Pre-Buddhist India: A Political, Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey of Ancient India Based Mainly on the Jataka Stories c5.249

c5.249

METALS AND METALLURGY PRECIOUS METALS AND JEWELLERY. Then, as now, Indians and specially women-folk, were fond of ornaments. So gold-smiths had a very flourishing trade. It is significant, as pointed out by Prof. Subbarao,¹⁶ that "shops of gold-smiths-ware (*sabhāni kiraṇāni*) are warned against in the same breath with gossip, drink and lewd company."¹⁷ Among the precious metals and jewellery mention has been made of gold, silver, diamonds, pearls, crystals and jewels,¹⁸ which all however may not be of indigenous produce, as has already been pointed out.¹ Washen rubies are known.² Cucumbers of gold are said to have been sold.³ Gold ornaments were set with gems, the art of cutting and polishing of which was known.⁴ Bead and gem necklaces are mentioned.⁵