Colorful jewelry plays a pivotal role Indian wedding ceremonies, and Indian bridal attire comprises dozens of pieces of glittering gold, diamond and gemstone-set jewelry that together create a magnificently opulent look. Indian bridal jewelry tradition dates back thousands of years, and the bridal jewelry set has changed little over time.
Indian Bride Jewelry
The bridal “look” includes a number of individual pieces of jewelry: some of the jewelry is mandatory and plays a symbolic role in the nuptials, while other jewelry pieces are merely decorative. Preferences generally lean towards yellow gold jewelry, although in contemporary weddings it’s not uncommon to see jewelry made from white gold, platinum, copper or silver, either to suit the bride’s personal tastes and to better accessorize her particular bridal gown, or in order to stick to a slimmer budget.
Gem-set jewels are also abundant in the bridal get-up, especially deeply colored precious and semi-precious gems such as rubies, amethysts, emeralds, jade and garnets, as well as diamonds and pearls.
Traditions vary according to region, but the basic jewelry elements are the same. The “Bridal Set” consists of a matching necklace and earrings. Large dangling gold earrings encrusted with precious gems or colorful crystals are typical, worn to match a heavy and ornate gold necklace, also encrusted with colorful gems.
The “Shringar Patti” and “Maang Tikka” are sort of bejeweled tiaras, worn along the hairline at the forehead and down the part line, usually made of gold. They feature a bejeweled gold pendant that dangles in the center of the bride’s forehead.
The “Nath” is a traditional nose ring, comprising a stud nose ring or a hoop ring that is linked by a gold chain towards the ear or into the tiara.
The famous gold or glass bangle bracelets are called “Chudi”, and are generally worn up the arm in various colors that match the bridal sari.
A “Hathpool” is a piece of jewelry generally unique to Indian bridal jewelry, and consists of a bracelet that adorns the wrist with a jeweled chain running down the back of the hand, ending as a ring around the middle finger.
The “Bichhua” is a toe ring, generally silver, and signifies a woman’s marital status. “Payal” are anklets that are required to be worn by the bride. It is usually a silver ankle bracelet adorned with beads or gems.
While most of the jewelry is optional according to the bride’s tastes and preference, the “Anguthi” are compulsory finger gold and diamond rings, in addition to the engagement rings. Multiple anguthi rings can be worn on any of the fingers.
Another compulsory piece is the “Mangal Sutra”, which is actually plays a symbolic role in the wedding ceremony, as the groom fastens the necklace around her neck to symbolize their unity. The mangal sutra is a black beaded necklace, decorated by a diamond or gold pendant. Arm bands called “Baaju” used to be a mandatory component of bridal jewelry in the past, but are now optional. They can be worn on either one or both arms.
Although the best source of gorgeous Indian bridal jewelry is of course in India, a good deal of stunning gold and precious gemstone jewelry is available through various online shops. Cities with extensive Indian communities are another good place to look for these elegant, colorful and exotic pieces of jewelry.
