Indian Accessories

The 5-meter long sari and Indian woman cannot be separated from each other. Every region in India has saris of its own texture and designs and an Indian woman collects most of them to wear on very special occasions like religious festivals, weddings etc. Here is an account of some of the best saris in India.

Banaras Saris: Banaras, a holy town in Uttar Pradesh State is very famous for its wedding silk saris that decorate an Indian bride’s trousseau. These saris have a characteristic embroidery work that shows similarity with Mughal designs like intricate intertwining floral and foliate motifs, algae and bel. Another special feature is Jhallr, a string of upright leaves on the outer edge of the border. And also Banaras saris are well-known for their heavy gold and silver works. The skilled weavers can change the style of these saris to suit each regional market and also the fast changing trends. The other Banarasi saris such as e Jamvar, Navrangi (nine colors), and Jamdani are also popular.
Chanderi Saris originated in Madhya Pradesh state are light silk or fine cotton saris, very suitable to summer. They often borrow patterns from the Chanderi temples for their embroidery work. These are distinguished with soft colors and the perfect matching of the body and border of the sari. On certain occasions you can these saris in contrasting colors depicting the figures of animal or human on them.

Kanjeewaram Silk Sari: Kanjeevaram, a town in Tamil Nadu State in South India produces the world famous bridal saris that have a tradition of 150 years untouched by any fashion trends. This beautiful silk fabric is made more attractive by weaving gold dipped silver thread into it. Kanjeevaram saris are very expensive since the silk used to weave these are heavy, but are durable. Peacock and parrot are the usual motifs decorating the saris.

Maheswari Saris are available in cotton or silk and the common colors are green and purple. The specialty of this sari is its elaborate patterns and border embellished with exotic motifs done in zari inspired by nature.
Patola Silk Saris are famous for its zari work and elaborate pallus and borders dazzlingly adorned with motifs in warm colors. A handful of master weavers from Patan and Surat make these silks, also famous for its architectural designs, Heer Bharat. The zari has a gentle patina since it is woven in a twill weave. These saris might be decorated with embroidery work using mirrors and beads. Patola saris without zari could be worn on informal occasions.

Some other best Indian saris are Pashmina silk, Kota silk, Mysore crepe, Pochampallis, Puttapakshi, Baluchari, Konrad, and gadwall saris.

India has a very prominent place among the oldest and persistent countries for producing glittering jewelry around the world. Mixed with tradition and latest fashion Indian jewelry attracts the whole world with a desire of owning at least one sparkling and pricey designed jewel in the life time.

The types of Indian jewelry are plenty and you will wonder when you know that from hair to toe each part of female body can be decorated with an ornament. Each kind of jewelry has its own style and the full credit of this style goes to the various Indian tribes that designed them initially. The stones like coral, sugilite, charoite and gaspeite are mostly used in Indian jewelry. To know the historical facts of Indian jewelry is fascinating and any human being will be mesmerized to the different kinds of Indian jewelry with just a look.
Sub- continent India has a longest strongest continuous legacy of jewelry making around the world. We have confirmed evidences to show that people belonging to the Indus Valley civilization around 1,500 BC had started creating gold earrings and necklaces, bead and metallic necklaces. Another peculiar feature connected with this civilization is that these ancient people did not bury the jewelry with the dead whereas many other cultures followed that custom. Although diamonds were first mined in India, reliable evidences are there to show that they used precious gems in the jewelry even before that.
India can boast of a large variety of body jewelry, like nose rings, earrings, bracelets, crowns, rings, anklets, chokers, amulets and necklace. A craftsman or goldsmith has to follow certain rigid rules while making the jewelry such as the temperature has to be kept at low as the heat could harm the gold threading, they have to concentrate on each piece at a time etc. That is why the jewels need such a long time to get finished and the cause for the long wait. The wait is worth, at the same time very expensive too.
Ornaments made out of the yellow metal, gold, continues to be the leader in Indian jewelry. Recent years have seen silver as well as platinum emerging as strong contenders. Low- priced jewelry produced out of materials like wood, plastic, glass, aluminum etc is also gaining popularity in India. You can see a spurt in the demand for designer jewelry too. These days pastel colors are doing very well in the wedding market. Moreover, people have become experimental that has led to new designs. There is a great demand for fashion and fusion jewelry too. The rage is detachable jewelry that can be put to multiple uses. Add an element to it, it becomes an evening wear, take something out and it is ready for an official gathering.

Indian Jewelry is very special and unique characterized by its elegant simplicity and superb craftsmanship. Each part of India produces particular types of jewelry out of different metals and each exhibits its own splendor and charm.

