Shopping for Folk and Village Handicraft Jewelry

by Lalima Vidyacharan

I started buying handcrafted items by visiting an exhibition containing folk and village artisans. From there I developed a weakness for handicraft jewelry too.

I was fascinated by their richness and they appealed to me just as a painting or a work of sculpture would appeal me. I was also aware that these hand made jewels would be more personal and unique.

I have mostly bought it for myself and my family members, but occasionally I bought it to gift it to some one special and who understands a bit of art.

Nowadays I purchase normally from a government sponsored shop, as they are also trying to keep this on the verge of extinct art alive.

I love to go to these shops just to have glimpse of their art, it gives me the same pleasure that I get in an art gallery! I would want these jewelers to be accepted as artists and hence people must admire them for the value of their art and not merely compare it with factory products.

At the same time I will want these jewelers to use new materials from time to time so that these handcrafted jewels are updated with the latest fashion trends.