Rooted in Nature: Terracotta Jewelry

If you’ve ever been to a local arts and crafts exhibition, local market or handicrafts store, you may have surely come across a number of stalls or a section filled with terracotta pots, artifacts and sculptures. Usually, terracotta is associated with pottery, home décor items and ornaments. However, terracotta hasbeen synonymous with jewelry as well.

History & Evolution

Terracotta jewelry is jewelry made out of natural clay. So, it is no coincidence that the word ‘terracotta’ means ‘baked earth’. The use of terracotta dates back thousands of years, to the Indus Valley civilization. It is at the site of this profound civilization that the first instances of terracotta sculptures were found and excavated. Initially terracotta was used to create figures, sculptures and even for the construction of houses. With changing times, it is now used to create various other things such as jewelry, pottery and decorative artifacts.

Terracotta Artifacts

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The Creation Process

The process of creating something from terracotta is simple yet highly rigorous. The making process begins with creating the clay, which is then molded into the required shape. After this the clay is ‘baked’ or in simple terms, allowed to dry in the sun in order to harden. Nowadays terracotta products, once molded, are fired in an oven (sometimes they maybe dried first and then fired).Finally, in the last step the terracotta or clay object is glazed, for the primary purpose of waterproofing, but glazing also helps to add color or decorations better.

Terra cotta Jhumka Earrings after molding

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Terracotta Jewelry & Fashion

Terracotta jewelry has a rustic and ethnic charm that can make you feel closer to mother nature. The simple handmade and hand painted styles of terracotta jewelry, can compliment not just ethnic wear but also western wear as well.Apart from making a unique fashion statement, wearing terracotta jewelry has a number of benefits. Here are three reasons on why wearing terracotta jewelry can actually be beneficial for you!

Terra cotta Jhumka Earrings after adding colors & decorations

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Durable &Water Proof: The process of glazing the terracotta makes it highly durable and waterproof.
Eco-friendly: Terracotta is essentially a ceramic, that is, it is made of naturally found clay. Also it is handmade as opposed to being machine made. This makes it extremely eco-friendly.
Non-allergic: Being made of materials that are naturally occurring makes terracotta jewelry non-allergic. So there is no question of rashes or skin related issues from wearing terracotta jewelry.

Terracotta Jewelry Necklace & Earrings Set

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On a last note, the humble and earthy beauty of terracotta jewelry,gives the feeling of being culturally rooted and closer to nature! So the next time you’re planning to wear statement accessories, why not give terracotta jewelry a try!

-Arzoo B. Dhanda