The northernmost state Kashmir brings out rings, chokers, bracelets and earrings made out of blackened silver and polished brass and embedded with semi-precious stones. Tiger stone, coral, turquoise and jade in stained pink, amber and green are also available and these reflect the beauty of the sunset, flowers and trees of the Kashmir Valley. Elephant tusks were mainly imported from East Africa to be carved into marvelous earrings, necklaces and bangles.
Rajasthan State offers brightly colored, light and delicately chased lacquer bangles that bring a dash of colors from their rainbow hues. Also available are bangles having small beads and mirrors studded in the lacquer, which shine and sparkle with every turn of the wrist. Menakari, a form of gold jewelry from Rajasthan is studded with precious gemstones that are later enameled with gold. Magnificent Kundan jewelry is yet another famous art from Rajasthan. Kundan, a semi precious opaque crystal is shaped individually and then soldered and inserted into a dazzling stone.
We get a variety of silver articles from Indian coastal areas such as heavy pieces of silver jewels from Maharashtra and dainty filigree in leaf, star and flower patterns from Orissa. Delhi’s heavy silver bracelets, necklaces, rings and lockets with delicately carved traditional patterns like the paisley leaf, the lotus, the almond, and the mango are in great demand. Andhra Pradesh produces very popular cuff-links, buttons, and earrings of silver embedded in oxidized black metal.
The best Terracotta jewelry found in West Bengal is made from clay with engraved designs. Splendid necklaces, rings, bracelets, anklets, pendants, bangles, and other trinkets are made out of terracotta for women. West Bengal is also famous for Navaratna jewelry, a necklace of nine gems. The nine stones strung together are considered to bring wealth and prosperity to wearer and it protects from various diseases and danger.
South Indian states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu offer temple jewelry made of 22-karat gold and studded with precious stones. In southern India you get ethnic jewelry like Mangamalai, Khasumalai and Mullaimottumalai made of pure gold. The word manga means mango and malai, chain. Thus Mangamalai is a gold chain having small shaped mangoes joined together. In the same way Khasu means coins and Mullaimottu, jasmine buds. Hyderabad is famous for necklaces, bracelets, earrings, bangles and other ornaments studded with various colored pearls.

Gemstones are used at a large scale in the production of various fascinating jewelry items since they are considered as captivating and elegant piece that can be fixed prudently in jewelry.

It is also believed that most of the gemstones possess certain religious as well as medicinal values. The most interesting fact about gemstones is that each calendar month is associated with a specific gemstone, known as the birthstone of the month. Several silver gemstone jewelry are fashioned and marketed on the basis of these beliefs.
Here you get a glimpse of some of the famous gemstones used in silver gemstone jewelry and their importance.
Garnet is the birthstone of January and this very pretty stone represents fidelity and commitment.
Amethyst is considered as the birthstone of February. Silver jewelry embedded with Amethyst is very special to wear often because this gemstone associated with piety, spirituality, and its power to restore tranquility.
Aquamarine, another powerful gemstone, is believed to have the ability to help digestion and bring relief to people who depend upon drugs for their ailments. Aquamarine, the birthstone of March is believed to have the power to lessen anger and remove unwanted thoughts.
Diamond, the brilliant gemstone, is the birthstone of April. This gem is popularly considered as a girl’s dearest friend’ and as being ‘forever’. The diamonds represent eternal love and beauty and are associated with reliability and longevity. Indians prefer to wear gold or silver rings studded with diamonds on their fingers for these benefits.
Jewelry made of gorgeous gemstone Emerald, the birthstone of May, is believed to bring wisdom, growth and patience.
The birthstone of June, Pearl, is elegant and a symbol of purity and refinement.
Gemstone jewelry, decorated with Ruby, is very popular with the belief that if worn on the left hand, it will bring good luck. This is the birthstone of July.
Peridot is the birthstone of August. There is a belief that this gem has the power to ward off evil and can cure asthma. Silver as well as other metal ornaments set with Peridot gemstone represent fame and strength.
Sapphire, the birthstone of September, is a symbol of sincerity and faithfulness and is believed that it has the power to remove envy and restore fidelity.
The pretty gemstone Opal is the birthstone of October and is supposed to be the symbol of confidence and faithfulness.
Jewelry adorned with Citrine is worn by people to enhance self-confidence and creativity. It is believed that this birthstone of November can remove toxins from the body.
Turquoise is beautiful and is the birthstone of the last month December. This is considered as a holy gemstone because the jewelry set with this gemstone is supposed to promote mental and spiritual clarity. Moreover this is a good luck charm.

