Traditional Indian Jewellery: History And Significance  (2024)

Traditional Indian Jewellery has a recognition of its own. Jewellery, in general, enhances one’s beauty. In Indian culture, the jewellery that women wear, signifies their status, wealth, and status, in the society.

The history of Traditional Indian Jewellery is as old as Indian History! The word jewellery originates from the Latin word “jocale”, meaning plaything. 5000-7000 years ago during Ramayana & Mahabharata times was when jewellery and thus the art of eager to adorn oneself was stereotyped. Traces of beaded jewellery are continually plant back to 1500 BC during the Indus Valley Civilization.

History of Traditional Indian Jewellery

Traditional Indian Jewellery: History And Significance (1)

Traditional Indian Jewellery Designs are most often in respect the the Goddess of Wealth, Goddess Lakshmi

Beads, shells do n’t really have a time period and metals are frequently used to make jewellery was discovered latterly by the Indus Valley region. India had a huge inventory of precious metals and gems; it prospered thanks to import & exchange with other nations.

India was the primary country to mine diamonds. Mughals reined in India during the 16th century. They brought along their knowledge and art of jewelry making to the flourishing cultural Indians.

From head to toe, traditional jewellery highlights the air of each Indian Woman.

Take a glimpse at the normal Indian jewellery pieces and immerse yourself within the rich varied heritage of our country.

VENI/JEWELED BRAID, PAASA, MAANGTIKA

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The traditional Veni braid is very often seen in parts of Southern Indian, worn by brides and girls who attain puberty

Traditional Indian Jewellery: History And Significance (4)

The maangtika is a traditional headgear worn often by South Indian women, with traditional attires as a part of their hair accessories

Your hair may be a reflection of your identity. Long, short, curled, straight. Who doesn’t wish to term her hair with some accessories? A Veni may be a jeweled plat worn once you tie your hair during a plat. Traditionally worn on special occasions, veni pins are available and may be worn as a hair clip too. A Paasa & Maangtika are sister jewellery pieces, paasa being worn on one side of the top and maangtika worn within the center partition of the hair.

CHANDBALIS, JHUMKAS, KANVELIS, NATH

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Traditional Indian Jewellery: History And Significance (6)

Traditional Indian Jewellery: History And Significance (7)

Traditional Indian Jewellery: History And Significance (8)Earrings are enamours of your ears. Traditionally heavy and complex work earrings add another dimension to one’s beauty. Chandbalis get their name for representing the foremost beautiful heavenly stars the moon’. Earrings within the shape of the moon add an oracle ambience to your look. Jhumkas are as ancient as our heritage, the Jhoomar-chandelier like design is ethical & respects your neck impeccably. Kanvelis are small, delicate pearl earrings worn on the helix of your ears, go flawlessly with the old saying‘ expose as beaucoup jewels as you can’. Ultimately the nath-jewellery worn on the nose, this lights up your face like no other jewel can. Traditionally made from pearls and a couple of ruby stones, the variability available now’s truckloads starting from diamonds to kundan.

RANI HAAR, GULBANDH, SATLADA, KAMARBANDH

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Traditional Indian Jewellery: History And Significance (10)

Traditional Indian Jewellery: History And Significance (11)

Traditional Indian Jewellery: History And Significance (12)

Chokers have been a symbol of majesty since the days of rajas maharajas in India. Men wore chokers with the maximum amount of vigour as women, if lower. Rani Haar because the name itself suggests, perhaps a long choker fits the queen that you are! Gulbandh sits immaculately below the collarbone the right flattering length, it’s called a queen choker too, a standard choker worn by the likes of the queen in Rajasthan.

Traditional Indian Jewellery of Indian heritage jewellery

Satlada-seven chokers in one. Satlada is for the evenings once you want to travel all out & be the rockstar. Brace a satlada together with your blend gown to up your cheek quotient.

Kamarbandh accentuates your midriff & was worn traditionally to offer a sandglass figure without the pain of wearing a corset. Kamarbandha provides a twist to plain anarkali dresses, they are paired with dresses, sarees & gowns too!

BANGLES, BRACELETS, HAATHPHOOL

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Traditional Indian Jewellery: History And Significance (14)

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Meenakari work bangles look exquisite and are authentically fashionable amongst the youngish fashionistas. Adorning hands with mehendi & bangles has been a trend since times antique in India. Haath Phool rings attached to strings which form a spider web- analogous design are delicate hand jewellery which come across dainty and elegant. However, calcutta tode ( elephant kada) & kada bangles, generally, If you would like to travel bravely.

