German silver was first invented and used at Birmingham, England in the 18th century. German Silver is a bright silver-gray alloy, which is a mix of zinc, nickel and copper.

It is often called as Nickel Silver. Inspite of being called as German silver it does not contain any real silver. The bangles or any other piece of jewellery made up of German silver are labeled as ” Alpaca” – a Spanish term, which is the trademark for the durable and brilliant white material called nickel silver. The three elements that are present in German silver range approximately as follows:

• Copper- 50% to 61.6%
• Zinc – 19% to 17.2%;
• Nickel – 30% to 21.1%

These proportions are generally specified in the case of commercial alloys.
Nickel silver is commonly used for making jewellery because of its hardness and toughness. Another factor, which enables its usage, is its resistance to corrosion. Other than silver bangles German silver is also used to make other costume jewellery pieces such as anklets, chokers, necklaces, rings, earrings, pendants, hair clips, toe rings, brooches and jewellery sets.

They are not only used to make jewellery but also household things such as tableware and marine fittings. And their high electrical resistance also makes it possible to use them in heating coils. They are widely used in the production of coins. Nickel silver can also be used as a base metal for silver plated cutlery.

German silver isn’t used that often by people because of many people having allergic reactions to nickel. German silver was initially named so because of its silver- white colour. But now the usage of the term silver has been prohibited because of the absence of silver along with the other metals.

Indians are fond of the jewellery that they wear. Several festivals in the year give them a chance to flaunt their jewellery. Silver Bangles are also worn at festivals amidst much fan fare. Not just young girls and the women, even the men wear silver bangles or kadas to flaunt their masculinity.

At the time of the festival of Diwali, all of the family members dress up in traditional clothes and wear jewellery. Silver bangles too form an integral part of festival celebrations. From young girls to old women, all of them are equally excited about wearing silver bangles. Not just during Diwali, the Silver bangles are worn during other festivals as well. Holi, Dasshehra, Ram Navmi are some of the festivals when girls get a chance to dress up properly and they make full use of it.

Probably the most important day in the life of an Indian girl is the day of her Marriage and hence this is the day when she has to look the best. Thus out come the Silver bangles. With the traditional saree that the bride generally wears, the silver bangles match well. And the marriage day is the day that the girl has to wear a lot of jewellery in the form of large necklaces, ear rings and bangles.

Thus with other silver jewellery, the silver bangles go well. In fact it is not just the women who are crazy about the Silver bangles, even the men wear them often. Popularly known as the kada, even the men wear the silver bangles. The bangles may have embellishments or decorations on them in oder to make them look even more attractive.

Thus the occasions to wear Silver bangles are many though some people do not really need an occasion for it but would rather wear it every day.

In India, the land of Rajasthan produces and manufactures some of the most attractive Indian jewellery. It is also considered to be the crafts paradise in India. The handicrafts of Rajasthan cannot be compared to the handicrafts of any other place may it be in colours, concepts and workmanship.

They excel in all the fields. The Handicrafts ethnic aura makes them absolutely delightful for a collector. The jewellery of Rajasthan has a tradition, which is vast and varied with every single area in Rajasthan having its own unique method and style of making silver jewellery. The rural rajasthani women themselves prefer to adorn themselves with chunky silver jewelery.

Rajasthan is famous for its Meenakari work. Meenakari is known as the art of enameling on silver or gold. The craftsmen in Jaipur make use of the champleve or the style known as the raised field style. Often, a combination of both Meenakari as well as kundan gives the jewellery two beautiful surfaces with the enamel at the back and the gems of kundan set in the front. Enameling on silver as well as other metals is also done in Nathdwara.

Rajasthani’s consider their jewellery to be much more than just their adornment. Jewellery is a part of the tradition and the culture of the Rajasthani’s. Bangles form the most important part of the jewellery. All women wear silver bangles for its good omen and its auspicious sign. A  women forearm being bare is considered to be inauspicious.

Manufacturers and exporters of Silver Bangles in Rajasthan:

1) Ugma International
Address: Door No. 303, Pearl Prudence, C-124A, Moti Marg, Bapu Nagar, Jaipur – 302 015, India

Phone: +(91)-(141)-4018146

2) Spectrum Gems Jaipur
Address: 3767 KGB Ka Rasta, Jaipur – 302 001, India
Phone: +(91)-(141)-2576191 Fax: +(91)-(141)-2562675

3) Silver Heritage
Address: 237, Shree Rameshwarm, Sonkhyo Ka Raasta, Kishan Pole Bazar, Jaipur – 302 001, India
Phone: +(91)-(141)-2316403 Fax: +(91)-(141)-2325017

4) Shri Ram Gems
Address: 3700, Maharwal Bhawan, Shop No.- 08, Above Shri Ram Plastic, Babu Ka Tiba, Galta Road, Jaipur – 302 003, India
Phone: +(91)-(141)-2600599 Fax: +(91)-(141)-2600599

5) Singhal Exports
Address: Ganesh Bhawan, Outside Surajpole Gate, Corner Building of the Surajpole Anaaj Mandi, Galta Road, Jaipur – 302 003, India
Phone: +(91)-(141)-2640834