From primitive ages men and women used to adorn themselves with beautiful handmade ornaments with the materials available to make trinkets embellished with stones, bones, and other organic material they got easily. As they make improvements in tools, discover new better metals and stones and grow in skills, today they create more versatile and intricately designed jewelry, one best example being Silver Gemstone Jewelry.
Silver Jewelry
The metal silver is used in the production of various types of jewelry, chunky and bold pieces and also delicate and elegant ornaments. Silver jewelry is normally gold plated and also often embossed and engraved. Beautiful and intricate designs, sometimes, are crafted in separate silver pieces and then joined to bring out enchanting jewelry. When silver jewelry is embellished with attractive gemstones it becomes Silver Gemstone Jewelry. These gemstones help the purely silver trinket to enhance its beauty by lending their vibrant colors and cheer.
A gemstone is always valued with its beauty of cut, color and capacity to refract light. Based on these properties these have been classified into precious (cardinal) and semi-precious gemstones. So the cost of silver gemstone jewelry, naturally, depends on the type and value of the gemstone used to decorate it.
Though around 130 minerals are cut into gems and nearly 50 of these are used in gemstone jewelry and for various other purposes only the diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald and amethyst are considered as the most precious traditional gemstones. Modern gem has included certain organic materials too, such as pearl, ivory, coral, bone, amber, ammolite, jet etc…etc…
Silver gemstone jewelry is very popular among people of all ages and all countries. People wear these ornaments casually as well as on all formal occasions. No wonder, silver earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, brooches, anklets, rings and other ornaments embellished with the charming gemstones are so loved and every one is too crazy to possess at least one of these.
Everyone has a desire to own a gemstone due to its various intrinsic qualities. To make the gemstone jewelry more beautiful and attractive they are given various finishes, to name some rustic, antique, hammered, polished etc. Gemstone jewelry is largely considered as a dedicated art since it requires tremendous skills and craftsmanship. Gemstones could be used in a traditional style with a modern contemporary twist making it more wearable and thus enhancing one’s personality more and more.

Nose ring is a very popular piece of jewelry worn by a hole pierced in the nose. It has been originated in the countries of the Middle East several centuries back. India started the practice of wearing nose rings during the 16th century. Nose rings are mainly connected with the Hindu religion although Muslim ladies and children wear nose rings called ‘nathunis.’
Nose rings began to get popularity in India during the Mughal rule. At that time it was just like a small ornamental pattern depicting a very small flower having a slender stem inserted into the left nostril and a screw inside held it firmly. Usually gold or diamond nose rings are made in the form of a tiny ball or a small flat disc. Sometimes instead of the ball a small stone like a diamond, ruby or any other tiny gem is used. The nose rings come in various styles and colors to match with the clothes. Nose rings and pins not only add grace and charm but also accentuate the nose of the woman.
The type of nose ring is determined by the part of the nose to be worn. Stud rings are ideal to decorate the nostril. A circular barbell is very suitable for the region of septum whereas a straight barbell can decorate the bridge of the nose between the eyes. The nostril rings are sometimes heavy due to the presence of pearl and precious or semi-precious stones. Then the rings are supported by fine chains that are attached to the hair above the ear. The `Bulak` in Madhya Pradesh, is a fine example of this type of nostril ring.
Metals like stainless steel, 14/18 carat gold, nickel, titanium or niobium are normally used to make nose rings. Be careful, nickel rings might cause allergic reactions to some people in and around the area of the ring. If gems are used to decorate the rings see that they are fitted to the rings firmly.
According to the Indian traditional custom Hindu married women should wear a stud or a nose ring by piercing their nose on one or on both sides. There are also nose rings that can be clipped onto the side of the nostrils. Even magnetic jewelry is there to simulate a stud piercing.
Nose rings are available in several shapes, sizes and designs, from very small jewel studs to thick barbells and plugs. These rings started to gain popularity in America and other industrialized Western countries by the end of the 20th century, particularly in punk and youth culture. Though there is a ban for this jewelry in schools and businesses in the United States nose rings are steadily becoming more acceptable, especially in urban areas.

