Jewelry has been a significant adornment for Indian women for ages. The tradition of adorning oneself with jewelry might be thousands of years old but has always remained in fashion till date. They are considered to be one of the supreme symbols of Femininity and very auspicious in Hindu Culture in India. Jewelry not only helps in enhancing one’s beauty but also symbolizes wealth, power, and status. For some, jewelry is also a form of art for self and creative expression.
Indian jewelry varies from religion to religion to enhance the essence of aesthetics. In Indian Weddings, the bride is covered with ornaments from head to toe and every ornament holds its significance. Let us take you to a journey of some fascinating jewels and their significance in Indian Culture :
Earrings: – In India, earrings are one of the most enthralling jewels worn by both men and women. It is believed that the tradition of piercing ears is intended to open the inner ears for receiving sacred sounds. The ritual of piercing ears is celebrated and is known as Karnavedha. In the fashion world, Whatever your style, the right pair of earrings can turn your outfit from drab to fab and there are different styles of earrings such as Danglers, Kundan Earring, Jhumkas, Polki earrings, Chandbalis, and many more. Indian ethnic earrings are generally made of gold and silver, cubic zirconia, crystals, and other materials with innumerable designs, which surely gives a matchless grace to the wearer.
Necklace: – Since ancient times, necklaces, pendants, strings of beads, and elaborate ornamental collars were worn by women to bring good luck and ward off the evil eye. Necklaces also imply protection and prosperity. Women also wear a black beaded necklace after marriage called mangalsutra which purports that husband and wife will be soulmates forever
There are many distinct types of necklaces like a choker, raani-haar, Kundan necklace, beaded necklaces, etc. and are commonly made in gold, silver, heavy brass material, cubic zirconia, and many more materials and it adds a heavenly touch to the overall aura of any women and gives an exquisite glamour to her personality.
Nose Pin: – Nose ring called “Nath” by Indian women is the most seductive jewel piece in Indian tradition. It forms an elemental part of traditional bridal jewelry. Most Indian Hindu women wear the nose rings on the left nostril as the nerves from the left nostril is linked with the female reproductive organs. Hence, they believe that piercing the nose at this position helps in easing childbirth. Also, according to Ayurveda, Piercing the nose near a particular node on the nostril helps in lessening the pain during menstrual periods in women. Hence, younger girls and older women are supposed to wear nose rings. In their religious belief, nose piercing also heals the woman after long traumatic injury or illness. Women get their nose pierced for their healing factor. They are generally fabricated of gold or heavy brass material and comes in several designs and are a gorgeous accessory to level up your style quotient.
Maang Tikka: – The Maang Tikka is an essential part of an Indian bride’s ensemble. It is a piece of jewelry that has a hanging ornament at one end and a hairpin at the other. The pin is attached to the hair in such a way that the ornament dangles at the hairline of the woman and is worn by South Asian women on their wedding day or any cultural event.
So, you must be wondering what is the importance of this jewel?
According to Ayurveda, the central spot on women’s forehead is called “Agya Chakra” and is believed to be the seat of preservation. It also signifies the holy union of male and female, on a spiritual, physical, and emotional level. Therefore, traditionally women wear maang tikka for the first time on their wedding day. They come in many designs as per diverse cultures. In Rajasthan, it is called as ” Borla”
Bracelets (Bangles): Bangles or Bracelets are the essential ornament for married women and are worn in their wrist, it stands as a symbol of marriage, but it doesn’t mean that only married women can wear this ethnic jewelry, nowadays the bangles have obtained an extraordinary place in the fashion industry, therefore you can find girls wearing bangles with a wide variety including Brass Bracelets, Diamond Bracelets, gold bracelets, and many more, which adds more elegance to their appearance.
Bridal Jewelry Set: A Indian bride remains incomplete without the exquisite touch of some jewelry pieces which gives her entire get up a majestic look. Bridal jewelry is of such great significance, as it not only enhances the beauty of the bride’s attire but also takes her beauty to another level. Rich and heavy Bridal Sets include necklace, maang tikka, bangles, earrings, nose pin, haath -phool, and add charm to the wearer.
There are a plethora of metals in which bridal jewelry pieces are available. Nowadays, fancy jewelry pieces made of colorful metals have gained more popularity than the jewels made by using any single metal like gold or silver. Some of the most popular metals used for making bridal jewelry include platinum, gold, silver And brass. However, nowadays keeping in mind the variations in demand and people’s love for colorful designs with sparkling effect, techniques like Kundan, Lac, Jadau and zirconium have also come in trend and widely used for making bridal jewelry pieces in all parts of India.
Share your thoughts on which one is your favorite and why do you wear it?
