Sunday, June 24, 2012

Why bangles are considered an important part of Indian culture?


Bangles have been used in India since centuries. Right from the time they came into existence till date, these jewelry items have improved in leaps and bounds. Though only married women used to wear them in the past, their new stylish 'avatar' has made them a favorite of teenage girls as well. Women all over the country, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, wear bangles to complement their outfit and enhance their visual appeal. However, their beautiful designs have not only increased their demand in the Indian market but also in foreign shores. Women from all over the world purchase various types of bangles based on the occasion.

In India, bangles represent the marital status of a woman. During the wedding, the bride has to wear glass bangles that are a size smaller than what she normally wears to ensure a smooth marital life, void of hardships. In many states of India, brides have to wear gold bangles during their marriage since it is a symbol or virginity. In addition to signifying the romantic bond between the couples, bangles also symbolize prosperity and good health. Bangles are not just an integral part of every Indian wedding, they are also an integral part of baby showers that are normally held during the seventh month of pregnancy.

The colors of the bangles also hold a special significance in Indian culture. While the red ones bring in positive energy, the green ones are symbols of prosperity. Gold bangles signify fortune and good luck and the yellow ones represent happiness. A few years ago, these accessories were used only along with traditional outfits such as sarees and salwar kameez, but today there are designs that pair well with jeans and other modern designer wear. Today, these accessories have transcended the boundaries of culture and are used to enhance the aesthetic appeal.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

What makes Kundan jewellery a priceless possession?


Kundan jewellery is one of the most ancient forms of jewelry in India that still enjoys a huge popularity not just in India, but other countries as well. These jewelry items are magnificent to behold and have the ability to enhance the beauty of the wearer. Most people associate Kundan with stones, but this is a popular misconception. Kundan is a term that is used to define the purest form of gold. In this type of jewelry making, precious gemstones are intricately laid in gold. Kundan work is mostly used to create elaborate necklaces, but this is not the case anymore. There are many jewelers who create and sell Kundan earrings and rings as well.

The credit for popularizing Kundan jewellery in India and other countries is given to the traditional jewelers in Gujarat and Rajasthan who have had a major role to play. Though this form of jewelry making was in existence since centuries, it was only during the reign of the Mughals that this form of jewelry making gained a lot of prominence. A few decades ago, this jewelry was extensively used by the royal families and those who could afford to spend a huge amount of money to buy them. However, with the jewelers of Rajasthan, Punjab and Bihar using silver in place of gold to set stones, this type of jewelry became affordable and within the reach of the common man.

Kundan jewellery is regarded to be priceless because it is made using the purest form of gold and the most expensive precious stones. Though diamonds are prominently used to create these jewelry items, there are other precious stones such as rubies and emeralds that are used in certain cases. Creating Kundan jewellery items is a laborious and time consuming process. Only highly skilled jewelers with a tremendous amount of patience can successfully create masterpieces that are worth a place in your collection.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Variety of Indian earrings available today


Of the many accessories that are used to enhance the beauty of the woman, earrings are the most prominent. Indian earrings have been enjoying tremendous popularity all over the world. Today, there are various types of earrings available to suit various occasions and also different outfits. These are accessories that can be worn by women as well as men. However, the variety available for men is limited as compared to the choice for women. For the fairer sex, there are a wide range of options available based on their hairdos, outfits and shape of the face as well. Here are a few important types of Indian earrings that you can choose from.

Stud earrings are the most popular type of Indian earrings that are being used since centuries. Also known as post earrings, this type of earring is ideal for everyday use. You can either choose ones that are made of precious or semi-precious metals embedded with gemstones or ones of that are made of other metals based on the budget you have on hand. These earrings are best suited for use by men as well as women.

Hoop earrings are also Indian earrings that are a popular choice by women across various age groups. There are hoops of various sizes available for customers to choose from based on their requirements and preferences. While smaller ones made using silver and gold are extensively used for little children in India, teenagers and adolescents prefer the ones that are made of plastic or other materials.

Chandelier earrings are Indian earrings that are used for various important celebrations and occasions such as marriage, baby shower and many more. These earrings are long and slightly heavy. However, they are extremely stylish and trendy and pair well with sarees and other traditional Indian dresses.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Varieties of Indian gold jewelry you can choose from


Indian gold jewelry has always been a cynosure of all eyes. Gold jewelry items in India have been sought after for centuries and even today hold a special place in the hearts and minds of people not just in India, but from other countries as well. In order to cater to the demand for newer designs and patterns, jewelers in India work round the clock to come up with newer techniques that can meet this growing demand. Over the years, jewelers in this country have been able to come up with techniques to create magnificent jewelry items that are worth buying. Each type of jewelry has been developed by a particular region in India over decades.

Kundan jewelry is a type of Indian gold jewelry that is made using the purest form of gold. Molten gold is set in a mould and precious gems are embedded in it to create magnificent designs. This form of jewelry took shape and form in the northern states of India and gained momentum during the Mughal era. Ever since, this form of jewelry has had a number of seekers from all over the world. The jewelry items that fall under this category are ideal for all occasions ranging from marriages to parties.

Customers who prefer intricate and traditional form of Indian gold jewelry can opt for temple jewelry. This is a form that was conceptualized and popularized first in the southern part of India. Jewelry items that fall under this category have very ornate designs and are ideal for marriages and other special functions. The Meenakari jewelry is a type of Indian gold jewelry that was popularized by the jewelers in Rajasthan. Rajput rulers in this state invited jewelers from Lahore to collaborate with the local jewelers to develop this form of Indian jewelry.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Types of Indian wedding jewellery sets you can choose from


Weddings in India are elaborate affairs that are celebrated with great pomp and show. The highlight of the entire event is the bride who looks resplendent in all her bridal finery. Indian wedding jewelry is specifically designed to enhance the beauty of the bride on the most important day of her life. There are different items that form a part of the entire jewelry kit, each of which has a special significance and meaning. India, which is considered to be the birthplace of many forms of jewelry, offers a wide range of choices for customers to choose from.

Gold jewelry is the most preferred type of Indian wedding jewelry. Gold has always occupied a special significance in the Indian culture, especially in the south. Despite the consistently increasing costs of this yellow metal in recent times, the demand for this does not cease to exist. Right from earrings to bangles, waist bank, armlets and more, there are number of jewelry items that you can consider opting for. Temple jewelry is the most preferred type of gold jewelry for weddings since the designs are inspired by Indian tradition.

Kundan jewelry is another popular type of Indian wedding jewelry. Popularized by the jewellers in Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat, this form of jewelry is in high demand in the northern part of India. This form of jewelry involves embedding precious gemstones in gold. Though diamonds were the only gemstones that were used in the past, rubies, emeralds and other precious stones are used now. Elaborate chains and earrings are the Kundan jewelry items that are the highlight of the entire wedding trousseau. Meenakari jewelry, which closely resembles Kundan jewelry, is also another popular type of Indian wedding jewellery which is popular in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and other northern states in India.