How to Choose Exquisite Nepalese Jewellery in Australia

In Nepal and Tibet, jewellery serves as a spiritual symbol, reflecting the early stages of Buddhism. Brimming with vibrant patterns and colours, Nepali jewellery is beloved for its intricacy. The handcrafted effect avoids the typical machine cut and this is only one reason why this type of jewellery is so popular in Australia. Crafted from gold, silver, or precious metals, Nepalese jewellery boasts intricate designs that carry profound meanings.  Understanding its distinctive styles, and the materials used guide you to find the perfect piece that resonates with your style and story.

The tradition of jewellery-making in Nepal is quite ancient, dating back to the 5th century.  These pieces are often encrusted with a variety of incredible gemstones, ranging from turquoise and corals to rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. You will also find Nepali 24K gold jewellery in Nepalese jewellery shops across Melbourne and Victoria, which is perfect for weddings and special occasions.

In this article, we discuss the peculiarities of Nepalese jewellery, how it has inspired Australian jewellery, and why you should consider adding our handmade and carefully designed pieces to your collection.

Different Styles of Nepalese Jewellery

Nepalese jewellery and culture are very much intricately linked, and that’s why there’s a wide variety of styles to reflect the country’s ethnic and social heritage. These jewellery are influenced by the religious beliefs and artistic choices of various communities as well as generations. The most recognised styles  include:

  • Pote Necklaces: Theseare long, colourful pieces crafted with corals and other materials. Typically red, they are worn by married women as a symbol of the sanctity of marriage.
  • Kanta Necklaces: They are popular among certain indigenous communities in Nepal and feature gold beads and red felt pads. This gold necklace design looks great with traditional and contemporary outfits.
  • Rani Haar: This is one of the most regal-looking jewellery from Nepal and is layered with precious stones and beads. Translating to “queen’s necklace”, rani haar is ideal for auspicious occasions.
  • Bulaki: It is a traditional nose jewellery and is most common in the hilly regions of Nepal. The Bulaki nose ring adds depth and dimension to the face and gives you a beautifully festive look.
  • Naugedi Necklaces: This jewellery is arguably the most popular style of jewellery in Nepal. Naugedi features multiple beads on a silver necklace with a bell-shaped pendant in the centre.
  • Jantar: Itis a square-shaped gold necklace design embedded with gemstones. , Jantar necklaces are often worn for spiritual significance and to ward off evil.
  • Coin Necklace: This is a popular jewellery in western Nepal. These necklaces incorporate ancient coins and are believed to bring good fortune.
  • Phuli: Phuli is a small flower worn on the left side of the nose by Hindu women in Nepal. It’s made of gold or a small diamond.
  • Jun (Moon) Clip: The Jun Clip is a head jewellery piece, shaped like a moon with stars and stones. It’s made of gold-covered silver and inspired by nature.
  • Dhungri: Dhungri is a traditional gold earring worn at the centre of the ear. It’s medium-sized, star-shaped, and adorned with flowers and stones. Another option is to choose Nepali gold-plated earrings which offer an affordable alternative.
  • Lunswan: This jewellery name means “golden flower,” and is culturally important, especially for new brides in the Newa community. Worn on the bride’s head, this round piece is made of gold, adorned with golden birds, flowers, and a central Ganesh image highlighted with coral.
  • Gold Bangles: Nepali weddings often feature gold bangles as a customary gift from the groom’s family to the bride. The bride typically wears these gold bangles alongside Chura bangles which are made from red glass.
  • Jhumka: Jhumka features a bell-shaped design and intricate patterns. The Nepali bride wears jhumka earrings to add a touch of traditional elegance to her wedding attire.
  • Bichhi: Bichhi is a toe ring, popular among married women in the Terai region. It’s made of silver and symbolises marital status. Not wearing it in some places can have social consequences.

Nepali Jewellery: A Weave of Culture and Symbolism

Nepalese jewellery styles are also easy to tell based on communities. For instance, Newar jewellery is indigenous to the Kathmandu Valley, while Tharu jewellery is a staple in Nepal’s Terai region. Indeed, there’s a defined set of elements that define a piece of Nepalese origin, such as:

  • Handmade Craftsmanship

Nepalese jewellery is famous for being handcrafted with unique techniques passed down several generations. A lot of meticulous work and attention to detail goes into embedding the individual stones into metallic cylinders, not to mention into filigree work and other styles. 

