Want to feel like a regal queen on your special wedding day? The classical embellished designs of the royal bride are for you! There is a fascinating history behind the royal brides of India, and the intricate jewelry to be adorned for the wedding are stunning.
The History
5,000 years ago, in the Indus Valley, India became enamored with jewelry. India was the biggest manufacturer and exporter of beads in the world. This is also where the diamond drill was invented, which then dispersed to the rest of the world. Using semi-precious materials, craftsmen made barrel shaped jewelry, with dots of gold. The sophisticated upper class primarily wore this jewelry, as they were made with intricate patterns and required the utmost precision.
All of this jewelry wasn’t only adorned in weddings; it was also utilized in temples across the country. Temple jewelry was passed around over time, as one style of Indian classic dance, Bharatanatyam, also diffused across India. This style of jewelry was larger, and had figures of religious beings on the jewelry.
Later, the Mughal rule diffused Central Asian styles with classical Indian styles to create more lush and extravagant jewelry. For example, the Jadau technique was brought by the Mughals, which was later perfected by artisans in Rajasthan and Gujarat. The technique involves heating pure gold and filling it into a hollow frame. Then, stones are set into particular spaces. After that, using heated gold, one color at a time, the jeweler continues with placing intricate patterns.
The Types of Jewelry
According to Yeh Hai India, these are the traditional pieces you need to account for when getting ready for your wedding.
Head
Maang Teeka & Maang Patti
This is a headpiece worn across the middle parting of one’s head with an intricate pendant draped over the forehead.
Jhoomar
A jhoomar is a piece pulled from Mughal influences, worn on the left side of the forehead. It also represents the emotions not getting too overwhelmed.
Jadanagam
This piece is a hair ornament that is clipped along a long braid of hair. It symbolizes brilliance, power, calm, and peace.
Ear
Jhumkas, Balis and Studs (hoop, drop, dangles)
Earrings are the most important part of any Indian classical outfit. Balis are ring shaped earrings; kanivelis are small pearl shaped earrings worn on the helix of the ear; the sahara chain is a draped earring connecting from the ear lobe to the hair.
Nose
Nose pin / Nose ring
Even if you don’t have a nose piercing, you can hook on an elegant clip on nose ring, too. However, some legends in India say that nose piercings are essential as they promote less pain during childbirth.
Neck
Necklaces are the largest signifying pieces in terms of showing off wealth. The more intricate, the more wealthy you are. From the Rani Haar, a single or multi strand long chained necklace, to the gulbandh, a princess style gold necklace, necklaces signify eternal power, as it is close to the heart.
Hands
Bangles, Kangan/Kadas
Kangans or Kadas are thicker more traditional bangles created of gold or silver, usually worn in Punjab weddings.
Hathphool
Hathphool are bracelets that have a single strand connecting the wrist to the back of the five fingers.
Waist
Kamarbandh/Oddiyum
The waist belt has encrusted gems making it a lavish jewelry piece to wear. The traditional belief is that this is passed down from generation to generation.
Feet
Payal and Toe Ring
Toe rings are often significant for a married women in Hindu culture and many times used in the ceremony as well!
Want to look like a royal bride on your wedding day? Book a virtual styling appointment with Reena to custom select all the elements that will go with your outfit and create that luxe feeling! Contact us here.