A Guide on Indian Wedding Jewellery Traditions

by Francis Alukkas | 20 September 2021 | INDIAN WEDDING JEWELLERY

Indian weddings are known for their merrymaking, complete with family and friends indulging in music, dancing, traditional rituals and foods. The diversity of weddings across India is amusing and amazing. Indian wedding jewellery traditions are just as much an indispensable part of Indian weddings as are the celebratory events.

The Indian bridal jewellery is as carefully picked as the bridal attire. Indian wedding jewellery traditions vary widely across the country just as the customs and traditions in the ceremony and rituals. Bridal attire and jewellery are a worldwide concern and chosen with much care. But Indian wedding jewellery traditions show a passion for gold ornaments. This is seen throughout the country although interests range from handmade jewellery to diamond and gemstone-studded jewellery.

Indian wedding jewellery traditions are also graced with fine craftsmanship and intricacy in designs and the choices are endless. The oldest Indian jewellery traditional design is said to be the Kundan Jewellery designs which are quite popular in Indian bridal jewellery selections. Despite the common tradition of gold jewellery in Indian weddings, there are stark differences in south Indian bridal jewellery and north Indian bridal jewellery. Now, brides are also experimenting with bridal jewellery designs from other states and amalgamating traditions in practice and in attire.

Once, Kerala brides always chose saree as the bridal dress and matching ornaments that upped their bridal attire game. Since recent times, girls are choosing wedding dresses like Lehengas that once belonged to North Indian Wedding Traditions. Different dresses mean different jewellery traditions and Indian wedding jewellery traditions have begun blending in fashion and trends. Not to mention how some North Indian rituals like the Haldi have become a major part of Indian Weddings in all states.

Let’s take a walk through the commonly found Indian wedding jewellery traditions that cover the bride from head to toe, to make her day special and memorable, regardless of religion and cultures.

Maang Tikka

Earlier an exclusive to Hindu weddings, this small piece of jewellery that adorns the forehead is one that adds to the beauty, sophistication and royalty of the bridal attire. Modern brides all over India wear Maang Tikkas nowadays as the Indian wedding jewellery traditions have changed. They match it with other pieces like necklaces and earrings to complete the look.
It is believed that the spot where the Maang Tikka rests is symbolic of the union of the bride and groom on a spiritual, emotional and physical level. Brides from all religions across India have included this as an essential in their wedding jewellery, including Muslim brides who wear the Hijab.

Nose Rings

Indian wedding jewellery traditions are incomplete without the nose ring. Nose ring is symbolic of marriage especially in Hindu weddings. Nose rings are not comfortable for everyone; so many brides opt out of wearing one on their wedding. Indian wedding nose rings may be elaborate with chains connecting to the earrings or they may be just studs that adorn the nose without looking overdone.

If piercing the nose is not an option for you, you can easily choose clip-on varieties to complete the look with Indian bridal jewellery.

Also, Check: Latest Nose Ring Designs in Gold

Earrings

Indian bridal jewellery includes earrings matching the necklace and adds to the bride’s glow. The designs are often on the heavier side, with intricate designs and matched in contrast with the dress. Lighter shades like pastel shades look stunning with diamond jewellery while darker, richer colours like maroon and red go well with yellow gold.
Earrings are also chosen to suit the hairstyle of the bride.

Necklace

The earliest Indian wedding jewellery traditions had necklaces made solely out of gold but now, the designs have extended to modern ones with diamonds, gemstones and pearls and even coloured glasses or enamel works. This allows choosing bridal jewellery to match with the bridal attires.

Most brides choose to wear more than one necklace of different lengths and designs. This is commonly seen in South Indian wedding jewellery traditions. In North Indian wedding jewellery traditions, most brides go for a large statement piece to cover the skin above the neckline of the bridal dress with magnificent detailing.

Finger rings

No bride’s fingers lay bare at her wedding. Indian wedding ring traditions are rich in variants. The bride may wear her engagement ring among other rings from her wedding jewellery set. The bridal designs range from simple bands to intrinsic designs with or without coloured gemstones, diamonds or coloured stones.

Indian grooms also wear finger rings and engagement rings. Finger rings are a favourite part of wedding jewellery and may have personal sentimental values as well. It is also a common choice of jewellery given as gift to the new bride by her friends and family.

To find more information on jewellery gift, check: Buy Gold gifts online

Bangles

There are quite some beliefs in Indian traditions invested in bangles, too. Bangles are very conspicuous and catch eyes very quickly. Indian brides have bangles in abundance, of different kinds, ranging from gold and diamond bangles to metal and glass bangles in red and green.

Indian wedding traditions in bangles consider wearing bangles as a lucky symbol for the well-being of the husband. Most North Indian brides are seen wearing lots of bangles even during their honeymoon.

Waistbands

In Indian wedding jewellery traditions, the waistband also known as kamarband used to adorn the bare waist of the bride. The crafted jewel drew attention to the feminine curves. However, it had lost its popularity for a while. But modern brides are going back to including this traditional ornament to their bridal jewellery sets.

Anklets

Anklets, traditionally called payal, are beautiful ornaments of importance in Indian wedding jewellery traditions. The bride’s arrival is announced with the musical jingles from her anklets. Wedding anklets are also worn as simple chains around the ankles, without the tiny bells that tinkle.

Toe rings

A popular member of south Indian bridal jewellery, toe rings are worn on the second toe of each foot and symbolize marriage. It is synonymous to the finger wedding ring worn in western cultures and is a sign of marital status. In the Indian wedding traditions, a woman is not allowed to take off the toe rings until her husband is no more.

These are the staples of Indian wedding jewellery traditions which adorn a bride head to toe. Gold jewellery is a highly deemed component of Indian weddings and the assortments among designs, craftsmanship and types are extensive. When choosing bridal jewellery to spice up your Indian wedding, try breaking cultural lines and experiment with dresses and jewellery from outside your local trends. A little extra glitter of unique jewellery to your wedding won’t hurt. It could make your memories and photographs all the more stunning.

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