Traditional Indian Jewellery of Indian heritage jewellery- Bangles

JEWELLERY FOR YOUR FEET

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Paizeb, This unusual Paizeb (or Pahzeb) is from Hyderabad. because the name implies, it’s an embellishment for the bottoms. Loose chain links, set in gold kundan design with uncut diamonds, and stone drops rather than ghungroos, assure it lies flat on the bottom over your ankles. Another celebrated bottom jewellery is gray ghungroo payals and toe ring payals which are like hathphool for your bases.

As we have talked over the prominent traditional jewelleries from India allow us to quarry into the finish & stone genres of jewellery now.

KUNDAN/POLKI/JADAU

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Traditional Indian Jewellery: History And Significance (18)

Kundan & Jadau jewellery are Mughal inspired and require expert artificer. Placing gemstones on sheets of gold requires an excellent quantity of long-suffering & skill. Polki jewellery is actualized in Bikaner & is heavily Mughal inspired too. it’s raw uncut diamonds which provides it a bohemian goddess vibe. Kundan, Jadau & Polki work jewellery is trending here and now because it was done cycles ago. dateless beauty may be an expression used for ditto jewellery. Sure the designs might get tweaked as per the trends but the design remains always.

PEARL JEWELLERY

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Pearls are always applicable. Pearl jewellery may be a sign of a woman. Traditional pearl jewellery was a prized possession of Nawabs. Hyderabad is the center of dealing pearls, and historically pearls are preferred as a gem as they represent the moon & purity too! Pearl jewellery holds a prized place in everyone’s jewel box.

MEENAKARI JEWELLERY

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Meenakari may be a Persian art which colors the surface of gold & silver metals by fusing brilliant colours. The art introduced within the 17th century, was delivered to Varanasi by Persians during the Mughal time. India may be a potboiler of cultures. Mina (Minoo) in Persian means the blue colour of heaven. it had been initially used to bring on designs on the tail of Polki jewellery. Now, it’s a design on its own.

TEMPLE JEWELLERY

Traditional Indian Jewellery: History And Significance (21)Adornments with motifs of Gods, Goddesses, flowers, birds are temple jewellery. The name springs from the particular use of the jewellery. it had been used to decorate the Gods & Goddesses. The royal families made some jewellery pieces for themselves. With time, the art has surpassed all boundaries & was employed by the common folk in plentitude. Indeed here and now, the auspicious & godly jewellery is a pivotal part of the jewellery to tend to a South Indian bridegroom on her day as blessings from the Gods.

Traditional Indian Jewellery is a beauty of its own. Various brands have imbibed the traditions of ancient, mystical India with trends of the moment to offer you Fashion Jewellery which is brassy but crammed with nostalgia too! Head over to ascertain our beautiful collection. We promise, you will be pleased.

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Traditional Indian Jewellery: History And Significance  (2024)

FAQs

Traditional Indian Jewellery: History And Significance ? ›

The history of jewellery in India is as old as the country itself, dating back to around 5000 BC when it was first used by the Indus Valley Civilization for ornamentation. India is a land of rich tradition and culture, where jewellery has been an integral part of our lives for thousands of years.

What is the cultural significance of Indian jewellery? ›

In Indian culture, jewellery is more than an accessory; it is a reflection of one's identity and traditions. Each region and community in India has its distinct jewellery styles, crafted with intricate designs and adorned with precious metals and gemstones.

What does Indian jewelry symbolize? ›

Hindus believe that gold has the power to purify anything it touches. It is also considered as a sign of power and wealth. Aside from that, it also symbolizes good health, prosperity, and femininity. Silver is also another metal that is often worn by people.

What is the traditional jewelry of India? ›

Traditionally, Indian jewelry is made of gold while more modern approaches to jewelry making saw the use of natural diamonds and other precious or semi-precious materials. Gold stays on top as it is considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity in the Eastern world and signified a family's wealth and status.

Why did ancient Indians wear jewelry? ›

Pebbles, animal skins, shells, threads, and crystals or stones were common components of ancient jewellery. The early men also employed these materials to decorate their bodies, signifying respect, dominance, and status as leaders.

