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Laura Margaret Design

 
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Reimagining Indian Techniques

Modern Thewa Jewelry

Laura Margaret Design is a collaboration between Indian thewa artisans and an American metalsmith and jewelry maker that spent a year in India as an apprentice. Thewa is the fusion of a thin sheet of gold to colored glass. Each piece is hand crafted in this time-honored technique, then paired with colorful gems and semi-precious stones. I hope these fun and colorful creations bring new life to a traditional art form. Shop the store. 

 
 
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How Thewa is made

Gold Fused to Glass

Thewa is the art of fusing a pierced sheet of 22k gold to colored glass. It originated in the 1760s and continues today, however with dwindling demand and popularity. The artisans fix a sheet of gold to a board covered with wax, allowing them to create a delicate cut-out design with iron tools. By sandwiching the gold sheet to cut glass, the artisans create the look of imitation enamel. The two materials are fused in an oven using a process that is a guarded trade secret in the village of Pratabgarh.

 
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Thewa WORKSHOP: Raghav Raj Soni and his Uncle of Pratabgarh

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Vase made of thewa BY raj soni

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GoLd foil mounted on wax board

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Gold Foil Removed from wax

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Fusion Complete!

 
 
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A jeweler in india

My Story

 

I spent a year in Rajasthan as a Henry Luce Scholar studying Indian goldsmithing techniques. Shadowing the artisans in the village of Pratabgarh inspired me to create a line of colorful adornments that would highlight their craft. Read about me.

 
 
 
 
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Symbolism and cultural significance

Common Motifs


 
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Peacock

The national bird of India as well as being an auspicious symbol in Hinduism. A symbol of immortality and spirituality.

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Fan

A common shape for fans made of textiles that was operate by hand or suspending from ceilings. The scalloped outline resembles doorways of North-Indian architecture.

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Elephant

A sacred animal and a symbol of royalty in India. Maharajas used to ride on elephants during processions and in war.

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Flower

Indian metalsmiths are inspired by local flora and fauna. Scrolling vines and flowers project a feeling of lush paradise.

 
Your support furthers my artistry, as well as the continuation of the thewa craft in India. Enjoy! And thank you.
— Laura Margaret
 
 
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