Indian jewelry, like all other crafts of the nation, is inherently rooted in its spiritual depths. At one level, the ornamentation of the body is symbolic of an inner adorning that presupposes a certain amount of purity and cleanliness.
Indian scriptures are clear in stating that a woman should always keep herself well adorned, it being necessary for the well-being of the whole house.
The grammar of ornament has always been well developed in India and there is a piece of jewel for nearly every part of the body.
In total sixteen such ornaments have been delineated, starting from the head with the forehead ornament known as mang-tika and ending at the feet with the anklet and toe-ring. Collectively this group of jewelry is known as solah-shringar.
Traditionally, Indian jewelry has always consisted of motifs rich in symbolism. These include vegetative motifs taken from nature like banana buds or sensual Champa flowers.
These all are symbols of fertility. Other icons include the sun and moon and arrowheads etc, the latter acting as protective amulets.
Indeed, the primary function of ancient Indian jewelry was essentially amuletic and even to this day, any piece of jewelry in India is believed to be endowed with the ‘power’ of the entity it symbolizes.
For example, an Indian ornament marked with the name of a particular god or goddess is said to be imbued with the protective power of that deity.
Towards this end on this website, you will find several pieces of jewelry made auspicious with the images of powerful gods like Lord Krishna, Shiva and Ganesha, and Goddess Lakshmi, Durga, etc.
India is home to the best, most refined tradition of male jewelry in all the world. Similarly, jewellery with certain stones are said to be endowed with mystical quality and are used as a protection against evil forces.
The navaratna or nine gems, each sacred to a planet, are worn in a particular order for the same reason to this day. The maniratna, called the serpent stone, was used as a talisman to protect the wearer.
Rudraksha and Tulsi seeds and sandalwood beads are worn even today during Hindu worship.
Indian jewelry does not just give you a mesmerizing look but is also beneficial to our health. For instance, certain pieces of jewelry worn in particular regions of our body stimulate acupressure points.
This also helps in the activation of blood circulation. For example, wearing a ring in the ring finger activates a blood vessel that connects to the heart. It is also believed that toe rings help in soothing period cramps for females.
Similarly, Mathapatti worn on the forehead, Nath worn on the left nostril, etc. also helps in calming your mind and maintaining energy flow in your body.
Jewelry can also function in other utilitarian ways, in the form of a clothing fastener, clasp, pin, or buckle. The fibula-style pin has been in use throughout ancient cultures and works as a safety pin.
In particular, much of the jewelry for men serves a utilitarian function. In India, it is normal and even expected for men to wear jewelry. Gold is used to express the vitality and status of males.
You can also find them wearing neckties, cufflinks, or an overcoat brooch which is deemed to be useful than decorative. And while many Indian men do not wear rings to show that they are married, they do often wear rings to express astrological symbols, religious beliefs, and simply to look good.
The most contemporary and amusing usage of jewelry is an ingenious pendant that also functions as a refillable sanitiser and fragrance pod.
The preferred material for Indian jewelry has always been gold and silver. Gemstones believed to have mystical properties too have been popular with Indian jewelers.
Sanskrit literature is replete with references to both precious and semi-precious stones including the vajra (diamond), Manaka (ruby), market (emerald), and pravala (coral).
These stones are also considered to have astrological significance in our lives. For instance, The Black Onyx gemstone is said to be associated with the planet Saturn.
It is a soothing stone and is good for wearing, especially during times of emotional turmoil. It is known to help release negativity, as well as to guard the wearer against the ‘evil eye’.
Emerald gemstone represents the small yet powerful planet Mercury (Budh). It is believed that wearing an emerald stone benefits the individual by providing good health, wisdom, prosperity, creative skills, and blissful marital life.
Amethyst is one of the most popular "healing stones”. It promotes serenity and calm. Labradorite helps in boosting creativity and connecting with higher consciousness.
The rainbow moonstone holds within it the deep-seated nature of feminine energy. It is a stone that enhances your feelings and encourages fervent desires, eager expectations, and heartfelt resolve.
Turquoise is considered a pure stone. It helps the wearer in overcoming inhibitions. It gives clarity, precision and expression to the inner thoughts of its wearer. Hence, it saves the wearer from mishaps and violence while also reducing mental stress.
Men often wear rings according to Ayurveda, using specific gems and precious metals to balance their spiritual and physical energy and bring about wellness. This is usually figured out by balancing between hot and cold.
While gold is hot, silver is cold, and all the many gems have their influence as well. This can be a great benefit to the wearer, giving him confidence in his ability to take on the world.
You can enjoy the height of male fashion with our jewelry selection for men. Here you can buy online from the internet’s largest collection of Indian jewelry. Covered here are the entire range of ornaments – anklets, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, pendants, and rings.
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