Indian Tarakashi Jewellery

Tarakashi Jewellery of Cuttak

Chandi Tarakashi Jewelry or Silver Filligree Jewelry of Orissa, India is very famous. This highly skilled form of jewelry making is done in Cuttack and Bhuvaneshwar since more than 500 years. Designs are mostly inspired from nature like animals, birds, flowers etc.

Making of Tarakashi Jewelry

Tarakashi Pendant Set

Extremely thin wires are created in a press from an 90% pure silver rod.A basic framework which will hold the intricate design is first created using a thicker wire. Inside this framework, over a high flame, thinner wires are set into an intricate design by bending and twisting using pliers and cutters by the artisan. These wires are then soldered together to hold them together.The jewelry is then polished to finish the design.

Tarakashi Vermillion Box

In Orissa every bridal trousseau includes a Tarakashi vermillion (sindoor) box,waist belt,anklets and toe ring.

Tarakashi Jewellery in Odissi Dance

This type of silver filigree jewelry is necessary to wear during Indian temple dance performance of Odissi. Odissi dance jewelry includes following jewelry pieces made in Tarakshi Filigree form.

Tahiya - Crown with a bun pin

Seenthi-Maang Tikka
Mathami -Matha Patti
Kaan Jhumkas -Bell shaped earrings usually in peacock design
Kapa-Earring Chain
Padaka-tilaka -Long Necklace
Bahichudi or Bajuband-Armlet
Kankana -Bangles
Mekhalaa- Waist Belt
Ghungroo- Bell Anklets

Besides jewelry, many other home decoration pieces,utensils such as plates,bowls,trays etc. and jewellery boxes are also made in Tarakashi.

Decorative Tarakashi Showpiece

Tarakashi Jewellery Box

Handbags and Purses are also made from silver metal filigree.

Tarakashi Purse Handbag

Even the huge backdrops of deities in temples and "Pandals" during "Durga Puja" festival is decorated with Tarakashi art form.