A Guide to Indian Traditional Jewellery From Head to Toe

Summary

India is the land of rich traditions and vibrant festivals. It is renowned for its heritage of traditional jewellery with immense cultural and emotional significance. In this blog, let’s explore Indian traditional jewellery from head to toe. Let’s get started!

Significance of traditional jewellery in India

Traditional jewellery has always played an important role in Indian culture. For centuries, jewellery has been an integral part of celebrations, rituals and everyday wear for both men and women across different parts of India. 

The types of jewellery worn vary according to region, religion, and occasion. Beyond just being decorative pieces, Indian traditional jewellery also holds deep symbolic meanings. 

If you are wondering where to buy them, look no further than Vummudi Bangaru Jewellers

Here’s the guide to Indian traditional jewellery from head to toe

1). Head

Let’s begin with adorning the head.

• Maang Tikka

No Indian bride is considered fully dressed without her maang teeka. The maang teekaa, an ornament worn in the centre part of the hair, represents a woman’s marital status and symbolises love and commitment between the bride and groom. 

It is believed to protect the bride from any evil eye. 

• Maang Patti

Another popular headpiece is the maang patti, a broad forehead band made with gold and strung with pearls or stones that accentuates facial features. Worn by married women, it adds grace and enhances beauty.

• Jhoomar

The jhoomar came to India with the Mughals and is worn by brides and young girls during festivals and ceremonies, especially in Punjab. Its intricate embroidery and mirrorwork make it a visual delight.

2). Hair

Let’s move down to the locks of hair.

• Jadanagam

Jadanagam is a traditional hair accessory worn by women in South India. Made of gold threads woven into intricate patterns and studded with gems, wearing a jaadanagam was considered a sign of marital status and social standing. 

It not only kept the hair in place but also accentuated beauty.

3). Ears

Let’s explore the ear accessories. 

• Juhumkas

The jhumkas, or dangling earrings, have been a classic Indian favourite for ages. Their design varies across regions – from heavy Kundan to lightweight jhumkas. Their swinging motion adds grace and charm to the wearer’s personality.

• Balis

Balis are another common ear ornament, a simple yet elegant way to dress up the ears. Their design can be as basic as small gold or diamond dots or elaborate artworks with emeralds, rubies and pearls. 

Worn daily by women across age groups, Balis suits all occasions, from festivals to office wear.

• Studs, hoops, drops, dangles

From tiny gold or diamond studs to chunky kundan-studded hoops, Indian earring styles offer variety. 

Long dangling earrings with gem drops are favourites for weddings, while lightweight designs can be worn any day. This diversity allows women to flaunt different looks for all occasions.

4). Nose 

Here is the favourite jewellery of ancient Indian women. 

• Nose ring

The traditional gold or silver nose ring, also called a nath, was widely prevalent in South India as a symbol of beauty and womanhood. Even today, the nose ring retains its charm. In South Indian weddings, the bride mostly wears an ornate nose ring. 

5). Neck

Let’s move down the neck. 

• Haaram

The haar or haaram is the most iconic piece of Indian bridal jewellery. It is a long, multi-strand necklace worn by brides that extends from the neck to the waist. 

Traditional haars feature precious stones, coins and intricate embroidery work. The heavier the haar, the more prestigious it is considered.

• Chokers

Chokers are short necklaces that hug the neck elegantly. Simple gold chains or ones encrusted with emeralds, pearls or diamonds, chokers never fail to accentuate the collarbone area. They project poise and grace.

• Necklace

Beyond haars and chokers, layered necklaces in multiple strands are also trendy. Shorter necklaces may be worn together for a stacked look. 

Delicate gold necklaces with pendant designs or ones woven with small pearls also make for beautiful everyday wear. Regional styles vary from long, ornate neckpieces in South India to simpler, lightweight designs in other parts.

6). Hands

Let’s adorn the hands. 

• Bangles

Made of glass, lac, silver, gold or other materials, bangles have been an intrinsic part of Indian women’s attire. The tinkling sound and grace they add to the hands make them a classic staple.

