Intermediates
Gallantry and accessories
Multan is a beautiful city located in the central part of Pakistan, specifically in the Punjab province. The Pakistani city is known around the world not only for its rich Sufi culture and history, but also for being one of the oldest cities of the subcontinent. Multan is the root not only of magnificent architecture, but also of art - including the manufacture of the famous Multan jewelry. What is worth knowing about ethnic ornaments from there?
Oriental jewelry from Multan, Pakistan
Multan is a city located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is located exactly in the southern part of the Punjab province and is distinguished by its rich, long history. Known as the city of pirates and temples, Multan is a thriving place full of bazaars, mosques, temples and perfectly designed tombs. However, Multan is famous not only for its rich past and many historical monuments, but also for its fine handicrafts - especially pottery, exquisite enamelware, and oriental jewelry.
The ethnic ornaments, which are produced in the Multan region of Pakistan, are made from a special type of Islamic enamel, called simply Multan - after the city's name. Enameled rings and other pieces of jewelry that are created in Multan are most often worn for the most important ceremonies in the country, but also, for example, on the occasion of a wedding. The rings are made by hand, by local artisans.
Originally, such rings were made with a so-called "mirror". However, they have been replaced by high-grade cabochon. Multan silver is of really high quality, and the designs enameled on it are very intricately made. It is worth mentioning that tribal rings used to be made from melted colonial coins with a high silver content, very rarely marked in any way.
Creation of multan rings
In the process of creating oriental multan jewelry, enamel powder is used. Such powder can be made in basically two ways:
(a) by pulverizing colored glass,
b) by mixing colorless glass powder with pigments such as malachite, metal oxide and powdered lapis lazuli.
Each single piece of a Multan ring is either hand-painted or decorated through top contour cuts - a technique that probably originated in metalworking. Once such a ring is painted, the enameled jewelry must be treated with temperatures high enough to melt the powder applied to it - but also not too strong so as not to completely dissolve the jewelry. This requires a great deal of precision and craftsmanship, which is why Multan jewelry is extremely valuable around the world.
What distinguishes Multan jewelry and where to find it in Pakistan?
Multan jewelry has a very distinctive design with a somewhat matte gold sheen. You can get it mainly in Multan, as this is where you can find the most diverse Multan ornaments, original and unique all over the world. If you want to buy real Multan jewelry, your best bet is to go to the famous Kissa Khawani Bazaar, which is located in the old city. This traditional and old market is characterized by narrow streets and crowded alleys, as well as clothing and jewelry stores. You'll find great deals here, and easy access to many stores will allow you to find the latest, as well as the most beautiful oriental jewelry designs. Ornament stores are located at both ends of the street, so even if you're here for the first time there's no chance you won't find these stores. The bazaar is open until a maximum of 6pm, so it's always safer to head here early in the morning to find all the stores open.
A second good place to buy Multan jewelry is the Multan Cant market. This market is located in a residential area of the army. You can find several jewelry stores there, but here Multan jewelry is already a mix of traditional designs combined with modern styles. If you are looking for something less connected to Multan's history and culture this is the place to go. Unlike the Kissa Khawani Bazaar, the stores here are open until late in the evening, so you can visit at any hour.
Multan jewelry is also available in other Pakistani cities such as Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad and Karachi. However, the variety of ornaments you'll find in Multan is by far the greatest, and that's where you'll have the largest selection of jewelry. Don't have the opportunity to take a trip to Pakistan? So, it will always be worthwhile to scroll through an oriental jewelry store that deals with pulling ornaments from such exotic regions of the globe.
How to wear multan jewelry?
You can wear a Multan ring or other pieces of Multan jewelry not only on the occasion of grand outings, but also on a daily basis. With such a ring you will certainly stand out from other people especially since Multan jewelry is very unusual. It is characterized by a unique style and beauty that can highlight literally any styling.
Multan jewelry is the pride of Pakistani women because it is timeless and original. If you want to feel like a resident of Pakistan, it will be worth it to wear Multan jewelry every day and thus be able to bring yourself at least a little closer in soul to the inhabitants of this exotic country.
