India – a country which is known for its unique culture and numerous traditions around the world. It’s famous for its textiles, bard, languages and jewellery. Indian jewellery has a variety of designs, from traditional to modern. Indians have unconditional love for precious metals and jewellery. A woman wears jewellery on almost all occasions, whether it’s a festival or a wedding. “Bas bahana chahiye”. They just need a reason to wear it. The range of jewellery in India is wide as well as varied. You’ll find everything in the country, gold, silver, platinum or diamond.
Jewellery has always made women feel more beautiful and confident. Nowadays, working women are adorning themselves with imitation jewellery that has the appearance of the original metals. They find themselves trendy, smart and of course secure in these imitation jewelries.
A traditional Indian woman is rarely seen without Indian jewelry. Maangtika, Necklaces, Mangalsutra, Earrings, Nath (Nose pin), Bangles, Payal and Toe Rings are some common jewellery worn by woman.
Maangtika
Maangtika is generally worn by brides, but is also worn by girls of all ages. It comes in different styles and colors, made using various gemstones, diamonds and pearls. A bridal maangtika has two strings on each side, which can be extended and pinned to the hair, giving a beautiful traditional look.
In Rajasthan, women wear the round-shaped maangtika, commonly referred to as ‘Bor’, which is a single-string tika pinned to the hair at the top of the head. Some maangtika designs are heavy, whereas some are simple and delicate looking.
Nath/Nose Pin
Many women, particularly in the rural areas of Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Gujarat wear ornamentally crafted nose-rings. It is one of the most fascinating jewelry pieces worn by both married and unmarried women. Young girls too wear nose pins at an early age. Available in a wide variety of shapes, colors and sizes. The traditionally worn nose ring called “Nath” consisted of studded ring with a long chain hooked up in the hair. Over the years, loads of innovations are seen in its design and style.
Earrings
Almost all young girls and women’s wear earrings. Each one has a huge collection if it. Every girl knows that wearing traditional clothes is incomplete without beautiful pair of earrings. There are Jhumkas, Latkans, Chand Balis, Chandelier, studs to choose from. All with beautiful styles and designs to make you look more pretty.
Necklaces
Indian necklaces are some of the most beautiful forms of jewellery. They are made of precious metals, gemstones, diamonds and pearls to give an elegant look to any outfit. They shine the most when worn on a formal occasion with Indian ethnic clothes but, if you’re interested in some funky fusion, you can always team up a pair of jhumkas with a western outfit to spice the look up. Whether you’re looking for a diamond set, polki set, kundan set, gold or pearls, from short and delicate necklaces to long and heavy, you’ll find everything in India. There are funky and fashionable necklaces for young girls and working women too.
Mangalsutra
Mangalsutra is “an auspicious thread” that is tied around the neck of the bride by the groom. Initially it was made with black beads strung on yellow thread. Nowadays, it is made with black and gold beads. According to Hindu tradition, the mangalsutra is worn for the long life of the husband. Over the years, the styles have changed. Mangalsutra are made in a variety of designs depending on the regional variation. Nowadays, girls prefer having short mangalsutra with black beads and diamond pendent for everyday use. During religious event, they wear their traditional mangalsutra. Even today, many women wear it with grace and pride, and follow the tradition.
Bangles
Bangles were made from terracotta, stone, shell, copper, bronze, gold, silver and almost any material during ancient times that lent itself to artistry. Lac and glass bangles in abundance of colors are a common sight in India even today. Most Indian women prefer wearing either gold or glass bangles or combination of both. Women in Rajasthan wear bangles that go all the way to their shoulders. Inexpensive bangles made from plastic are slowly replacing those made by glass, but the ones made of glass are still preferred at traditional occasions such as marriages and on festivals.
The designs range from simple to intricate handmade designs, often studded with precious and semi-precious stones such as diamonds, gems and pearls. Bangles are a must in any women’s jewellery collection.
Anklets and Toe Rings
Anklets commonly known as Payal, are made of gold and silver. Anklets are worn from very young age. Young girls wear payal with small bells, which make pleasing sound while walking or running. These bart jewelries flaunt you feet in the most elegant manner. Modern designs with meenakari, kundan and beads do wonders.
Toe rings also called as Bichiya, have been a part of the Indian culture since the Ramayana times. It is mostly worn on the second toe of either bart. In many different Indian cultures, the husband puts the toe rings on his wife’s second toe of both feet, during the wedding ceremony. Toe rings are usually made of silver. Some “Bichiya sets” may have pairs for four toes excluding the pinky. Though more contemporary designs are now developed.
