The word jewellery, especially Asian jewellery, traces back its origins to the word jewel which was anglicised from the old French word jewel in around 13th century. Further tracing leads us to the Latin word 'Jocale', meaning plaything.

Asian jewellery originated around 3000 B.C. in India, then Indus Valley region. With roots deep set in religious and aristocratic designs, asian jewellery was very decorative and used most often in ceremonies by the influential people of that era. The Indian sub-continent has the longest continuous legacy of jewellery making anywhere. Over the period of time and history, Indian jewellery has not remained just a craft, but evolved into an art- both in design and workmanship.

It all started with the Indus valley civilization introducing jewellery made with beads along with the use of metals, which were popular in that era. As time progressed, the methods for jewellery advanced, thus allowing complex gemstone jewellery to be made. Necklaces were soon adorned with gems and green stones paving the way for diamonds which were introduced around 296B.C.
Over time, Asian jewellery has been used for a number of reasons:

• Currency
• Functional use (such as clasps, pins and buckles)
• Symbolism (to show membership or status)
• Protection (in the form of amulets and magical wards) and
• Artistic display.

Slowly and over the passage of time and dynasties the Asian jewellery has changed a number of forms. From a simple beads necklace and earrings it has evolved into complex designs using almost every known metal and mineral known to mankind. Jewellery today is not just about women's passion but it has evolved into an art, a transition which drives thousands of craftsmen towards a never ending quest for perfection. New and new styles of Asian jewellery keep on evolving amidst the traditional 22kt yellow gold ornaments.

During the last millennium the most prominent amongst all jewellery forms has been yellow gold ornaments encrusted with precious gemstones and other beads. All most all the dynasties had their women dressed up in these and even the men folk fancied this style of jewellery. With the advances in chemistry and other areas like metallurgy and gemology, novel methods like oxidisation were introduced which has made Asian jewellery now an obsession amongst women, in particular. Antique jewellery and white gold jewellery (whether be 22kt rhodium plated, or 18kt white gold one) has taken this art to new and unrivalled heights.

The plain yellow gold ornaments has been replaced by more colourful sets. The contemporary and traditional designs has been replaced by oxidised and antique jewellery encrusted with cubic zircons, colourful beads, rubies, pearls, emeralds and other precious gemstones. With the release of movies like DEVDAS and with the introduction of all the 'K' based television serials the demand for all that antique jewellery has been further propelled. Modern Asian jewellery has got a new form recently with the introduction of Kundan and Polki jewellery. Polki is uncut diamonds which give Asian jewellery a 21st century look with a touch of traditional flavour. Thus, with a vast variety of options available in jewellery today, we are not limited to the plain boring yellow gold jewellery anymore. Almost all of the known metals and gemstones can now be used to create a design as per your taste and choice. The quest for Asian jewellery and perfection are never ending and we may see new forms and designs in the coming future for sure.