Significance of Indian Jewellery

Indians have been using jewellery for adornment since centuries. The significance of jewellery in the country is evident from the fact that on many auspicious occasions, jewellery forms a part of gifts. Though the trend of men adoring themselves has now faded away, many of them still use earrings, bracelets, pedants, etc. However, it is the Indian women for whom jewellery holds utmost significance. In India, jewellery is considered auspicious for women. Even poorest of poor women will have some kind of jewellery with them.

Jewellery has not only been considered for the purpose of adoration, but also as a security in times of contingency. This is because it is often expensive and can be sold whenever there is dire need of money. This way, jewellery also serves the purpose of insurance, which can be depended upon. Jewellery forms the important part of adoration among Indian women. To accentuate their feminine beauty, they use jewellery made of gold, silver, copper and diamonds. Traditionally, jewellery has always been linked with wealth, power and status.

Talking about the significance of jewellery in the life of women in India, they are gifted jewellery in different phases of life such as, at birth, at coming of age, in marriage, on becoming a mother, etc. Certain ornaments, such as mangalsutra, nath (nose ring) and toe rings, quintessential for married Indian women. From the practice of generations, these gifts are still continuing without any abruption. Jewellery gifted to women at the time of her marriage is called 'stridhan' i.e. wealth of women, which in short is symbol of wealth, power and femininity.

Jewellery design is so versatile in India that it varies from state to state. If some jewellery is so much popular in one state, it might not necessarily be popular in another state. However, some basic jewellery is common among all the women across India. Bridal jewellery like maangtika, earrings, nose rings, necklace, mangalsutra, bangles,

etc make up basic jewellery which adorn women in India. Incidentally, even today, gold is the metal most widely used for bridal ornaments and over the last decade, these are increasingly being studded with diamonds.