The art of gemstone carving in India

Transparency, spark, luster, and radiance are the scintillating qualities that attest to the originality of a gemstone. Refined pieces of non-crystalline and mineral stones are called gemstones. The rarest of 4000 minerals discovered, gemstones are repurposed to suit the many demands of collectors around the globe. Every gemstone is extracted from mines, meters beneath the face of the earth.

For several generations, gemstones have been sought after, sold, bought, treasured, coveted and have been used, as an essential expression of individual and cultural identity. With brilliant polish and cut, they reach an epitome of value and rarity.

Every gemstone narrates a unique story. Some gemstones hold prime significance while some stones are used to contrive items for decoration or for personal use as jewellery.

During the prehistoric age, man used stone as the first material to craft tools. Since stone is the most desired material for creating sculptures, the tradition of stone carving in India is the one of the most affluent across the world.

Indian stone carvers are masters in their field and have existed since ancient times. The art of carving was passed down as a family tradition making it a custom that still pre-dominates a few parts of the country.

Every gem carver’s desires manifest into brilliance as they chisel the gemstone with a motif or pattern. Carving gemstones and embellishing them into jewellery is an ancient art that is making a return in India. This rare art of carving gemstones has been part of rich Indian culture since time immemorial.

Precious stones like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires and semi-precious stones such as tanzanites, tourmalines, and citrines are used to embellish jewellery while taking inspiration from several ancient cultural masterpieces.

At Ma Passion, the intent is to find mesmerizing gemstones from nature and bring them to light in never-seen-before forms. Allied with mines globally, the Ma Passion team is involved in every stage of the value-chain. Our artisans have expertise that has been passed on to them over generations. Every piece takes its course of time from one week to ten years, simply depending on the size of the stone and the intricacy it demands. The finesse of craftsmanship and the stature of the stone decides the amount of time and effort the carving would take to complete.

The rich heritage celebrated at Ma Passion brings the heart and vision of respected craftsmen and artisans to light. Most of the kaarigars at Ma Passion belong to Jaipur, a city that is remarkably famous for the gemstone industry in India. These artisans have been polishing and cutting gemstones for decades, constantly honing their skills with discipline and hard work. Every piece crafted is a magnificent testament to rich craftsmanship and it is Ma Passion’s goal to support and grow this rich Indian tradition.

Ma Passion is the manifestation of a singular passion to recreate the old Indian artistic finesse. As India’s only corporate art house, we are at the heart of every true connoisseur, at the heart of the widely respected artisans and craftsmen whose vision we bring to the world. At Ma Passion, we do our bit in continuing the legacy of arts in Rajasthan, India, ensuring it flourishes and prospers, moving us all into higher planes of being.