Throughout the ages, from ancient civilisations to the present day, the use of jewellery has served as a powerful symbol of affluence and social standing, as well as a means to commemorate significant milestones and convey cultural ideals and traditions. Renowned for its rich heritage, India is no exception, with tales of kings and queens bedecked in magnificent jewels.
However, for Indian women, wearing jewellery encompasses much more than a display of power or luxury. It holds a profound significance as a means of preserving their culture, handed down to them through generations, and carries immense emotional value. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these adornments serve as physical connections to their heritage, acting as cherished heirlooms that connect them to their ancestors and evoke a sense of tradition and identity. This holds particularly true for married women, as in India, the belief endures that the beauty of a married woman remains incomplete without her jewellery.
Here are a few jewellery pieces that hold immense emotional and cultural significance for the women of India.
Earrings: Karnavedha, the ceremonial ear piercing, holds profound religious significance in Hindu households throughout India. This ritual carries immense emotional and cultural importance for Indian women. Conducted on auspicious days with prayers, the ceremony involves either a skilled goldsmith or a surgeon who delicately pierces the child’s ears. This act is believed to open the inner eyes, enabling the reception of sacred sounds and fostering spiritual awakening.
Symbolically, the left ear of girls is traditionally pierced to represent femininity, while in the past, it was common for boys to have their right ears pierced to symbolise masculinity when they reach the age of 5-7. Additionally, the choice of gold earrings is believed to balance energy deficiencies, while silver earrings help regulate excessive energy flow. Indian women proudly wear earrings throughout their lives, embracing these timeless pieces as a symbol of their cultural heritage. Dassani Brothers offers a range of heirloom earrings in polki, emeralds, rubies, etc which are a favourite among soon to bride and her bridal party.
Bangles: Bangles hold a special place in the hearts of Indian women, who delight in adorning their wrists with these beautiful ornaments. The melodious jingle-jangle sound they produce is not just a delightful sound but is also considered to bring prosperity and fortune. In a true sense, bangles surpass mere aesthetics; they encapsulate cultural heritage, personal identity, and cherished emotions. Moreover, they serve as a tangible reminder of special moments, such as weddings or festivals, as they are often gifted or acquired during these joyous occasions. Bangles made of polki jewellery remain a must at weddings, it’s made in combination with gold, diamonds, and gemstones. Polki is traditional Rajasthani Royal jewellery which signifies Indian history and acts as a remnant of royal brides in current times, at Dassani Brothers they work with best karigars to craft intricate designs to create jewellery worthy of being called regal.
Polki bangles infused in gold carry beloved memories, familial bonds, and sentiments of love and good wishes. They become precious heirlooms, passed down from mothers to daughters, symbolising the enduring bond of generations and the strength of familial ties.
Chains and necklaces: Chains and necklaces in India carry profound cultural and emotional significance, representing cultural identity and personal connections. They showcase diverse regional styles and craftsmanship, serving as symbols of heritage, polki layered necklaces add an extra essence of regal symbol. Throughout history, women have adorned themselves with necklaces, pendants, strings of beads, and intricate ornamental chokers to invoke good luck and safeguard against the evil eye. In marriages, necklaces like mangalsutras symbolise the sacred bond between spouses and are believed to bring prosperity and protection.
To add Royal touch women adore polki necklaces for weddings, the diamond polka-dot pattern that is combined to create an eye-catching piece of jewellery goes with any traditional Indian garment, such as a saree, lehenga, or sharara. Moreover, gold chains and necklaces also hold sentimental value, evoking memories as they are often given as meaningful gifts from elders to the younger generation. With their rich symbolism and cherished traditions, these adornments embody the essence of Indian culture and serve as precious expressions of love, heritage and protection.
Rings: Rings are significant for Indian women and are among the most common and cherished jewellery items. They symbolise commitment, love, and marital status, often exchanged as part of engagement and wedding ceremonies. Rings also embody cultural and religious beliefs, featuring religious symbols and gemstones with spiritual meanings. They carry a sense of family heritage as heirlooms passed down through generations. Their significance is not only limited to contemporary times. It has been mentioned in ancient epics like the Ramayana, where Goddess Sita’s ring becomes a crucial identifier for Lord Ram to locate and rescue her. These enduring symbols encapsulate the rich traditions, emotions, and historical connections cherished by Indian women.
Jewellery in India holds many meanings—a special blessing from elders, a testament to love from a partner, and a profound connection to one’s roots. These gleaming treasures not only adorn the physical beauty but also embody the richness of our heritage, carrying within them the stories and traditions of generations. Gold, diamond, polki jewellery are favourite among wedding guests, bridesmaids, and even the bride and groom’s mothers. Dassani Brothers jewellery is handcrafted keeping in mind the history behind the jewels and to showcase each piece’s meaning carefully. From the sparkling gems to the intricate craftsmanship, each piece reflects the essence of Indian culture and the enduring spirit of its women.
It is no surprise that Indian women proudly possess 11% of the world’s gold reserves.
Heera Zhaveraat (HZ International) A Diamond, Watch and Jewellery Trade Promotion Magazine provide dealers and manufactures with the key analytical information they need to succeed in the luxury industry. Pricing, availability and market information in the Magazine provides a critical edge.
