History of Indian Jewellery has inspired modern and contemporary jewellery designers to introduce unique and intricate styles in the modern-day jewelleries. Ornaments in the country have undergone several transformations, under the cultural influence and reign of different dynasties and periods for a period of over 5000 to 8000 years. India is believed to possess one of the most ancient historical legacies of crafting jewelleries, which can be traced back to the era of Ramayana and Mahabharata Jewelleries proved to usher in financial prosperity for India since the abundant quantity of jewel resources permitted India to utilize them as a significant form of exchange and export with foreign countries. The earliest form of jewellery discovered in the Indian continent, are described as ancient jewellery. The ancient jewellery of India includes a large variety of earrings, beads, amulets, seals, amulet cases,necklaces and much more.
The jewellery of India is as varied as the languages and culture spread across the country. Maharashtra is famous for its rich heritage and culture, from this traditionarises our Top must have traditional Jewellery for every Maharashtrian woman which will enhance their beauty further. P N Gadgil and Sons is the name that comes to mind immediately when we talk about Traditional Maharashtrian jewellery. With a legacy of more than six generations, they are one of the most Trusted and reputed name in the country. For an Indian woman, Gold Sacred, its indestructible, it’s a beautiful and its her treasure. In the Indian
Culture gold is synonymous to Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. Yellow Glittery metal (Gold) is one of the India’s biggest expenses on its Import bill. India's Gold imports stands at approx. 800-900 tonnes annually. Today gold is looked upon as .Equivalent of Liquid cash (Can you forget the #Demonetization Rush to Buy Gold in November 2016 ?). It’s a status symbol. Good Investment option (Gold has traditionally given +ve appreciation year after year.) Great Gift item ( Can a Hindu Marriage happen without a Gold Ornament (mangalsutra) A married happen women Look is not complete without Paithani, Green Bangles, Chandra shaped bindi, Mangalsutra, Gold Bangles, Chandra shaped bindi, Mangalsutra, Gold Bangles, Nath (Nose-pin), Ear-rings and Necklace at the bare minimum . We bring to you some of the most loved and in true sense traditional Maharashtrian jewellery types in a series blogs.
Traditionally, the jewellery worn by a Maharashtrian bride is handed down from generations - from her grandmother to her mother and down to her. It therefore carries a lot of meaning, but it also means that each piece tells a personal story of the family's wealth, success, religion, and values. Each piece also tends to be a valuable item that the bride will prize and save for her daughter or daughter-in-law.
Amchi Mumbai has so many things to offer . There is fashion, Bollywood ,bhel puri, vada pav, dreams and vision beaches and local train but what cant be missed out is the jewellery worn by the gorgeous maharashtrian brides.
But when u learn about the traditional maharashtrian jewellery names you will fall in love
The major Maharashtrian jewelry items consist of:
1. Thushi
Thushi necklaces are thick chains of closely-placed golden balls held together by a leather strand or piece of rope.
2. Kolhapuri Thushi
A traditional Maharashtrian thushi necklace that is influenced from the traditional styles of Kolhapur, in southwest Maharashtra. The necklace is known for its lightweight feel, which is useful considering the bride is wearing quite a lot of gold jewelry on her wedding day. A Kolhapur thushi will always have a leather dora (string) to tie the golden balls of the necklace together.
3. Champakali haar
A flower-themed choker necklace that sits at the base of the bride's neck. It is made of gold beads closely strung together. The beads are pointed to resemble a flower's petals, and they can be embellished with metal, glass, or precious stones to reflect red, orange, and other bright colors that one might find on a flower.
4. Toda
A bride usually wears at least one set of gold toda bangles on her wrists. These bangles are thick gold bands that can be engraved with patterns and motifs - although Maharashtrian bangles tend to be simpler in design.
5. Putli Haar
A longer necklace, the putli haar, is a gold chain that hangs at least a foot below the bride's neck. These beads or discs often contain religious motifs of Laxmi or the goddess Sita, who was an avatar of Laxmi - the goddess of wealth. The heavy gold structure of the necklace represents wealth and fortune for the bride and her groom.
6. Surya Haar
Similar to a champakali haar, this tight, gold choker necklace is made to resemble the sun's (surya's) rays instead of a floral garland. The beads are very closely tied together, and the pointed, triangular beads all face outward to resemble the warming rays of the sun. Colored jewels can also adorn the necklace. A bride will usually wear only one type of choker necklace for her wedding ceremony.
7. Challa keyring
A colorful, jewelled pendant that is hung from the bride's saree at the waist. The challa is made of gold-plated copper and adorned with diamonds or other jewels. These elements are arranged in a singular design - often a common motif such as peacocks, flowers, or paisley.
8. Ambada
The ambada is a golden pin with pearls and jewels that is pinned at the top of the bride's bun for her wedding ceremony. Maharashtrian brides generally tie their hair in a tight bun at the back of their heads and arrange a string of white flowers, generally jasmines, around the bun. The ambadais a jewelled embellishment that adds to the bride's hairdo.
