THEWA JEWELRY:

The colors are created using traditional techniques involving metallic oxides, which are baked onto the glass at high temperatures. The heat not only fixes the color but also hardens the glass, making it durable.

- TDG NETWORK

Rajasthan, the land of royal palaces and vibrant culture, holds within its deserts and forts a treasury of age-old crafts that continue to mesmerize the world. Among these hidden gems is Thewa jewelry, a distinctive and intricate art form that marries the shimmer of gold with the sparkle of colored glass. Originating from a small town in Rajasthan, Thewa jewelry is not merely adornment; it is a heritage passed down generations, echoing tales of royal patronage, artistic mastery, and cultural pride.

ORIGINS: A ROYAL INCEPTION Thewa jewelry finds its roots in Pratapgarh, a quaint town in southern Rajasthan, nestled between the Aravalli ranges. It is believed that the art of Thewa was developed in the 17th century, during the reign of Maharawat Samant Singh. The craft is attributed to a talented artisan named Nathu Lal Sonewala, who is said to have pioneered this elaborate technique combining 23-carat gold with multicolored glass. Impressed by the beauty and novelty of the design, the local royals patronized the craft, helping it gain popularity across princely courts of India.

The term Thewa is derived from the Rajasthani word meaning "setting"—a reference to the process of fusing gold sheets onto glass. Over time, this regional specialty became a prized possession in royal collections and was even exchanged as diplomatic gifts.