Sevya's Handcrafted Metal Jewelry

Sevya's fair trade jewelry is handcrafted using brass, copper, silver, and steel. Our exquisite collection of unique wholesale jewelry is nickel-free. Some people have intolerance to nickel and when skin comes in contact with metals containing nickel the reaction can be sore, itchy and sometimes red skin. With that in mind, Sevya offers the best quality jewelry that is handcrafted by artisans in Northern India.

Metal Work in India
India has the longest continuous legacy of jewelry making anywhere in the world, with a history of over 5,000 years. This indicates a high level of craftsmanship attained by artisans over the centuries. Traditionally, Indian jewelry artisans used different metals such as iron, copper, silver, gold and alloys like bronze, bell metal, and white metal to produce items such as jewelry, pots, utensils, photo frames, and sculptures of deities, mythological figures and animals. Now, when making jewelry for Sevya, the artisans use their skill and knowledge to create exquisite pieces for our fair trade jewelry collection.
Indian metal craft artisans have a long history of creating beautiful jewelry and other items for use in temples and by the royal families. Intricately hand-crafted pieces of jewelry and decorative items were specially made to showcase the different facets of Indian history and each region of India has had a unique style in their metal craft.

Origin of Indian Jewelry

The beauty of metal jewelry has inspired women throughout the ages and Indian women are especially skilled and knowledgeable on how to wear it. Indian jewelry has become an intricate part of an Indian woman's life, and exemplifies adorning oneself in the same way that one adorns the Goddess for worship. Known for its range, elegance & intricate expertise, the jewelry of India has won over many hearts and has been a perennial source of inspiration for many.
Since ancient times, the indigenous style of jewelry making has placed the craftsmanship of Indian jewelry in a league of its own. The highly skilled artisans take inspiration from objects around them and will take small things such as seeds, leaves, feathers and flowers and turn them into beautiful shapes in their jewelry designs. As a result, metals like silver, brass, gold, and copper along with semi precious stones, are skillfully transformed into beautiful jewelry pieces.

History of Traditional Indian Jewelry and its Origins

Each region of India has a jewelry making style that is unique. For instance, in Orissa and Andhra Pradesh, fine filigree work is done in silver and in Jaipur, Rajasthan, artisans are highly skilled in the art of enameling or “meenakari”.

In filigree work, patterns of leaves, flowers, butterflies, birds and geometrical shapes are made with silver wires of varying thickness. The skilled jewelers draw out fine wires of silver mixed with a little bit of lead and make an outline of the pattern in thick wire. Fine wires are then collected inside the framework to create a delicate lace-like appearance.

Brassware craft involves a master craftsman along with a team of skilled craftsmen for each particular stage of production. A skilled engraver is needed for the task of engraving the metal, and a skilled enameller is needed for the task of enameling; similarly, many others are required for additional steps in production. These artisans learned this traditional art form from their ancestors and continue to pass along the tradition to the next generation.

Fashion Jewelry Trends

For 2013, the fashion industry is trending toward dramatic jewelry. What can provide the bold looks of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings other than fashion jewelry? Each piece of jewelry is a unique statement and handmade jewelry using natural materials and metals offers an earthy feeling and style. Look for burnished metals in cuffs and bangles such as Sevya’s Leaves Brass & Copper Cuff.

Start with the bold look of bracelets that are made of shiny silver plated bangles or large chunky cuffs. Accessorizing with necklaces or with a polished silver plated choker brings the earthy look toward the face. Add matching earrings to complete the overall look.

Trend Finder: Cuff Bracelets

Trend Finder says that cuff bracelets are a big item for Spring 2013. Styles have gotten longer for more impact, while openwork and details add lightness and interest.

Why We Can’t Wait For Chunky Cuffs And Artistic Bangles Next Spring

Extra-chunky arm cuffs and artistic bangles made quite a statement on the runways at New York Fashion Week spring 2013. Several designers chose to accessorize their models with these standout pieces that drew just as much attention to the jewelry as to the clothes. Some proved that less is more by featuring just a single cuff, while others showed that stacked bangles are an artistic statement on their own.