The jewel in the crown!

We human beings don't stop after satisfying the basic need; there is quest for seeking beauty in whatever we are doing! I think that is a core for any design activity. Our clothes are to serve the basic purpose of protection of our body from weather conditions. But as the civilisations developed we have gone more and more sophisticated evolving different costumes. In order to adorn our appearance we use jewellery accompanying the costume. It displays culture and traditions of that region. Jewellery is worn by both males and females. But as 'doing the things in a beautiful way' is one of the feminine virtues females are seen to be wearing more jewellery. 'Beautifying the wearer' is the main purpose of Jewellery. The set of traditional Indian ornaments covers almost all body parts from head, hair to toes.  

Sita, Image source: http://www.hindi-web.com

The urge to look beautiful is there in everyone that is why jewellery is seen to be worn by people of all socio-economic status. Royal classes could afford expensive jewellery with precious metals and gems but common people too worn jewellery which they could afford as part of their daily routine. I still remember illustration from Indian mythology of Sita during vanavasa or rishikanya Shakuntala wearing fresh flower jewellery. So when it's about jewellery, materials didn't matter much, 'act of adorning' has always been important.
Though jewellery is used everyday, there are special jewellery designs for special occasions like wedding ceremonies or other religious ceremony or classical dance performances.

Jewellery and utensils in Silver
Image source:http://www.pngadgilandsons.com

In Jewellery design, visual beauty is utmost priority. The designer has to have keen understanding of visual design along with knowledge of materials and techniques. Patterns and design of Jewellery are governed by the materials used and skill of the crafts-person. Traditionally goldsmiths used to work with precious metals like gold and silver with precious gem stones. Skills and knowledge was passed on from generations to generations. Since crafts-persons are involved in the craft from early ages they understood the materials and processes inside out. Traditionally, crafts-person and the designer used to be the same person. They practised working with a particular material using traditional techniques. It is difficult to find a crafts-person mastering different materials and techniques. Instead it is seen that the crafts-person mastered one material and techniques to mould that material to offer different products. E.g. goldsmiths offered jewellery, utensils made out of gold and silver.
Crafts persons from a particular region displayed similar designs and patterns influenced by art and cultural practices of that region. That is why Jewellery pieces from various regions have their own identity e.g. Jadau jewellery of Rajasthan and Gujarat, delicate Filigree from Odisha, Nath of Maharashtra.
Owing to the fact that the traditional gold jewellery was made for the Royals, the designs were very intricate depicting the Royal charm using precious gems. Whereas jewellery worn by common people does not display very intricate work. It lacked detailing. 

3D printed jewellery
Image source:https://3dprint.com/182807/jenny-wu-exone-3d-print-steel/

After industrialisation new materials and technologies were explored in jewellery making. 3D printed jewellery is popular. With the rise of Fashion industry, jewellery became an accessory used by fashion designers to complement their garments. Jewellery gained a different perspective from the point of view of fashion shows. With globalisation such forms of jewellery became acceptable along with traditional jewellery. Jewellery design is not a restricted field practised only by traditional craftspersons any more. Jewellery design programs are offered worldwide with variety of materials and techniques. 
In today's digital age with wearable technologies like fitness bracelet, wearable cameras and speakers, the boundary between jewellery as pure adorning element and a smart device is blurring day by day! 

Some useful links
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCTwbTMXDFE 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSmcpVUltfo
https://youtu.be/Qpex-fTdzEE
https://youtu.be/1xJAt-vFhPc
https://youtu.be/kenDTvkAd7k