• Kangan/Kadas

The kangan, a traditional Gujarati armlet, and the kada worn in parts of India are considered auspicious. They exude elegance and strength and extend from the wrist to the elbow in polished designs.

• Hathphool

It is an exotic ornament that covers the back of the hand and extends to the fingers. It adds a unique touch to the bride’s hands. 

• Bajubandh/Vanki

The elegant upper armlets accentuate the arms and come in varied styles mirroring regional crafts. It is adorned with traditional motifs and gemstones. 

7). Finger

How can we forget our fingers?

• Finger ring

Finger rings have also been an integral part of Indian bridal jewellery and are not limited only to engagements and weddings. Rings come in diverse styles, from simple gold bands to elaborate kundan and polki settings. They add the perfect finishing touch to an Indian bride’s hands.

8). Waist

Let’s look into the waist belt. 

• Kamarbandh/Odiyanam

Waist belts add the perfect finishing touch to an Indian bride’s sari. It accentuates their waistline and symbolises femininity and beauty. It has intricate designs and gemstones. Beyond aesthetics, it is thought to keep away the evil eye and bring good fortune in married life. 

9). Feet

Last but not least, let’s adorn the feet. 

• Payal/Anklet

The tinkling of tiny bells has added rhythm to Indian classical dance for centuries. Payals come in myriad regional designs- from delicate gold bells to heavier ones studded with stones. 

In some areas, it is still customary to gift the bride a new payal set during her henna ceremony. Payals have thus become an integral part of Indian women’s cultural identity over the ages.

• Toe ring

In South India, brides traditionally wear an ornate silver toe ring during wedding rituals. Beyond beauty, toe rings protect the wearer from negative energies. 

Even today, Indian women feel incomplete without their toe rings, which have become a way to empower and beautify themselves according to deep-rooted cultural practices.

Choose VBJ for your head-to-toe traditional jewellery purchase!

If you are searching for exquisite jewellery, Vummudi Bangaru Jewellery is the ideal destination. It is known for its stunning designs and superior quality. From necklaces and earrings to rings, pendants and bracelets, there is something for everyone. 

It offers a wide range of jewellery, from diamonds to gold, silver, and platinum. It has a vast selection of traditional South Indian jewellery and modern and contemporary designs. 

If you have a wedding any sooner, purchase head-to-toe jewellery at one destination- VBJ!

Conclusion

Indian traditional jewellery is more than just decorative pieces- it holds deep symbolic meanings and cultural significance. It has been an integral part of Indian celebrations, rituals and everyday wear. 

Beyond just accentuating beauty, different types of jewellery worn from head to toe represent aspects like marital status, religion, and social standing. 

So, whether you’re an admirer of Indian traditional jewellery or a bride-to-be preparing for your big day, head to VBJ for some timeless and classic collections. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1). What is the history of traditional jewellery in India?

The history of traditional jewellery in India dates back thousands of years, with pieces worn since the Indus Valley Civilization era for their aesthetic, cultural and religious significance. Different regions developed their distinct jewellery styles over centuries, influenced by local craftsmanship traditions and beliefs.

2). What is the name of the Indian jewellery on the head?

The most commonly worn head jewellery accessories are maang tikka, maang patti and jhoomar. These head ornaments hold cultural significance and accentuate the beauty of the wearer. 

3). What are the characteristics of Indian jewellery?

Indian jewellery is highly crafted, featuring delicate designs, intricate stone embellishments and symbolisms. It is made of gold, silver, precious and semi-precious stones. Its designs and styles vary significantly. It carries a deep cultural significance as part of rituals, celebrations and a women’s identity in society. 

4). What is the importance of traditional jewellery?

The cultural and symbolic significance of traditional Indian jewellery is unparalleled. The intricate designs worn from the head to the toe symbolise aspects such as marital status, religious adherence and social status. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, jewellery plays an essential role in rituals, festivals and the empowerment of Indian women per age-old customs. 

5). What are the types of Indian jewellery?

Some types of Indian jewellery include kundan, polki, jadau, meenakari, temple, navratna, thewa, filigree, and antique jewellery.