The story of Indian silver is a long-evolving and charming tale of skill, innovation, and brisk business. Silver has remained in focus from royal families to pastoral tribes. It became a kind of equaliser but differentiated by design and motifs. At the core of this is silver smithing, the art of creating artefacts from sheets of sterling or pure silver. It's practiced in many parts of India, but with distinct regional peculiarities. For instance, a Rajasthani temple chattri (umbrella over the deity’s head) a completely different from the silver filigree work of Odisha’s Cuttack district (known as Tarkasi) or the tribal ornaments made in Kachchh.

India's diversity means artisans create all sizes and kinds of objects in silver. From large throne-like pieces of furniture to the tiniest of trinkets or boxes for betelnut or vermillion, miniature idols or coins, the collection is vast. There's a versatile product range, dominated by ornaments—antique, traditional, contemporary and bespoke. Different schools of jewellery are showcased in designing, not just in ornaments but also in silver idols, decorative art, homeware, silverware, in headgear, and sculptures. Some are representative of eras and rituals. For instance, the Hindu festival, Diwali, includes the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. The deity of wealth is celebrated with a Lakshmi puja that involves the use of silver coins.

Silver smithing is a dexterous, intricate craft. A jewellery saw is used to cut and make strips for ornaments. Other silver items involve other tools.

Indian silversmiths (like goldsmiths) are talented artisans who work with precious gemstones mixed with silver as well as glass beads, enamel, threads and woven yarn.

Any information on this page is anecdotal and based on publicly available details. If you're interested in learning more, click here.