Bridal jewelry in India

The occasion of marriage is a special one for any person. In India, it is considered a highly sacred bond. An Indian woman regards the day of her marriage as the most important day in her life. To make this special day perfect, preparations go on for months on end in Indian households. Jewelry plays a very important role in Indian weddings. An Indian bride is usually decked up from head to toe in beautiful jewelry that complements her attire and her personality.

Typically, an Indian bride uses the following ornaments:

Maangtika or tiara: The tiara, called the Maangtika in Hindi, is used to adorn the centre forehead parting of the bride. Maangtikas are now available in different styles and colors. Usually, for bridal wear, a Maangtika with a decorative centre piece is preferred, with a long string. In the modern times, tiaras in the form of crowns are also being used.

Hair accessories: The trend of using hair accessories is getting highly popular in today’s times. It is fast becoming a fashion statement. The hair accessories should co-ordinate with the attire of the bride. If the bride’s dress is studded with diamonds, hair accessories encrusted with diamonds can be used. Pearl headgear and silver hairpins are also in vogue in the fashion world. In certain communities in India, elaborate headgear made of flowers is used as part of bridal wear.

Earrings: Earrings are available in every imaginable style and color. They range from small, delicate ones to dangling, heavy ones. Earrings are available in different metals and using different gemstones or pearls. Nowadays, the trend is to wear earrings covering the whole ear. Brides typically wear earrings that are attached to a chain, which is hooked in the hair.

Nose ring: The nose ring traditionally worn by Indian brides is in the form of a ring, which is attached to a chain that is hooked in the hair. It is called ‘Nath’ in Hindi. In certain castes, the nose ring is worn without the chain. With the changing fashions, the nose ring is also undergoing a change. It is now available in different styles and is fast becoming a fashion statement.

Necklace: The necklace is the most versatile piece of bridal jewelry in today’s times. It is available in a variety of styles and colors. The type of necklace is chosen depending upon the neckline of the bride’s dress as well as the color and pattern. According to fashion experts, a long necklace would look good with a deep neck, while a choker would suit a smaller neckline.

Armbands: An armband is called ‘Bajubandh’ in Hindi. It is also a widely used piece of bridal jewelry, which is worn on the upper part of the arms.

Bangles: The bangles are one of the most important part of a bride’s attire. A variety of bangles made of different metals and studded with different gemstones and pearls is available in the market today. Nowadays, bracelets are becoming popular as bridal wear.

Finger rings: Finger rings are also one of the most important pieces of bridal jewelry. There are a number of styles available in the market in case of rings. Like other jewels, rings are also available in different metals, colors and gemstones. Generally, finger rings are worn on the ring fingers. However, finger rings can be worn on several fingers, as per the preference of the bride.

Ring bracelet: A ring bracelet is a bracelet that is attached to finger rings by way of chains. It is a custom in certain castes in India to wear ring bracelets.

Waistband: A waistband, popularly known as ‘Kamarbandh’ in India, is highly popular as part of wedding attire. It can be used both with sarees and lehngas.

Anklets: Anklets are also an important part of the bridal attire in most Indian communities. They are available in a number of styles today. Anklets are fast becoming a fashion statement.

Toe rings: Toe rings are available in various designs – in silver, with minakari, kundan and beads. Like anklets, they are also becoming a fashion accessory in the modern times. They are an important part of wedding customs in certain Indian castes.

While choosing jewelry, it should be ensured that all the pieces complement each other and match perfectly with the bride’s attire. The budget is also an important factor under consideration while selecting the type of jewelry.

Bridal jewelry can be made from different metals, the most preferred ones being gold, silver and platinum. Sometimes precious gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds are used.

Nowadays, brides get their wedding jewelry specifically designed by jewelry designers so as to suit their taste and attire. Different pieces of jewelry are designed for different ceremonies in the marriage such as the engagement, Mehndi, Sangeet and the reception.

People from different communities prefer different kinds of jewelry. For instance, Sindhi families prefer diamond jewelry while South Indians prefer jewelry made from solid gold.

Today, new trends in jewelry are coming up almost every day. Designer jewelry in different shapes, colors and textures is now easily available in the markets. Brides now prefer wearing traditional designs in lighter weight. The choice is shifting to jewelry that can be worn on different occasions, instead of wearing it for the wedding only.

The choice of bridal jewelry is one of the most important considerations in an Indian wedding. It is necessary that the jewelry be suitable to the bride’s personality and well-coordinated so that the bride looks her best on her special day.