Indian bridal jewelry grabs everyone’s attention with the visual appeal of its intricate designs. However; the actual beauty of the jewelry pieces lies much deeper and is considered a blend of spiritual and cultural essences for the most auspicious and beautiful occasion of a woman’s life. A bride of any country remains incomplete without the exquisite touch of some jewelry pieces which gives her entire get up a majestic look. Bridal jewelry is of such a great significance as it not only enhances the beauty of the bride’s attire, but also takes her beauty to another level. The makeup of an Indian bride is considered to be incomplete without her solah shringar which consists of all the jewelry pieces considered essential to be adorned by a bride.
Bridal jewellery is often inspired by traditional crafts coming from the royal courts that have fascinated brides since aeons. While some might prefer stones and colours, others might go for the intricate gold designs. The actual beauty of these jewellery pieces lies in its intricate detailing and the cutwork design. Indian jewellery is famous all over the world for its splendour and mastery of designs and even people of other countries love to adorn it on their special occasions because no one can so to wearing these exquisite pieces.
In India, bridal jewelry has a special value and a bride’s look depends a lot on the kind of jewelry worn by her. Due to its special intricate designs and availability in a wide variety, Indian jewelry is famous all over the world and even people of other countries love to adorn it on their special occasions. Nowadays, fancy jewelry pieces made of colorful metals have gained more popularity than the jewels made by using any single metal like gold or silver. Some of the most popular metals used for making bridal jewelry include platinum, gold and silver. However, nowadays keeping in view the variety in demand and people’s love for colorful designs with sparking effect, techniques like kundan, lac, jadau have also come in vogue and widely used for making bridal jewelry pieces in all parts of India.
Kundan gold jewellery
Kundan means refined gold. This popular jewellery art from the Mughal era has its roots in Rajasthan and Delhi, with elaborate glass stone designs, held together with molten, often pure gold in chunky and heavy settings. The style is used as a casing for semi-precious and precious gemstones too – like emeralds, sapphires and rubies. With a stunning piece such as this you’re set to rain on everyone else’s parade by looking so desirable.
Polki gold jewellery
Polki jewellery is quite similar to Kundan jewellery, but way more expensive, as it is all about casing uncut natural diamonds in traditional patterns. This jewellery type draws inspiration from traditional Mughal art too and was popular among the courts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Polki jewellery is perfect for women who are unafraid to test run vivid patterns. You can also go for some vivid colour combinations when buying your bridal jewellery. You can mix and match diamonds with sapphires, a string of rubies or emeralds.
Meenakari gold jewellery
Meenakari is the art of enameling metal surfaces with various natural motifs like peacocks, leaves, flowers or animals. This Rajasthani art was initially used in Mughal architecture. It was also used as a perfect finishing for flamboyant Kundan and Polki jewellery.
However, the style originates from Persian art. While the original word ‘minoo’ is masculine in Persian, it means heaven and the artwork refers to the azure colour. The art form was invented by Iranian craftsmen of Sasanied. Later, the Mongols brought it to India and beyond. Meenakari jewellery is perfect to pair up with Mehndi outfits. Since they are so colourful and vibrant you can flaunt these tiny baubles anywhere.
The art of enamelled jewellery has developed in all of these regional centres into distinct styles and techniques. In Lucknow, ‘Meenakars’ prefer blue and green enamelling on silver. Varanasi seems to prefer the dusky rose-pink or Gulabi Meena. There are craftsmen in Kangra, Bhawalpur and Kashmir too. It’s also found in Jaipur and Delhi.
Lac jewellery
Lac or lacquer jewellery also finds its roots in Rajasthan. This is made from the thick waxy resin from the female lac species, making them as natural an item of bridal jewellery, as possible. They mostly come in shades of red. Lacquer is perhaps the most popular with young women as it looks very colourful and exotic. As lac work can only be done on a wooden base, the craftsman needs to be skilled on that. You can also use lacquer jewellery pieces as a return gift for your female wedding guests. They come in exotic colours and designs and you won’t be able to stop yourself from wearing them to multiple events. Lac jewellery originated as a tribal wear in most of these places, though later, Lac bridal jewellery from Gujarat and Rajasthan as the addition of semi-precious stones too. Gujarat is also known for lacquered bracelets (chiefly from Ahmedabad and Surat).
Classic gold jewellery
Classic Gold jewellery will never go out of style for weddings. From the bride’s mom or the bride, herself, a classic gold jewellery set works wonders to accentuate the overall look. This has been more popular in the southern parts of India, especially in Tamil Nadu. The deities were traditionally decorated with gold ornaments. Get unique designs to make the pure gold stand out. Actor Vidya Balan went for the temple look on her wedding with gold jewellery. These classical gold jewellery styles range from temple jewellery in Kannadiga, Tamil Nadu and Andhra weddings to Bengali and Rajasthani traditions.
