Goa’s unique crafts and traditional jewellery styles tell us that unlike its image as a holiday destination, it is a state of craftsmanship with the oldest crafts history in the country.Goa's traditional jewellery is very graceful and enchanting and attracts a lot of people because of its beauty. Goan jewellery comes in astounding variety, something that will leave you spoilt for choice.
Goan jewellery was introduced to the world by “Daivadnya Brahmins” who were known for their skills of jewellery designing.In fact, they were the first ones to introduce Goan traditional jewellery designs to Europe.
Similarity between Goan and Maharastrian Jewellery:There’s a lot of similarity between Goan jewellery and the konkan jewellery of Maharashtra.
Both regions have a lot of similar designs in the categories of Earrings, Nose as well as neck jewellery.Styles such as Pake (earrings), Nathini (nose pin), Tode, and Pichodi (bangles) are common in both Goan and Konkani traditional jewellery.
Let us take look at some of the traditional jewelleries of Goa:
1.Bajuband-As the name suggests, Bajubandh is an armlet that is worn on the upper arms by women.A traditional Goan bajubandh is made of Gold. It consists of floral and peacock motifs that are crafted with utmost precision by the local Artisans.Some of the Bajubandh designs even include figures of Goan forest deities such as Kelbai, Bramhini mai, Vetal, Mahishasurmardini.
2.Goth-These are the traditional Goan bangles. Made with Gold, a traditional Goth has a sleek design and is adorned with floral motifs that are crafted by the Artisans.
3.Tode-These are chunky Gold bangles that are adorned by Goan women on a festive occasion, pooja, or at a wedding
4.Pichodi-A traditional Pichodi design consists of Pearls or Gold motifs arranged in the form of a crown.The more expensive designs can have gemstones instead of Gold motifs and pearls.
5.Piddukachi Kakna-These are the beaded gold bangles. The traditional design includes Gold motifs with a combination of different colored beads such as orange, black, red, etc.Piddukachi bangles are very lightweight; therefore can be worn for hours without getting uncomfortable.
6.Coin Bangles-The coins have the symbols of religious figures of Goan forest deities such as Kelbai, Bramhini mai, Vetal, Mahishasurmardini.These bangles are also lightweight; therefore, they are worn by women on a daily basis
7.Galsiri-This is a coin necklace. A traditional Galsiri consists of coral and gold beads strung in a gold chain (with a thread fastening) and Gold coins.A Galsiri can have a single or double layer of coins set in the Gold chain.
8.Kasithaali-Mangalsutra worn by Goan brides is called “Kasithaali”.The pendant is adorned with a religious figure such as Goddess Lakshmi.
9.Nathani-A traditional Gold Nathini consists of pearls and pink or white stone in the middle (sometimes a precious gemstone such as Rubie or Emerald in the middle).
10.Pake-A pair of traditional Pake is made of Gold and it consists of floral motifs along with pearls strung together to form a mesh-like pattern