The people of Gujarat state in India are very much noted for their business skills. Broach, an ancient Gujarat port situated on the Cambay Gulf, was an important bisector of the business route to China, Greece,’ Portugal and Persia. Broach played a significant role in the trade and movement of Mughal jewelry, gold, silver, ivory, pearl, textiles, gemstones and coral to these foreign countries. This advantage helped Broach gradually develop as a hub for stone cutters, artisans and carvers for nearly thousand years. Even today you can see a sizeable diamond cutting factories in some Gujarati cities like Surat, Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar and Navasari. These small scale cutting houses have around 800,000 employees to cut and polish 80—90% of world’s whole diamond production.
As a gesture of gratitude to tribal jewelry and accessories many Gujarati ladies wear key-ring holder an their waist usually made of silver. Jewelry like mangal sutra (a chain tied around the neck by the husband on the wedding day), earrings, necklace, rings and bangles are also very popular among Gujarati women.
Modern jewelry designers have revived the age-old popular tribal jewelry, known as Pachchikam, mostly crafted in Kutch and Gujarat and made this one of the latest fashion statements. The artistic tribal jewelry Pachchikam is slowly replacing gold jewelries. The craftsmen in Gujarat and Kutch prepare this form of jewelry buy cutting semi-precious stones. Some sort of glasswork also is needed in the preparation. Only the few families, who have attained specialization in this type of artwork through their ancestors, can do the fabrication of this jewelry. In the normal course each piece requires 1-2 months to prepare due to the typical climatic constraints.
Other type of traditional jewelry made in Gujarat out of agate, bead and silver are very famous as the exquisite tribal jewelry. Ornaments like ear rings, bangles, nose rings, necklaces etc. are crafted locally and sold out all over the state. Silver-bars are locally procured and later transformed into sheets and wires from which various enchanting silver ornaments are made.
Bhuj, Anjar and Mundra in Kutch district are the main hub of silver jewelry work and Porbandar, Surendranagar, Ahmedabad and Jamnagar in Gujarat also bears a long tradition of supplying excellent silversmiths, who show great skill in creating stunning silver jewelry,. As Tribal Jewelry is a part of Gujarat’s traditional jewelry this work is still done with great care and in styles centuries after centuries using beads, zari, lac etc and this age old tribal ornaments are in great demand among women.

In its long history India has produced a large variety of traditional dresses; some are in the national level while others are in the state levels. Kurta/kurti, the evergreen Indian costume, comes in the first category and also is a traditional wear of countries like Pakistan, Bangla Desh and Afghanistan. Kurta is the name for the male wear and Kurti, the female name. Kurti is a long lose fitted shirt that reaches just above or below the knees. Kurta is normally worn over salwar, jeans or trousers. A versatile garment like this is suitable for both formal and informal occasions.

The original traditional Kurti consists of rectangular fabric pieces with some gusset inserts and is usually very simple and plain; only certain forms come in decorative patterns. The sleeves are also very simple and plain and fall straight to the wrist without narrowing and are not cuffed. But you can see certain kurtas with embroidery and decorative works. The Kurti has its side seams left open for 10-12 inches so that the wearer can move about freely.

Almost all kurtis have front opening, often a hemmed slit in the fabric either tied or buttoned at the top, though certain types might feature plackets instead, with or without buttons at shoulder seam. You can see the opening centered on the chest in most of the kurtis while in other cases it is little away from the center. The traditional kurits do not feature a collar whereas some designs are seen with stand up collars called “Mandarin collars”

Kurti is an ideal dress for both hot summers and chilly winters. Summer wear kurtis are made of thin silk and cotton fabrics while thicker fabrics like wool or khadi silk, a thick coarse hand spun and woven silk mixed with other fabrics, is used for making winter wears.

The modern version is available in almost all fabrics, various designs and patterns. The designs might be simple and plain or moderately to richly decorated to satisfy a wide variety fashion tastes of the people and to suit the various occasions. Embroidery is the most common decorative work done on the kurtis. Especially several light summer kurtis come in chikan embroidery around the hem and front opening. The embroidery work is usually done on light semi-transparent textures with matching threads. This Kurti is a blend of traditional looks and subtle nuances of modernity.

The ultra-modern kurtis for women are short, just touching the waist, with short sleeves or without sleeves and come in various enchanting color combinations, designs and vibrant colors. These kurtis, worn over churidars, jeans, parallels or capris, look extremely magnificent and fit for any casual or formal wear.

The women in Haryana state, India, wear a traditional costume termed as Daman-Kurti-Chunder. While daman and chunder represent lehenga and dupatta respectively the kurti is a shirt-like blouse in white color. This decent daman-kurti-chunder costume beautifies the Haryana girls with its rich outlook.

