Our Heritage pieces are truly one-of-a-kind treasures, each one carefully curated for its exceptional craftsmanship, provenance, and character. These pieces are selected with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring they embody the timeless elegance and cultural richness that define our collection. Because every Heritage item is unique, only a single piece is available, making each acquisition a rare and meaningful addition to any collection.
Each Heritage item is entirely handcrafted using centuries-old techniques that are deeply rooted in India’s rich jewellery traditions. Every piece is thoroughly inspected and expertly fitted by us to ensure it meets the standards of contemporary wear. Together with the client, we review whether any custom adjustments are desired, ensuring the piece aligns perfectly with modern comfort while preserving its historical integrity.
Heritage pieces are delicate and need to be handled with care. Please store your jewellery in the supplied pouches and cases, to prevent them from scratching.
Please avoid contact with water, perfume, other liquids or strong substances.
When not worn, we strongly advise jewellery from our Collections to be stored in the supplied pouch and cases. With the exception of enamelled surfaces, your jewellery can be cleaned with a soft toothbrush and soft jewellery polishing cloth. Avoid any soap
Items featuring waxed cotton cord should be kept away from water and other strong substances.
In our workshop we have a team of specialists who are experts in any restauration, restringing, stone setting or restauration challenge. Please contact concierge@vangelderjewellery.com for a consultation
India, mid 20th century
Diameter: 1,5cm
SKU: 1992
Gold ear studs, in a round flower shape, set with flat cut diamonds. The reverse is decorated with multi colored enamel work. The word karnphul comes from karn (meaning ear) and phul (meaning flower).
In many different designs distinguishing various species, the flower is in fact the ultimate symbol for femininity and fertility – the female pudendum, the womb, and the birth-giver. The color red also symbolizes fertility, but it symbolizes life as well. Therefore red stones are often mounted in jewellery with flower motifs.
The Sanskrit name for diamond is vajra, meaning impenetrable, also thunderbolt which is indicative of instant illumination. The Persian almas for diamond means as invincible. The word diamond has, however, been derived from the Latin adamas, from Greek for unconquerable. Diamond is the crystalline form of carbon. It is found in nature as water-worn pebbles, or grains in river-gravels and other alluvial deposits. The diamond is one of the most popular gemstones, owing chiefly to its lustre. It is the hardest substance known and, therefore, is used as an abrasive.
Pins have been redone for hygiene purpose and to accommodate western standard
Literature
Ganguly, Waltraud Earrings, Ornamental Beauty and Identity in India, pg 255
Cutsem, Anne van Welt der Ohrringe ill. pg 139
Untracht, Oppi Traditional Jewelry of India, ill. 800
