Monday, 12th May 2008 (489 views)

Traditional styles of gold jewellery that have their roots in the "ancient past" continue to play an important role in the modern-day culture of Nepal, reports say.

News website the Rising Nepal states that a variety of styles of gold jewellery are worn by the mountainous country's various ethnic groups, which each have their own origins and cultural significance.

Most of the gold used in Nepalese designs is 22ct or 24ct, which is chosen for its "brilliant yellow colour". According to traditions that are still observed, the site adds, only people of a certain "caste" or hereditary social class are allowed to work with gold.

The country's capital, Kathmandu, is the centre for jewellery making, with many "exquisite designs" produced there for traditional uses such as weddings.

At a Nepalese wedding, the news site says, the bride is expected to arrive bedecked in gold necklaces, bangles and earrings as a way of signifying her arrival in society.

Gold is also important as a way of identifying with a particular cultural or ethnic group, or as a way of displaying one's wealth, it adds.

"Few Nepalese women will be seen without some form of adornment," it states.

Nepal is a landlocked nation bordering Tibet and India. Its territory includes the Himalaya mountain range, which contains eight of the world's ten tallest mountains including Mount Everest.

 

« Back to the stories

 

The news feeds on this site are independently provided by Adfero Limited © and do not represent the views or opinions of the World Gold Council.