Betrothed and Bejeweled: Indian Wedding Jewelry
Indian wedding jewelry may seem like trivial bling, but it is steeped in history and tradition. Each individual piece has its own name and significance. Here is a quick breakdown of what goes into a complete set of Indian bridal jewelry:
Chooda – These are 21 ivory-colored bracelets that are customarily worn for 40 days after the wedding, signaling that the woman is a new bride and, as such, should be treated like royalty.
Hathpool – known as the "hand flower", it is a set of rings (traditionally 5) that are attached to a wrist bangle with dangling chain across the back of both hands. Each chain represents a goddess's power for the bride to call upon.
Klira – literally, these hanging strands of decorative chain act as "shackles", making housework impossible during the wedding celebrations.
Bindi – representing the third eye, a series of jewels adorn the forehead or red dot is placed on the forehead just above the eyes to show that a woman is married and off the market.
Jhoomar – worn on the side of the bride's head, this piece is meant to bring luck and happiness in her new marriage.
Tikka – this chained pendant, worn down the center part of a bride's hair, is placed in the middle of the forehead to activate the 6th chakra and ward off evil.
Naath – this is a nose ring, traditionally worn with small chains connecting it to the ear or hair, meant to symbolize purity and innocence before marriage.
Baju Bandh – an armband traditionally given by the bride's future sister-in-law, this signifies the groom's commitment to protect her from harm and bad fortune.
Bichua – typically worn on the second toe, this ring is an antiquated version of a wedding ring in Western culture and is put on the bride by her husband. Many older forms also came with a tiny mirror so brides could check their reflection while remaining veiled.
Payal – these are chimes and bells, worn like an anklet, which are meant to draw attention to the bride not only with their glittery shine but also their sound as she walks.
Mangalsutra – traditionally a gold medallion hung from black beads or threads, symbolizing the idea of "till death do us part" and must be worn every day until her or her husband's death.
One of the biggest trends in Indian wedding jewelry is the addition of diamonds. While most jewelry sets contain gold and various jewels, diamond-studded adornments are a new way to blend modern traditions with old while allowing the bride to shine even more. Another trend is Kundan jewelery sets for weddings or pre-wedding events, such as engagement parties and bridal showers. Beautiful gemstones are skillfully mounted in gold, originally crafted for Rajasthan or Gujarat royalty. This is the oldest method of jewelry making in India. Kundan sets typically comprise of a large statement necklace and drop earrings, but a popular trends show Kundan-style craftsmanship in all aspects of Indian bridal jewelry today.
Luckily, brides don't have to travel to India to find these gorgeous ornaments. Many online shops now offer complete sets as well as the purchase of individual pieces, while some even offer wholesale prices. Shopping for Kundan jewelery sets is equally easy and cost-effective. To make the most of bulk discounts online, brides can not only get their own jewelry, but specialty pieces like baju armbands or payal anklets are great to buy as keepsakes for female bridal party members.
