Indian jewellery sets are more than just ornaments – they're expressive, blending aesthetics, history, and tradition.
Each set tells its own tale, drawing from the diverse Indian landscape.
Offering designs from Kundan to Polki and materials ranging from gold to semi-precious stones, they accommodate varied tastes and styles.
Whether for a wedding, a festive occasion or a simple gathering, Indian jewellery sets are always a fascinating choice.
A Jaunt Through the Charm of Indian Jewellery Sets
The Spectrum of Designs
When it comes to Indian jewellery sets, the diversity in designs is as vast as the Indian subcontinent itself. Each piece mirrors the cultural, aesthetic and historic grandeur of different Indian regions:
- Kundan jewellery, with its elaborate stonework, originated from the royal courts of Rajasthan.
- Polki pieces display uncut diamonds set in gold, a style favoured by Mughal nobility.
- Temple jewellery, enriched with religious motifs, originally adorned idols in South Indian temples.
- Meenakari work features colourful enamel painted onto the surface of the metal.
- Jadau designs boast gems embedded into molten gold, a technique brought by Mughals.
- Thewa displays intricate gold work set against vibrant glass, a craft from Rajasthan.
- Navaratna highlights the ‘nine gems', symbolising the cosmic energies in Hindu astrology.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg, and countless other styles await your exploration. The sheer range of designs ensures there's an Indian jewellery set to suit every aesthetic and occasion.
The Blend of Materials
Choosing the right material for your Indian jewellery set can add a fresh and unique look to your attire:
- Gold: Traditionally, Indian jewellery is synonymous with gold, a symbol of wealth and prosperity.
- Silver: Silver, too, is widely used, often with a gold plating for an affordable alternative to pure gold pieces.
- Copper and Brass: These metals offer a more economical choice and are frequently used in costume jewellery.
- Precious and Semi-Precious Stones: Rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds often bedazzle Indian jewellery sets.
- Pearls: From the southern coasts of India, pearls lend a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Cracking the Styles
The choice of style often depends on the occasion and your personal taste:
- Choker Sets: Chokers sit snugly around the neck and come in various designs, from minimalist to heavily embellished.
- Long Haar Sets: These are longer necklaces, often worn in layers and perfect for grand occasions.
- Pendant Sets: A simple and elegant option, ideal for a sophisticated, understated look.
- Bridal Sets: These are usually opulent, featuring necklaces, earrings, maang tikka, and sometimes armlets and waistbands.
There's no rule that dictates only one type of style for any given event. Let your personality shine and experiment!
A Rendezvous with Symbols and Motifs
The aesthetic appeal of Indian jewellery is intertwined with profound symbolic and spiritual meaning. Some common motifs you may find include:
- Peacock: Representing beauty and grace.
- Lotus: Symbolising spiritual enlightenment and purity.
- Elephant: An emblem of good luck and prosperity.
- Mango: Denoting fertility.
- Sun: Standing for energy and life.
The Indian Jewellery Set – A Matter of Co-ordination
Matching With Attire
The beauty of an Indian jewellery set can be amplified when thoughtfully paired with your ensemble:
- Contrast: Match your jewellery with the secondary colours in your outfit. If your dress is predominantly green, pick a set with red stones.
- Harmony: Alternatively, you can choose a set that matches the primary colours in your attire.
- Co-ordinating Pieces: The components of an Indian jewellery set often include a necklace, earrings, and sometimes a tikka. Here are some tips:
- Neckline Matters: Consider the neckline of your attire. A round necklace fits perfectly with a round neckline, while a V-shaped necklace suits a V-neck outfit.
- Earring Length: If you're wearing a high neck or collared outfit, opt for longer, dangling earrings. For a lower neckline, studs or smaller earrings could work better.
Considering your Physique
Jewellery can accentuate your features if chosen correctly:
- Face Shape: Longer earrings suit round faces, while round earrings complement oval or long faces. Choker necklaces are best suited to long necks and oval faces, whereas longer necklaces can help round faces appear longer.
- Height and Build: If you are petite, delicate, minimalist designs will complement your frame. On the other hand, if you are tall and have a larger build, bold, statement pieces would look stunning.
And the Beat Goes On… The Lifecycle of Indian Jewellery Trends
Historical Influence
Indian jewellery has a rich history dating back millennia, and today’s designs often borrow from historical periods:
- Ancient India: Designs from this era feature nature-inspired motifs like flowers, leaves, and birds.
- Mughal Era: Mughal-influenced jewellery showcases intricate patterns, precious gemstones, and a distinct symmetry.
Contemporary Adaptations
In recent years, Indian jewellery has evolved to meet global and modern fashion trends:
- Minimalism: Delicate and minimalist designs are increasingly popular, catering to everyday wear and fusion attire.
- Mix and Match: There's a growing trend of blending different styles, such as combining a Kundan necklace with Polki earrings.