History of Jewellery industry
Nature has always been an integral part of human life. With the advent of civilization, the inspiration for poetic and spiritual awakening took place. Jewellery in Subcontinent has been an unbroken tradition for over 5000 years. Such is the skill of Pakistani jewelers that the use of elements of nature like flowers, leaves, trees, fruits, birds and animals are profusely depicted in all the jewellery designs.
Pakistan has experienced variety of religious, social and political influences, which are reflected in jewellery designs and styles. The present Pakistan jewellery is the combination of the jewellery of the villages, which is reminiscent of the ornaments of Moenjodaro and Harrapa-a and Mughal Emperors. Wealth of ornaments was unearthed during excavations at the ancient sites of Moenjodaro and the Indus Valley civilization. It consisted of jewellery both for men and women made in gold, silver, copper, Ivory and precious and semiprecious stones. Jewellery has been always a part of the religion and culture of the society. From a bead string used for prayers to a necklace, jewellery in Pakistan is not only varied in style but also in its function.
The traditional jewellery of Pakistan is timeless and hand-made. Traditional ethnic jewellery is made to withstand daily usage. The craft of making jewellery is confined to specific groups and casts of people called "sonars". Sonars inherit the skill and methods by direct descent handed down from father to son at a very young age, a tradition that has survived for centuries.
The jewelers use different techniques. These designs and modes of techniques vary from region to region and the material used. The most popular technique is "Kundan", which was introduced by Mughals in 16th century. The Kundan technique is used for forming very delicate stuff. The jewellery produced by this technique is famous for its grace and beauty.
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