Lecture: India Adorns the World

An IndiaFest Event

“India Adorns the World: Jewelry Traditions of India and their Western Followers” presented by Avani Patel, jewelry designer and GIA graduate gemologist, and UAB Associate Professor of Art History Cathleen Cummings, PhD.

Wine & cheese reception supported by Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers

Jewelry has been integral to life in South Asia for thousands of years, serving as social signifier, insurance policy, talisman, and diplomatic calling card. During the Mughal era, India was the center of the global gem trade and until the 18th century, India was the world’s only source of diamonds. By the 19th century, as maharajas came to the great European jewelry houses to have their stones reset in the latest styles, European jewelers began to emulate the colors and textures of Indian jewelry. In this talk, we will look at jewelry and adornment in the Indian tradition and its influence on European jewelry designs and designers.