Every Stone Speaks Something!

Jewellery is one of the most treasured accessories of women’s Fashion. The tradition of adoring oneself with jewelleries might be thousands of years old but it has never gone out of style. They are considered to be one of the supreme symbols of Femininity. They effortlessly bring out the best version of a woman’s look adding that perfect touch of elegance and grace. For some, Jewelleries are also a symbol of social status.

BIDRI – Wearing A Piece Of Earth

Elegant with a hint of mystique, Bidri jewellery is the pride of the rich cultural heritage of India.

The rich art of Bidar, Bidri, is a legacy that has been carried forward for more than 400 years.

Bidri gets its name from Bidar, a small town in North Karnataka which is the hub of manufacturing this unique metal–ware, characterized by silver inlay patterns on black metallic surfaces.   

When we talk about Karnataka, we often admire the beautiful Silk Sarees or the Classical Karnatic music that is truly heartfelt, while it is also home to some of the most incredible jewellery art forms that date back to centuries and have shaped the development and tourism in the state. One such important ancient art form is the Bidri Art which originated during the Persian regime in the 14th century and is a popular export item for India.

THE ORIGIN OF THIS PRECIOUS METAL

Bidris were worn and owned mostly by royalties like the kings and the zamindars, often used as utility objects, as a display of one’s wealth.

The name Bidri comes from the region Bidar in Karnataka, which still remains the principle manufacturing zone for this art. The designs for this are inspired by both, Indian and International themes.

Initially conceived as a form of art during the time of the Bahami Sultans of Karnataka in the Bidar lands along the 13th and 15th centuries, Bidri was later used in the manufacture of jewellery as well.

It is made of copper and zinc, where zinc imparts it with its black polish while copper adds temporary colours to the adornments.

Simplistic, yet enshrined with the luxury of past royals like the Nizams in Hyderabad, Bidri is often engraved in several patterns, from flowers to silvery filigree.

The skilled artisans from Southern regions of India beautifully engrave patterns of various flowers, leaves and human figures to leave an indelible mark of their work across the world through these black metallic jewellery.

Bidri designs are uncomplicated yet intricate which are known to make the products look enchanting.

Highly alluring and eye-catching, the Bidri work makes the products absolutely stylish yet classic!

Know Everything About Bidri Art From This Brief Step-by-Step Process

  • High-quality alloy mix of zinc and copper are used to create the base of the jewellery.
  • The hollow clay moulds or dyes of choice are prepared and the alloy base is poured into them to give them the desired shape which only takes a few minutes.
  • Once the shape of the jewellery/artefact is achieved, the metal goes through a filling process to attain smooth edges. The designs on the smooth base metal are handcrafted using the inlay process, where pure silver wires are fixed onto the alloy as per the engraved design.
  • The metal with the silver fitted is again filled for ensuring that there are no rough edges. The smoothness of the jewellery piece is further reinforced with the buffing machine.
  • The soil from the Bidar fort is mixed with copper-sulphate and water to make a solution. This solution is heated to a boiling point and then poured over the jewellery or the artwork is immersed into this solution for 10-15 seconds.
  • This is where you can see the transformation as the copper in the artwork turns to a pitch-black colour and the silver wires turn to a white colour, intensifying the silver design inlaid onto the metal. This transformation is so amazing to watch that this technique is also used to create the holy Idols at various temples in Karnataka.

Intrigue. Elegance. You

Each piece in this collection has Bidri components that are handcrafted in Bidar, by master craftsmen using time-honoured techniques handed down over centuries.

The striking contrast of colour- the glossy silver inlay being set off dramatically against the matt black, makes for visually stunning pieces. The result is an overall aesthetic that is delicate yet formidable, understated yet opulent.

Bidri art is indeed a treat for art collectors and connoisseur’s all across the world.

The designs in spite of their uniqueness and individuality are uncomplicated in nature which makes them beautiful and enchanting.

Occasion Dressing

Bidri comes across as oxidized metal and hence it suits almost every occasion. The boxes are best suited for storing precious jewellery or to gift someone special on occasions or buy it as a collectible. The colures and textures make it universally appealing and acceptable for all occasions.

Global Influence

Complex and refined technique that forms bidriware has found several consumers.  People across the globe are interested in buying this enriched form of metal that is simple yet stylish in nature.

The intricate patterns made by skilful artisans elate its beauty, leaving every onlooker spellbound.

Bidri collection have more modern and minimal silver or gold inlay work, which lends a contemporary craft-based aesthetic, while still paying homage to the intricacy of the age-old craft.