Lehenga-Choli, the traditional Indian dress after going through many variations has attained today’s ultra modern forms symbolizing the preference of modern Indian women. This lehenga has made its entry into the everyday life of women. In the place of rich embroidered ones present women love to wear ordinary, affordable lehengas that give a feeling of comfort and could conveniently be worn with a tee or a choli. They use a stylish stole to cover it and wear an accessory that fits to the contemporary fashion and style

This traditional attire worn by Indian women resembles a gypsy skirt with a voluminous flare at the bottom. It is a waist to ankle costume accompanied by a choli designed to be mid-riff bearing- The choli is usually short-sleeved with a low neck and cling to the body tightly. Now this type of choli is donned by many western women, mostly by belly dancers as a part of their costume.

At present lahenga-choli is worn everyday by women in parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat states in India. However this beautiful outfit displays maximum grace and femininity of a woman. This dress is favored by all Indian women as a perfect wedding dress, a party wear or an occasional wear. Lehenga-choli is a fine perfect representation of the rich Indian traditional styles and its graceful appeal has captured the attention of International fashion designers who have very cleverly added latest tones and cuts to this sophisticated outfit. Dupatta, a long wide veil, is another accessory worn along with Lehenga-choli.

The combination of lehenga-choli is preferred by most of the Indian brides as it makes a complete part of their wedding trousseau. The lehenga-choli looks so gorgeous with heavy intricate embroidery works in zari or gold threads. Various other embellishments like fancy appliqués, mirror works, sparkling motifs or gems enhance the beauty of the outfit. Though the most favored color of the bridal lehanga is maroon or red more vibrant colors or color combinations are available plenty. The dupatta also is similarly embellished to highlight the dress. The borders of the dupatta are more ornate to match the borders/patterns of the whole ensemble.

The occasional or party wear lehengas, though exquisitely designed, are not as ornate as the wedding ones. These party wear lehengas are available in a lot of colors and fabrics, having intricate embroidery and other decorative elements. The modern evolved versions feature slender cuts and perfect drapes to accentuate its attractive looks. Ordinary simple lehengas in printed, plain or moderately decorated designs and are at low prices also found in the markets for lighter occasions.

Fully realizing the growing popularly of lehengas in the international markets the fashion designers very often introduce new color combinations, designs, cuts and motifs to make them more modern and appealing. Now it is possible to buy any type of lehenga from any part of the world by placing orders online.

“Variety is the spice of life”.

Indian Ghagra/Lehenga- choli consists of a long skirt, lehenga, having flair towards the bottom resembling a flowing robe. Starting from the waist it touches the ankle. The top of the lehenga is a short or long- length Indian blouse called choli. Along with these is a dupatta, a long rectangular piece of cloth that is draped over the head or around the neck to cover the front upper portion. Both ghagra/lehenga and choli are tailored exquisitely in matching colors and beautiful designs made in expensive materials like tusser, silk, crepe, georgette etc. The dupatta also enhances the look of the wearer with its matching shade, fabulous designs and embellishments.

In fact one lehenga choli differs from another in the distribution of designs and patterns. The designs of the costume vary according to the concept of the designer or the manufacturer and also to the demands of the consumers.

Usually the lehenga choli is adorned with various types of embroidery works such as mirror, art, kundan embroidery, colorful beads, enchanting zardozi embroidery and zari work. Zardozi, zari is the Indian name for it, is an embroidery work using gold and silver threads usually practiced in Persia. A proper blend of tradition with modern techniques can produce a lehenga in shot- colors, a base consisting of two different colors, one intermingling with the other. Again you can view the wonderful intermingling display of zardozi and boota works. This is the latest innovation created in lehenga-choli by the modern dress-designers. As time continues its journey human tastes also take new forms. Now days women are more concerned about the simple, yet the perfect mixing and matching of colors and the attractive looks of the drapery.

Sparkling expensive accessories like gold, kundan or gem-studded ornaments highlight the beauty of the lehengas. In a majestic looking ghagra/lehenga-choli a bride looks like a beautiful queen on her wedding day. The ornate look of this pretty costume is preferred as bridal dress among the brides in most of the communities in India. The gorgeous outfit is also suitable for various religious functions, and other special ceremonies. Lehenga-choli is used as a daily wear among the Banjara, the traditional Indian tribe, the beautiful women of Rajasthan and the young girls and women in North Indian villages.

In South India little and teen girls wear a long lehenga-like skirt known as Pavada or lenga. In parts of North India girls wear this long majestic attire called ghagra/lehenga while celebrating weddings. In the East, lehenga is termed as “mekla”, their traditional wear, available in eye-catching designs. The cost of a lehenga depends on the texture used. It may be anything between $7.5 and $750 or even more. Today’s brides wear glittering bridal lehengas ranging $3000-5000 or above.