9. Dholki
A dholki necklace is made with rounded pearls that can vary in color from white, yellow, and red. The pearls are arranged in a single strand, often with other decorative beads or center stones for embellishment. These necklaces are shorter in length and can be worn with other necklaces during the wedding ceremonies.
10. Moti kaan
Moti kaan literally translates to "big earrings" in Marathi. Brides will wear heavy, gold earrings that are embellished with colorful jewels and pearls. The earrings will generally be large studs as opposed to dangling earrings, but this practice has evolved in modern times. Kaan earrings in particular refer to the use of pearls in the jewelry.
11. Nath
A nath is typical Maharashtrian nosepin adorned with pearls and jewels. The unique dangling shape of the nath makes it a standout piece that the bride usually wears throughout the ceremony. It even comes in clip-ons, which some brides opt to wear to avoid getting a nose piercing.
12. Bormaal
This long, beaded necklace is made with wax beads covered in gold plating. The beads will be of a consistent shape and size - generally rounded. The entire ensemble is held together by a brown or red string. The necklace is one of the longer pieces that a bride will wear, as it can hang as low as mid-way to her waist.
13. Jodvi
Jodvi or tow-rings, always in silver, are gifted by the mother-in-law and signify the bride’s entry in the new household. These are a must for every Maharashtrian bride.
Even though the designs have evolved and changed over the years, the meaning and importance of the mangasultra have not changed. It literally means mangal (holy) and sutra (thread). The black beads string end with two golden cups, each standing for the parents’ and the in-laws’ home. It literally means that the bride’s new home and her parents’ home are tied together in a delicate thread. Each golden cup is filled with haldi and kumkum before the husband ties it around the bride’s neck.
15. VAAKI
Vaaki or armlet is an essential for the Maharashtrian bride. Ideally worn one on each arm, many brides these days wear just one vaaki. A traditional design is in flat, solid gold with precious stones in the center.
16. Chooda
Maharashtrian bridal chooda is very different than the red chooda. It has glass bangles in green, a symbol of fertility, new life and creativity. It is customary to wear these in odd numbers, and in different numbers in both hands. For example, 11 in one and 13 in the other or 13 and 17, and so on. Solid gold bangles called patlya and carved gold kadas called tode are worn along with the green glass bangles.
The bride wears the chooda amidst much celebration after the mehendi. The patlya and tode, often gifted by the groom’s family, depict the financial status of the family. Solid, heavy gold rather than intricate carvings are usually preferred.
17. Kolhapuri Saaz
As the name suggests, this ornament is originally from the city of Kolhapur in Maharashtra. This necklace is suggestive of the woman’s marital status and is gifted by the groom’s family. In many Maharashtrian communities, a Kolhapuri saaz is as important as the mangalsutra, and many women in rural Maharashtra still wear it every day. It consists of gold beads (Jav mani), gold elements of leaves, petals etc., and a round pendant with a red stone in the centre, woven in a gold wire.Traditionally, this necklace included 21 separate design elements, of which 10 are a reflection of Lord Vishnu’s avatars, 8 are auspicious patterns or ashtamangal, and two are ruby and emeralds. The last piece is the taviz to protect from evil.
18. Tanmani
This is an absolute must for a Maharashtrian bride. It is a choker with 3-4 pearl lines that sit firmly onto it. The off-white pearls are accompanied by a few coloured pearls just to add to the beauty of the neck-piece. This essentially comes with a resham string that holds it and can be adjusted at the back of the neck to tighten or loosen it.
19. Mundavalya
This is a unisex ornament, worn by the bride as well as the groom. It is basically a string (sometimes two) of pearls, tied horizontally across the forehead from the temple. There are two more pearl lines that drop from either side of the forehead to the shoulders, beautifully framing the face. The mundavalya are tied after the bride is ready to walk to the mandap.
21. Chandan Haar
Chandan haar is a traditional and more elaborate from of regular gold chain. It consist of a row 3 or 4 chains attached together in a form of a necklace.
This popular traditional choker is a combination of Kirti Mukh and Matsya Print . The Kirti Mukh protects the wearer from negative vibrations and the matsya print signifies and enhances purity of thought.
Mohan mala is a long necklace made from several layers of gold beads chain strings and ending a sun pendant. The number of gold bead strings can vary from 2 to 12.
24. Belpan Vjratik
Bilva-patra (leaf of bel tree) is sacred leaf having sacrificial importance in worship of Lord Shiva. Leaves of this sacred tree are generally trifoliate and are symbolic of trikal. Belpan Vjratik necklace is inspired by nature from this belache pan (bel leaf) motif.
25. Bugadi
Bugadi is the jewellery ornament which is worn on helix part of the ear. This beautiful ear ornament is mainly worn by Maharashtrian as well Northern women. Maharashtrian Bugadi is usually designed with pearls but now in modern times, there is lots of fancy diamond and oxidized bugadi available in beautiful designs.
