How Precious Metals Are Valued in Our Traditions

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Indian culture is one of the oldest living cultures and our fondness for precious metals like gold, silver and copper is well known. While much of this fondness comes from the investment and jewellery aspect, there are other scientific and mythological reasons that make these metals so revered in Indian culture. At Krishna Pearls, we have a very close understanding of precious metals and their connection with the Indian culture and traditions.

Gold is yellow, the colour of the sun and all things positive. Not only is the metal revered in its jewelled form, but is also woven into thread for clothing, especially in bridal trousseau for the energies it provides along with the shimmery look it lends under the lights. This soft, malleable metal is mostly found in the forms of gold coins and jewellery, and is an integral part of every festive celebration in the north and south of India. Gold coins are placed in front of the Gods as an offering during poojas and both men and women are decked up their finest gold jewellery at an auspicious occasions and festivals.

Due to the value of gold, owning gold jewellery and gold coins has always been an important form of investment, especially in India. In the olden days, the richer the house a woman came from, the more gold jewellery she wore. This custom is still popular across India, with many married women wearing gold bangles, earrings and necklaces as a sign of prosperity. Even men wear gold rings with a gemstone embedded as a sign of prosperity and for good fortune to improve their business.

Gold jewellery not only provides financial stability and investment to the owner, but also promotes good health. It is a pure metal, and it brings warm, soothing vibrations to the body. It also increases the blood circulation around the body and keeps the heart functioning well. It is no wonder that Indians wear gold, to keep themselves protected from the disadvantages of the tropical nature of our country.

Silver, on the other hand, is popular in many holy and auspicious ways. The lustrous metal is used to make idols of various divine forms, and certain temple items, like the pooja thaali, spoons and diyas are made in silver. Silver symbolises luck, fortune and good health, and is thus more popular in the household and gifting purposes.

Silver is always gifted at the start of something new, like before a marriage amongst the bride and grooms’ families, or when a new baby is born. Silver spoons, bangles or anklets are presented to the baby for good luck and fortune in life. Silver thaalis are also said to be extremely healthy to eat food out of, although this is not really followed these days because of the maintenance that silver requires. In the olden days, royal folk would eat and drink only out of silverware as it promoted good health and kept toxins at bay. Even today, some Indians prefer drinking water out of silver glasses for its health benefits.

Silver jewellery is worn by both men and women for astrological purposes, usually to increase fortune and good health in a person. Silver rings are worn by married women to increase their fertility and keep their immune system strong, as they were the emotional caregivers for a family and would have to provide everyone with love and care.

India has a close connect with both gold and silver over centuries, and not without good reason. We all own heirloom jewellery, and home-ware made with both gold and silver which is extremely precious to us.