Tribal jewellery of Andhra Pradesh is an inevitable part of women of the state. India is regarded as one of the top exporters of jewellery and thus famous all over the world. Indian tribal jewellery especially in Andhra Pradesh is significantly appreciated for its skill in using flowers, leaves, creepers and fruits, metal and wood to design exquisite fashionable wear. All these have made the art lot more exciting and stylish. Jewellery is also found on horses and elephants that represent a ceremonial tone in expression of the gods. Often jewelry is worn in nomadic and migrant tribal communities as a representation of security and investment as well.
One of the most important metals, which is used in making tribal jewellery of Andhra Pradesh is silver. Silver is used in abundance here and all tribal women use silver jewellery with pride and honour. Some local artists of Papanaidupet in Chittor make some glass bangles and beads in almost all colorful shades. The silver and gold jewellery which are making in this region have some resemblances with the Mughal tradition. The style has inherited from them and thus it has extremely elegant look. Artists usually make gold covered jewellery where silver, brass and copper are made into alloy and superimposed with gold. Some of the common types of jewellery are bangles, hairpins, necklaces, earrings that are commonly used by the tribes here. Previously lac jewellery was very prominent at this place but now different types or forms such as synthetic stones, glass rings, mirrors, glass beads, etc have taken the prominent part.
The Banjara tribe from Andhra Pradesh makes coin necklaces that are very unique in style. They also wear various beautiful ornaments and belts that are embellished with shells, metal-mesh, beads and chains.
One of the important styles in Andhra Pradesh is Bidri. This is a metal craft derived its term from Bidar. This art is mainly inlaying of silver on black metal. This metal is used to make jewellery that is worn by the tribal woman folk.
Another important variety is silver filigree work. This is usually done by the artisans of Karimnagar District. A thin and delicately worked silver article of jewellery and also some household items are made out of this work. These are intricately twisted strands of silver that are plaited together and then hammered properly out of a gentle latticework of frail artistic grandeur. Generally key chains, boxes, trays, etc have been out of this work. In one of their traditional dances they use ornate or flowery jewellery, ivory bangles, brass anklets, etc, which make the performance lot more attractive.
