Guluband - A Video IntroductionIndian Family Jewels
A video introduction
The Guluband
It became popular during the Mughal and Nizam rule with the design of the necklace evolving to incorporate emeralds, diamonds and enamelling work.
GulubandIndian Family Jewels
GulubandIndian Family Jewels
GulubandIndian Family Jewels
Guluband - Other namesIndian Family Jewels
Guluband - The other names
Guluband is also known as Galapattia, Kantha and Katesari.
The Design
The Kasumala is made by stringing many identical coins together which overlap slightly. Some of these coins were part of trade, while some are specifically designed with special motifs of birds, prominent personalities like Queen Victoria or goddesses including Lakshmi.
Guluband - The designIndian Family Jewels
Guluband - The Design
A necklace of small individual panels, each set with different gemstones, metals, or enamel in between is strung tightly together to form a choker. Some might contain a suspended fringe of pear-shaped foiled diamonds, pearls, or emerald drops.
Guluband - The etymologyIndian Family Jewels
Guluband - The Etymology
The word Guluband comes from two words, the first is ‘Gala’ (neck) and the second one is 'bandh' (to close).
Who wore it?
Ornaments of this type are prominently worn by Hindu brides and Bharatnatyam dancers and, previously, devadasis or temple dancers.
How the Guluband is madeIndian Family Jewels
How is a Guluband made?
The making of a Guluband
The identical square units are strung on a cord. Other hanging elements such as baroque emeralds or pearls are later attached with fine wire.
Guluband - The materialIndian Family Jewels
Guluband - The Material
Guluband - The Historical Significance
Said to have to come to India from Colombia, via the Portuguese trade, emeralds are a favored gemstone used by both the Mughals and Nizams.
Guluband - The historic significanceIndian Family Jewels
Guluband - The Historical significance
