Reviving the dual-tone tradition of Ganga-Jamuna jewellery at Aham Jewellery
Tucked away on the western edge of Rajasthan, near the Pakistan border, lies the culturally rich town of Barmer — a land known not just for its desert beauty but also for its extraordinary craftsmanship. Among its many artistic treasures, Bandhel Silver Jewellery from Barmer, Rajasthan stands out as a rare and exquisite art form that fuses 22-carat gold and 92.5 silver into wearable masterpieces.
Also known as Ganga-Jamuna jewellery for its striking dual-tone appearance, Bandhel captures the interplay of warm gold against cool silver — creating a visual depth that feels both regal and contemporary.
The Origin of Bandhel: A Fusion of Silver and Gold
The word Bandhel is derived from the word ‘Bandhai’, a technique that involves fusing two noble metals—silver and gold—into intricate, handcrafted designs. This jewellery is more than just ornamentation; it is a legacy of skilled artisanship passed down through generations in Barmer.
The Craftsmanship Behind the Beauty
At the heart of Bandhel jewellery is a meticulous process. This intricate art involves hammering 22-carat gold sheets into ultra-thin, 2mm layers and fusing them with 92.5 silver, these are then cut into fine floral or geometric motifs.
Every individual elements are placed one by one onto a silver mould or a flat silver base, and secured using age-old wax setting techniques. Each piece is entirely handcrafted, with individual design elements arranged like a mosaic—one petal at a time.
Each design is painstakingly handmade, and no two pieces are ever exactly alike. The result? A stunning interplay of gold and silver, texture and shine, tradition and innovation. The contrast of the warm gold against the cool silver creates a visual depth that’s unmistakably unique to Bandhel jewellery.
A Craft Practised by a Precious Few
Today, only a handful of skilled artisans in Barmer continue to practise this intricate art form. During our Diwali trip to Barmer in 2023, the Aham Jewellery team had the privilege of meeting a small yet immensely talented group of karigars who have kept this fading tradition alive.
Since then, we’ve collaborated closely with them — rooted in mutual respect, fair craftsmanship, and the shared desire to revive traditional Indian silver jewellery techniques for today’s world.
The Aham Bandhel Edit: Stories in Silver & Gold
Our Bandhel Collection is a curated selection of handcrafted heirlooms where 22-carat gold petals bloom on sterling silver canvases. Each piece reflects the essence of Barmer — rich in culture, artistry, and soul.
Some highlights from the collection include:
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The Barmer Phool NecklaceStyle it as a statement with solid silks, linen saris, or deep-hued festive ensembles to let the gold petals stand out against silver. |
Ganga-Jamuna JhumkasPair these dual-tone jhumkas with saris, anarkalis, or even crisp kurtas for a touch of desert royalty in everyday dressing. |
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The Bandhel Kada CuffsWear them solo for a bold look or stack them over sleeves with handloom jackets and festive wear for contemporary elegance. |
Bandhel EarringsPerfect for day-to-evening transitions, these earrings style effortlessly with cotton saris, kurta sets, and understated festive looks. |
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Bandhel PendantLayer it over a plain kurta, dress, or sari blouse — a versatile piece that adds heritage detail without overpowering the look. |
Explore the full collection at www.ahamjewellery.com and discover the quiet opulence of jewellery that carries not just beauty, but a story of revival.
The Heritage Behind the Craft
Barmer’s jewellery traditions trace back to Rajasthan’s royal courts and desert tribes, where silver symbolised purity and gold prosperity. Bandhel, born from this duality, came to be known as Ganga-Jamuna jewellery — representing the sacred confluence of two rivers, and two metals, harmoniously fused together.
This dual-tone technique not only showcases impeccable skill but also embodies the philosophical spirit of balance — between the seen and the unseen, tradition and innovation, silver and gold.
Preserving the Past, Wearing the Future
In a world rapidly leaning towards machine-made uniformity, Bandhel jewellery remains a symbol of slow, intentional craftsmanship. Each creation from Aham Jewellery celebrates the artistry of Barmer’s few remaining Bandhel artisans and brings their legacy to a modern audience.
Whether worn for festive occasions or passed down as an heirloom, Bandhel Silver Jewellery captures a piece of Barmer’s soul — fiery, beautiful, and enduring.
FAQs: Understanding Bandhel Jewellery
Q: What is Bandhel Silver Jewellery?
A: Bandhel is a traditional jewellery craft from Barmer, Rajasthan, where 22k gold and 92.5 silver are fused using wax-setting techniques to create exquisite dual-tone designs.
Q: Why is it called Ganga-Jamuna jewellery?
A: The term “Ganga-Jamuna” refers to the dual-tone effect of gold and silver, symbolising the confluence of the sacred Ganga and Jamuna rivers — a poetic metaphor for harmony and balance.
Q: Where can I buy authentic Bandhel jewellery?
A: You can explore and shop the authentic Bandhel Silver Jewellery Collection handcrafted by artisans from Barmer, exclusively at Aham Jewellery.