  • Materials Used

Jewellery designers in Nepal typically work with metals like copper, silver, and gold to give pieces their distinct identity. While gold holds cultural prominence. the artisans use metals like copper, silver, and gold to make these beautiful pieces. They also use colourful stones like turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli, tiger eye, garnet, agate, and even yak bone to add different colours and textures.

  • Cultural or Religious Influences

Not long ago, people from the different communities of Nepal could be identified by the types of jewellery they wore. This is due to the inherent link between culture, religion, and fashion. For instance, people in Newar wear a different style of jewellery from people in Tamang or Tharu. Jewellery in Nepal often features religious symbols that possess intricately carved depictions of gods and goddesses.

  • Intricate Designs and Patterns

Nepalese jewellery is all about intricacy. The rustic and vivid quality of each piece makes them not just symbolic but also aesthetically appealing for daily wear. Filigree work involves delicately twisting wires into complex patterns, whereas, engravings involve handcrafting religious depictions. These designs grace pendants, necklaces and bracelets, embodying profound meanings.

  • Wide Variety of Styles

Whether you want to throw something on for a casual occasion or look special for an auspicious day, a Nepalese jewellery shop has enough variety for everyone. Understanding the elements of this jewellery will help you find the perfect accompaniment for all your outfits, no matter the occasion.

Another important hallmark of Nepalese jewellery is its versatility. Artisans have been able to evolve and adapt designs well enough to keep both local and global audiences interested. Even the pieces that have been crafted with contemporary wearers in mind preserve the essence of Nepalese culture.

Reasons to Wear Nepalese Jewellery

Wearing Nepalese jewellery is a powerful way to connect with rich cultural traditions and express your unique style. Let’s explore the simple yet meaningful reasons why Nepalese jewellery in Australia is a cherished choice for many.

Embracing Tradition: Wearing Nepalese jewellery is a way to honour your diverse heritage. Each piece is rich in cultural significance and often features spiritual symbols. Wearing these jewellery creates a meaningful connection to our faith and spirituality. The symbols and colours in Nepalese jewellery hold deep meanings, providing wearers with a unique way to express themselves.

Cultural Events and Weddings: If you are looking for the perfect thing to wear to your next Nepali wedding or cultural event, remember to put on your finest Nepalese jewellery. Adorning Nepali jewellery at a cultural event is an excellent opportunity to show respect and connect with another community.

Daily Elegance with Functionality: Nepalese jewellery offers a wide range of styles, from traditional to contemporary fusion. This makes it suitable for various occasions, whether casual or formal.  Some Nepali jewellery serves a functional purpose, making it ideal to wear for everyday wear. These pieces allow individuals to incorporate cultural, spiritual, and personal elements into their everyday lives. There are so many ways to have fun with Nepalese jewellery while using it to convey a deeper meaning, be it social or personal.

Find the Perfect Nepalese Jewellery in Melbourne

Connecting with the Nepali community in Australia can enhance your jewellery exploration experience. Community recommendations offer insights into the cultural significance of specific jewellery pieces. Additionally, members of the Nepali community can provide tips on customising jewellery to align with specific occasions or personal preferences. Here are some ways to engage with the Nepali community:

Attend Cultural Events: Participate in Nepali cultural events held in your local community. These events often showcase traditional jewellery and allow you to understand its cultural significance.

Visit Nepali Stores: Explore Nepali jewellery stores in your area. Engaging with the store staff and customers can offer valuable insights into the cultural context of Nepali jewellery.

Join Online Communities: Connect with the Nepali community online through forums and social media groups. Engaging in discussions and seeking recommendations from community members can provide a broader perspective on Nepali jewellery styles, trends, and trusted sources.

If you are looking for high-quality jewellery in Melbourne, Victoria and throughout Australia, you need to look for a shop that offers traditional and personalised jewellery according to your cultural preference.  And if Nepali jewellery is in your mind, a shop that specialises in authentic Nepali jewellery is your go-to place. Such a shop is  Ratna Jewellers in Melbourne. They offer a wide range of Nepali 24K gold jewellery and wedding jewellery which are meticulously crafted with precision and artistry. As a reliable custom jeweller in Melbourne, they will assist you in discovering the perfect piece that not only aligns with your individuality but also honours the rich heritage of Nepalese jewellery.

Whether you need a wonderfully engraved pendant or an intricately carved set of bangles, Ratna Jewellers has something in store for you. To get your bespoke pieces made, call them on 0452 422 731 or email them at ratnajewellers568@gmail.com.

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