Snapshot

• Why Cuttack Tarakasi is iconic: Cuttack is India’s silver filigree capital, globally renowned for Tarakasi, a craft that involves twisting and curling fine silver wires to create intricate jewelry, décor, and ceremonial pieces. With origins tracing back over 500 years to Mughal artisans, Tarakasi is recognized as a Geographical Indication (GI) craft (2007).
  
• Global reputation: Known for its lace-like detailing, lightweight elegance, and high-purity silver, Tarakasi appeals to luxury jewelry brands, museums, and collectors.
  
• Cultural relevance: Silver filigree is integral to Odisha’s temple rituals, Odissi dance ornaments, and traditional wedding customs, giving the craft deep cultural resonance.
  

Product Range

• Jewelry: Necklaces, chokers, earrings, bangles, anklets, rings, brooches, and hair accessories.
  
• Temple & Ritual Objects: Crown ornaments (mukut), ceremonial décor, and festival jewelry for Lord Jagannath idols.
  
• Home Décor: Boxes, trays, lamp stands, wall frames, and luxury gifting sets.
  
• Fashion Accessories: Buckles, cufflinks, and handbags with silver detailing.
  
• Custom Creations: Museum exhibits, large ceremonial artifacts, and bespoke collections for designers.
  

Craft Technique

Stage	Process Details
Silver Ingot Drawing	Pure silver (99.9%) is melted and drawn into extremely fine wires using traditional hand-pulling techniques.
Filigree Thread Making	Wires are twisted, flattened, and softened to achieve thread-like delicacy.
Design Layout	Designs are drawn on tracing paper and placed under a base frame.
Hand Shaping	Artisans curl, twist, and solder fine wires into floral, geometric, or symbolic motifs.
Finishing & Polishing	Products are cleaned, polished, and lacquered for durability.

Key Feature: The filigree is hollow and lightweight, yet strong, showcasing extreme precision.

Materials & Sustainability

• Metal Purity: 92.5%–99.9% pure silver.
  
• Eco-friendly: Tarakasi is entirely handcrafted, using manual drawing and shaping techniques, with minimal environmental footprint.
  
• Cultural Value Chain: Supports small-scale artisan families, ensuring sustainability through heritage preservation.
  

Cluster Infrastructure

• Artisan Density: Around 1,200–1,500 artisan families in Cuttack specialize exclusively in silver filigree, working in family-run workshops.
  
• Skill Heritage: Craft passed down through generations; many artisans are national award winners.
  
• Support Ecosystem:
  
  • Odisha State Handicrafts Development Corporation (OSCDC) provides training and financial support.
    
  • Cuttack Tarakasi Cluster Development Society promotes exports and branding.
    
  • NGOs and designer collaborations modernize Tarakasi for global fashion.
    
• Market Access: Cuttack is strategically located near Bhubaneswar and Paradip/Kolkata ports, supporting export logistics.
  

Compliance & Certifications

• GI Tag: “Cuttack Tarakasi Silver Filigree” received GI status in 2007, ensuring authenticity.
  
• Hallmarking: BIS Hallmark certification for purity validation.
  
• ISO Certifications: Available with export-oriented jewelry houses.
  
• Ethical Sourcing: Artisans use Fair Trade practices to ensure equitable wages.
  

Production Timelines & MOQs

Product Type	Sampling Lead Time	Bulk Lead Time	MOQ Guidance
Jewelry (earrings, bangles)	7–10 days	4–6 weeks	50–100 pcs/style
Home Décor Items	10–14 days	6–8 weeks	25–50 pcs/style
Large Ceremonial Artifacts	2–4 weeks	3–6 months (custom)	Made-to-order

Branding & Packaging

• Branding: GI tag holograms, BIS hallmark tags, and QR-coded artisan profiles.
  
• Packaging:
  
  • Velvet or silk-lined jewelry boxes with anti-tarnish protection.
    
  • Wooden presentation boxes for décor pieces.
    
  • Eco-kraft cartons with bubble-wrap inserts for export shipments.
    

Quality Control (IndiaUnbox Protocol)

• Purity Testing: BIS hallmarking and XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analysis.
  
• Workmanship Check: Inspection for soldering quality, symmetry, and motif detailing.
  
• Polish & Finish: Tarnish resistance validation, edge smoothness.
  
• Transit Safety: ISTA-standard drop and vibration testing for export cartons.
  

Price Drivers

• Silver purity (sterling vs fine silver).
  
• Design complexity (micro-motifs demand longer artisan hours).
  
• Size and weight (larger décor = higher metal cost).
  
• Artisan pedigree (master craftsmen pieces carry premium value).
  

Buyer Confidence Signals

• Centuries-old craft: Tarakasi dates back to Mughal patronage and Odisha’s maritime trade era.
  
• GI and Hallmarking: Guarantees authenticity and purity of silver filigree.
  
• Global luxury positioning: Appeals to high-end jewelry brands, heritage gifting markets, and luxury interiors.
  
• Cluster vitality: The craft is supported by training institutes, government initiatives, and designer collaborations, ensuring continuity.