What is the origin of Indian jewelry? ›

The origin of jewellery in India dates back to more than 5000 years ago. You can find traces of Indian jewellery in the country's history itself. Savant Singh and Bani Thani as Krishna and Radha, Kishangarh, ca. 1760.

Why do Indians wear jewelry on their forehead? ›

Bindi: A decorative mark on the forehead, worn by Hindu women (and members of some other religious groups), traditionally believed to be venerating an energy center of the human body or representing “the third eye,” but also worn as an adornment or a sign of marriage.

Can you wear Indian jewelry if you're not Indian? ›

Native artists will only sell items that it's okay for you—whether you're Native or not—to wear. They will not sell regalia, sacred items or symbols, or other ceremonial pieces, so when you purchase an item from an actual Native artist you are getting a piece that's okay for you to wear, love, and proudly display.

Why is Indian jewelry so yellow? ›

In the United States, gold is often alloyed with metals such as silver, copper, and zinc to strengthen it and make it more durable. These alloys can give the gold a more white or pale yellow appearance. However, in India, gold is often alloyed with copper and silver, which can give the gold a more yellow appearance.

Why is gold so important in Indian culture? ›

A gift of gold is perhaps the highest form of gifting in the country, showcasing the value of an individual and purity of intent. Gifts of gold are common for birthdays and child births even in smaller towns. Status Symbol - There is no bigger status symbol than gold in India, and Indians are not shy to flaunt it.

How can you tell real Indian jewelry? ›

A genuine piece will have no wavering lines or lopsided designs, well-cut stones that are uniform in size, and no visible glue between the metal and stone. Also be on the lookout for sterling silver versus silver-plated jewelry. A quick way to tell the difference is to hold a small magnet to the piece.

Why do Indian men wear so much jewelry? ›

Believed to provide health and astrological benefits in Ayurvedic and Hindu astrological traditions, people stimulate acupressure points using piercings and other jewelry. Gold is the most popular metal used in making jewelry. It is durable and doesn't tarnish despite everyday use.

What is Indian standard for jewellery? ›

The BIS Hallmark is a hallmarking system for gold as well as silver jewellery sold in India, certifying the purity of the metal. It certifies that the piece of jewellery conforms to a set of standards laid by the Bureau of Indian Standards, the national standards organization of India.

Why is Indian jewelry important? ›

In the Indian tradition, gifting jewels can signify a rite of passage, or acknowledgement of an important life event. Take, for example, the jewelry used to indicate that a woman is married. Bangles, today worn by essentially all women in India, were historically reserved for women once they had tied the knot.

Why do Indians have a silver bracelet? ›

Significance of Wearing Bangles

The Indian bracelet is largely connected to marriage and symbolizes matrimony in a similar way to how a Western wedding ring does.

Why do Indians wear gold or silver bracelets? ›

Silver bangles denote strength and gold bangles are the ultimate symbol of fortune and prosperity. The Kada bangle is one of the more commonly known bangle styles. This thick style of Indian gold bangle is made from 22k gold or silver metal and worn on the wrists of men and women in India culture.

What is the cultural significance of Maang Tikka? ›

Cultural Symbolism: Beyond Mere Ornamentation

The maang tikka transcends its role as mere jewelry; it embodies union, grace, and auspiciousness. Historically adorned by brides, it signifies a woman's marital status, adding an ethereal touch to weddings and joyous celebrations across diverse Indian cultures.

What is the significance of Indian bridal jewelry? ›

In some parts of India, bridal jewelry sets are known for their lavishness and extravagance. This is because weddings are considered very important ceremonies. Gold bridal jewelry is a universal symbol of wealth and good fortune and is worn at weddings worldwide.

What is the cultural significance of bangles in India? ›

It represents an Indian woman's suhaag, or marital auspiciousness. Bangles come in a variety of colours, each with its unique importance in Indian culture. Bangles are more than just accessories for Indian women. After marriage, it is customary to wear bangles as a symbol of good health, fortune, and success.

What is the meaning of the Indian face jewelry? ›

Bindi and traditional head ornament with sun and moon pendants on an Indian classical dancer. Traditionally, the area between the eyebrows (where the bindi is placed) is said to be the sixth chakra, ajna, the seat of "concealed wisdom". The bindi is said to retain energy and strengthen concentration.

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