Notes

Indian Traditional Jewelry

Intro: India and jewelry, jewelry and Indian women - the terms are linked inherently. At the time of wedding as well as numerous other occasions, a woman is gifted jewelry by her parents and relatives. Although the gift is meant to give her security in contingency, ornamentation is an obvious purpose. All the cities across the length and width of India have shops of jewelers - some traditional and some modern jewelers, catering to the need of all kinds. Not that the affluent class people wear ornaments, there are low cost jewelry items in ample, which cater the demand of low income group as well.

India houses various kinds of jewelry arts, ranging from Meenakari and Kundan to stone and bead work. The craft of cutting and polishing precious and semi-precious stones and giving them glamorous face is something artistic. Emeralds, rubies, garnets, amethysts, corals, sapphires, and turquoises are among the stones which are used for the enhancement of gold and silver jewelry. Gold jewelry is the most popular among South Indian women. In southern part of India, gold is considered auspicious and a status symbol. Talking about the art on gold jewelry, Kundan is something that comes into our mind.

Silver jewelry is not far behind in popularity, particularly because of its affordability, making it popular among low income group people. Jhumka, hansli, chokar, nath and bracelets made of silver are quite popular among women in India. In short, the range of jewelry in India is wide as well as varied. Be it gold, silver of diamond, you will find everything in the country.

India is home to several languages, religions, and different types of Jewellery that vary from North to South and East to West. Towards the eastern part of India, in the region of West Bengal, exists an antique culture of Bengali Jewellery, that has been regularly reformed over the years as per the trends. It is a symbol of a glorious addition in the age-old community of Bengalis, who are most dominant in West Bengal.

Ethnic and religious functions of the country require women and men to dress up in Indian wear and wear jewellery to further enhance this look. Jewellery helps realize the status and prestige of a person and is a great styling option that has been used for several centuries.



West Bengal, as a state has always prided themselves for their sophisticated culture, in terms of art, literature, lifestyle, profession, and attire. Weddings are one of the most important occasions in one’s life. Bengali women on this special day adorn themselves with traditional Bengali bridal jewellery that adds paramount able grace and sophistication to the look.

Gold Jewellery especially, is most predominantly used in the Bengali traditions. There are several types of gold Bengali Jewellery that are used:

West Bengal is blessed with a rich cultural heritage that reflects in its traditions, dresses, jewellery, cuisine, art, cinema, music and especially its literature. It has a cultural legacy enriched with the traditional techniques of stitching, weaving and embroidery.

This rich heritage is the common legacy of both present-day West Bengal and Bangladesh.

Here’s everything you need to know about the traditional dress of west bengal and Jewellery of Bengali women.