Indians have been using jewelry for adornment since
centuries. The significance of jewelry in the country is evident from
the fact that on many auspicious occasions, jewelry forms a part of
gifts. Though the trend of men adoring themselves has now faded away,
many of them still use earrings, bracelets, pedants, etc. However, it is
the Indian women for whom jewelry holds utmost significance. In India,
jewelry is considered auspicious for women. Even poorest of poor women
will have some kind of jewelry with them.
Jewelry has not only been considered for the purpose of adoration, but
also as a security in times of contingency. This is because it is often
expensive and can be sold whenever there is dire need of money. This
way, jewelry also serves the purpose of insurance, which can be depended
upon. Jewelry forms the important part of adoration among Indian women.
To accentuate their feminine beauty, they use jewelry made of gold,
silver and diamonds. Traditionally, jewelry has always been linked with
wealth, power and status.
Talking about the significance of jewelry in the life of women in
India, they are gifted jewelry in different phases of life such as, at
birth, at coming of age, in marriage, on becoming a mother, etc. Certain
ornaments, such as mangalsutra, nath (nose ring) and toe rings,
quintessential for married Indian women. From the practice of
generations, these gifts are still continuing without any abruption.
Jewelry gifted to women at the time of her marriage is called 'stridhan'
i.e. wealth of women, which in short is symbol of wealth, power and
femininity.
Jewelry design is so versatile in India that it varies from state to
state. If some jewelry is so much popular in one state, it might not
necessarily be popular in another state. However, some basic jewelry is
common among all the women across India. Bridal jewelry like maangtika,
earrings, nose rings, necklace, mangalsutra, bangles, etc make up basic
jewelry which adorn women in India. Incidentally, even today, gold is
the metal most widely used for bridal ornaments and over the last
decade, these are increasingly being studded with diamonds.
