The History & Evolution of Temple Jewellery
- 18 February 2025
Introduction:
Temple jewellery holds a special place in the world of Indian jewellery. Known for its intricate craftsmanship, divine motifs, and rich heritage, this jewellery style has been cherished for centuries. Originally designed for adorning temple deities, temple jewellery has evolved into a coveted accessory for brides, classical dancers, and jewellery enthusiasts. Let’s take a journey through the history and evolution of temple jewellery, understanding its cultural significance and modern-day appeal.
1.The Origins of Temple Jewellery
The BIS Hallmark is the most reliable way to check gold purity in India. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certifies gold based on its purity level. A hallmark indicates:
BIS Logo – Confirms the gold is certified.
Purity in Karats & Fineness – Example: 22K916 (22 Karat gold with 91.6% purity).
Assaying Centre’s Mark – The authorized lab where the gold was tested.
Jeweller’s Identification Mark – The manufacturer or seller's registered mark.
Year of Hallmarking – A letter code represents the year of certification.
When buying gold jewellery, always look for the BIS Hallmark to ensure authenticity.
2. Understand Karats & Purity Levels
Gold purity is measured in karats (K), and different karat values indicate different levels of gold content:
24K Gold (99.9% Pure) – Soft, not ideal for jewellery.
22K Gold (91.6% Pure) – Perfect for traditional jewellery, slightly mixed with other metals.
18K Gold (75% Pure) – Durable, often used in modern and diamond-studded jewellery.
14K Gold (58.3% Pure) – Ideal for lightweight and contemporary jewellery.
3. Perform a Magnet Test
Pure gold is not magnetic. If a piece of jewellery gets attracted to a magnet, it contains other metals like iron or nickel. However, this test alone is not enough, as some non-magnetic metals are also mixed with gold.