different articles of jewelry, named fittingly were known to have existed during this period. Some examples are: Khada-anklet jewelry, mukuta or crown, Karsna sobhana - ear decoration, shell bangles called rambu which were finely carved and inlaid with gold worn exclusively by women, girdles known as mekala were very much a part of the fashion scene in those days as they are today.

The Ramayana has an elaborate description of the exquisite and beautiful jewelry that Sita wore when she came to accept Rama as her bridegroom. There are many more references to unique pieces of jewelry like the Chudamani a jewel studded with pearls and priceless gems, that Sita's father gifted her on her wedding.

The Mahabharata refers to the first loss of Yuddhisthar in the gambling session with the Kauravas in Hastinapur as a pearl and later many more valuable pieces of jewelry.

The use of gems had become so profuse during the period of that Kings and royal persons preferred to wear them studded in their gold jewelry. They were also studded in the warriors' favourite weapons. Men and women wore ornaments, only there existed a difference in their shapes and sizes.

During the Epic period, heavy jewelry of solid gold came into vogue and so too the different grades of gold for the use of making ornaments like imitation and commercial gold.

Thus during the Vedic age, it is obvious that precious stones and pearls had been discovered which was a significant development since the proto historic period.

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