Traditional Jewelry of India
Jewelry has been used throughout the history of India. Skilled jewelers were inspired by their ancestors to create gifts in gold and silver inspired by nature's flowers and leaves. Indian jewelry types include both stone- and bead-work. While gold jewelry is the most popular form among South Indian women, emeralds, rubies, garnets, corals and sapphires are also popular traditional jewels in India. Does this Spark an idea?
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Indian Jewelry and Women
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According to Cultural India, jewelry and Indian women are linked inherently. A woman is gifted jewelry by her parents and relatives at wedding ceremonies and, although the gift is meant to provide security, ornamentation is an obvious and unavoidable purpose. Although gold appears to be the most popular metal for jewelry according to Cultural India, silver is not far behind because of its affordability, which makes it popular among low-income groups. Overall, the range of jewelry in India is varied and women are rarely seen without ornamentation.
Materials
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Historically, people handcrafted jewelry using natural materials found scattered around the country, according to Crafts in India. These materials included seeds, feathers, leaves, berries, flowers, bones, claws and teeth. In the wealthy parts of India, materials included gold, silver, copper, ivory and stones.
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Facial Jewelry
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Indian earrings are one of the most common forms of fashion accessory, according to I Love India. Historically, they were worn by both men and women, but currently earrings are more popular amongst females. Similarly, nose rings are also quite popular in Indian culture and have several names including Nathni, Koka, Laung and, most commonly, Nath.
Body Adornments
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Most commonly known as Payal or Pajeb, anklets are considered to be traditional Indian jewelry. Anklets are worn by women of all ages and are popular for their exquisite styles and embellishments. However, the most versatile jewelry format in terms of style and detail is undoubtedly the Indian bracelet. The limitless embellishments and details allow both men and women to wear them. They can be worn to any occasion and even for less formal daily wear. Lastly, Indian necklaces are often very detailed, and carry traditional and sentimental value.
Traditional Jewelry
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According to I Love India, the Mangalsutra is a jewel that denotes a married woman. Often given as gifts at wedding ceremonies, the Mangalsutra is tied by the groom. This is considered a traditional ritual of wedding ceremonies. The tradition of the Mangalsutra appears to have been passed from the southern part of India to the north. The Mangalsutra is a detailed crafted pendant, and is often made with black and gold beads. Depending on the region, the Mangalsutra may also be made with corals or diamonds.
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References
- Photo Credit Jewelry image by Sergey Yakovenko from Fotolia.com
