Seven Gold Ornaments That Represent Indian Culture

Gold has always been valued and considered very sacred by Hindus, as gold is believed to welcome goddess Lakshmi thus in any religious functions there has to be presence of gold in any form. From time immemorial gold has always been believed to bring prosperity, good fortune and happiness and thus  gold has become an inseparable part of the Indian society. During ancient times, Indian women used gold ornaments immensely. There were different decorative ornaments for different parts of the body, most of these ornaments symbolized or had different significance. In every respect, these gold ornaments projected Indian culture and Hindu way of life with inner meaning to it. Women in India are still very of fond of wearing gold ornaments, it not just aid to their beauty but also adds in  cultural and traditional aspects as well. The jewelry worn by the Indian woman represents India’s rich culture.

1. Nose ring – The nose-ring  or nath in a Indian society represented purity, every Hindu woman had to have her nose pierced. Nose ring was one of the many symbols of a married woman. The custom of wearing nose ring differs from state to state and amongst communities and caste. Nose ring is one of those ornament which forms an essential part of Indian bridal jewelry and is a quite popular traditional piece. In many regions of India  a girl’s nose is pierced once she reaches a marriageable age. Not just viewed  as traditional jewelry piece but a big fashion statement, woman of different walks and age has got their nose pierced and they proudly flaunt the nose jewelry. According to ancient ‘Ayurveda’ piercing in a woman’s left nostril relieves her from the pain during childbirth and menstruation. Many woman get their nose pierced out of traditional choice, respecting and sticking to their culture and heritage. There are different types of nose jewelry  such as nose pins, nose rings in varieties of patterns and designs to match different occasions and outfits.
2. Bangle –  In India Bangles are considered as an important ornament which both married and unmarried woman wear equally. From ancient times woman have been wearing gold bangles of different sizes  and designs, and this jewelry has been an integral part of the Indian jewelry set. The sound produced during the movement of bangles have been considered  as auspicious and is also believed to produce positive waves. Bangles are called differently in different states of India, gold bangles are one of the most versatile piece of ornaments as it goes with every occasion and functions. It is considered  inauspicious to attend a cultural or religious functions  with bare hands. Bangles are not just looked as an adornment piece but one of the important cultural symbol since ancient times. In many of the Indian society a married woman should  never leave her hands bare, they should be always adorned with pair of gold bangles
3. Waistband – One of the most beautiful and unique jewelry in India is the waistband.  Indian waistband or kamar bandha  is a beautiful traditional jewelry  that is worn around the waist. Kamar bandha looks fabulous on every woman and is popularly worn during festivals and marriages. The waistband can be worn with a Sari or any Indian traditional outfit . According To Ayurveda  wearing waist chain or kamar bandha improves efficiency of the kidneys and the urinary bladder, and gives relief from backache and other related pains. In ancient India wearing kamar bandha denoted modesty, dignity and purity of a woman. Kamarbandha is generally made of gold and in few cases silver, there are different designs of waistband and varieties of cultural signs and symbols engraved in it. During auspicious, elaborate occasions  and traditional gatherings both married and unmarried woman wear kamar bandha making them look gorgeous.
4. Maang tika – Maang Tikka is an Indian traditional jewelry that is worn in the parting of the hair, it is one of the popular jewelry set of an Indian woman. Gold maang tikka is and important shringar worn by bride during her marriage ceremonies. This piece of jewelry enhances the overall look of the bride and gives her a rich and divine look. Generally, Maang Tikka is worn by brides, but it just not limited to brides, it can be equally  worn by women of all ages for any festivals and occasion. A maang tikka is synonym of ‘tilak’.
5. Mangalsutra – In most of the Indian society a woman who is married follows certain traditions and wears different pieces of jewelries which sets her apart from the unmarried ones. Such among them is ‘mangalsutra’, this piece of jewelry is considered sacred and hold certain amount of traditional and cultural values. Mangalsutra is a jewelry that symbolizes a married woman, without mangalsutra a marriage cannot take place, it is an  integral part of Hindu marriages. The groom ties the gold mangalsutra around his bride’s neck on the day of the wedding. The wife has to wear the mangalsutra all her life. ‘Mangalsutra’ more than a jewelry, it is considered a sacred necklace of love, commitment, trust, togetherness and marital happiness of a Hindu couple. In different states of India Different types of mangalsutra is used or worn, it varies from communities to communities but hold the same importance and meaning.
6. Earrings – Earrings are as important as any other ornaments worn by Indian woman. Wearing of gold earrings has been very popular in India since ancient time. After a baby is born irrespective of gender, it is common practice of piercing the baby’s ear, piercing the ears has a great importance in Indian culture. It was believed that piecing ear cured one from certain ailments and thus ever since Indians have been wearing earrings as tradition. Gold earrings are one of the essential shringar of a bride, and many woman flaunt gold earrings that are amalgamation of different cultures and traditions.
7. Armlet– Armlet or armband is unique piece of jewelry worn by Indian women, is usually made of gold and other precious stones. It is a traditional jewelry worn around the biceps by Indian women’s. During ancient times armlet was known to ward of evil, and to enhance ones grace and elegance, no wonder every bride had it as an integral part of bride jewelry set. Armlets once considered a traditional piece has lately become a contemporary trend. Armlets are worn by both men as well as women, designs and patterns differs though.