Traditionally, the goldsmith was also the craftsman and would be skilled in all jewellery-making functions from start to finish - melting the gold, designing and forming, setting stones and polishing the jewel. The process is laborious and time-consuming, and requires special tools to produce jewellery which is unique and not mass-produced. The beauty of handmade jewellery lies in the fine detail and intricate workmanship of each piece.

In India, you will see an astonishing variety of handmade jewellery - temple, jadau and kundan work, with and without gemstones, with intricate filigree work or amazing repoisse, chasing and stamping work (nakshi kaam).

In contrast to handmade jewellery is the modern machine-made or casting jewellery, where the entire process of manufacturing a piece of jewellery is mechanised and generally produced in bulk.