How to choose jewellery for a wedding?
Choosing the perfect jewellery for your wedding can be a fun and exciting task. Here are some tips to help you make the best choices:
Consider your dress : The style and neckline of your wedding dress can help you determine the type of jewellery that will best complement it. For instance, if you have a low neckline, you may want to wear a statement necklace or choker. If your dress has a lot of embellishments, you may want to keep your jewellery simple.
Think about your personal style : Your wedding day is a reflection of who you are, so make sure that your jewellery reflects your personal style. If you're a minimalist, consider wearing dainty pieces. If you're more of a maximalist, go for bold, statement pieces.
Co-ordinate with your other accessories : Your jewellery should work in harmony with your other accessories, such as your shoes, handbag, and hair accessories. If you're wearing gold shoes, for example, consider wearing gold jewellery.
Keep the theme in mind : If you're having a specific wedding theme or colour scheme, choose jewellery that complements it. For instance, if you're having a beach wedding, consider wearing jewellery with a nautical or beachy theme.
Don't forget about comfort: Remember that you'll be wearing your jewellery for several hours, so make sure that it's comfortable. Avoid pieces that are too heavy or that irritate your skin.
The Origins and History of Indian wedding jewellery?
Indian wedding jewellery has a rich history that spans thousands of years and is deeply intertwined with cultural and religious traditions. Here's a brief overview of the origins and history of Indian wedding jewellery:
Ancient civilizations :The use of jewellery for adornment and religious purposes dates back to ancient Indian civilizations like the Indus Valley civilization and the Vedic period. Gold, silver, and precious stones like diamonds, rubies, and emeralds were highly valued and used to create elaborate jewellery pieces.
Mughal era : During the Mughal era, which lasted from the 16th to the 19th century, jewellery design reached new heights of sophistication and refinement. Intricate filigree work, enamelling, and gemstone inlay were popular techniques, and jewellery was often worn as a status symbol.
Regional styles : India's diverse regional cultures have their own distinct styles of wedding jewellery. For instance, Kundan jewellery, which originated in Rajasthan, features a setting technique that involves setting uncut diamonds in gold. Temple jewellery, which originated in South India, features intricate designs inspired by temple architecture and is often made with precious stones like rubies and emeralds.
Modern era : Today, Indian wedding jewellery continues to evolve with changing fashion trends and materials. While gold and precious stones remain popular, there's also an increased interest in using alternative materials like pearls, beads, and crystals.
Indian wedding jewellery is often highly symbolic and is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Pieces like mangalsutras, which are a type of necklace worn by married women, and maang tikkas, which are forehead ornaments, are important elements of traditional Indian bridal jewellery.
The Making Process of Wedding Jewellery.
The making process of wedding jewellery can vary depending on the type of jewellery and the materials used, but here's a general overview of the steps involved:
Design : The first step in making wedding jewellery is to come up with a design. This can be done by hand-sketching or using computer-aided design software. The design should take into account the materials, style, and intended use of the jewellery.
Material selection : Once the design is finalised, the next step is to select the materials. This can include metals like gold or silver, precious stones like diamonds or emeralds, or alternative materials like pearls or beads.
Casting : If the jewellery involves a metal like gold or silver, the design is typically cast into the metal using a process called lost-wax casting. This involves creating a mold of the design in wax, which is then melted away as the metal is poured in.
Setting : If the jewellery involves precious stones, the stones are typically set into the metal using prongs or bezels. This involves carefully placing the stone in the metal and securing it in place.
Finishing : Once the jewellery is cast and set, it's time to add the finishing touches. This can include polishing the metal to a high shine, adding surface textures or engravings, or attaching additional embellishments like pearls or beads.
Quality control : Finally, the finished jewellery goes through a quality control process to ensure that it meets the desired standards. This can involve checking for defects, ensuring that the stones are securely set, and making sure that the overall appearance matches the design.
What makes Wedding Jewellery special?
Wedding jewellery is special for several reasons. Here are a few:
Symbolism : Wedding jewellery is often imbued with symbolism that represents the union between two individuals. For instance, wedding rings symbolise eternal love and commitment, while mangalsutras, a type of necklace worn by married women in South Asian cultures, symbolise the bond between husband and wife.
Sentimental value : Wedding jewellery is often passed down from generation to generation, making it a family heirloom with significant sentimental value. Wearing a piece of wedding jewellery can connect a person to their family history and cultural heritage.
Beauty : Wedding jewellery is often designed to be beautiful and unique, with intricate details and high-quality materials. It can enhance the appearance of the bride or groom and make them feel special on their wedding day.
Investment : Wedding jewellery can be a valuable investment, particularly if it's made with high-quality materials like gold, diamonds, or other precious stones. It can hold its value over time and may even appreciate in value.
Traditional significance : In many cultures, wearing specific types of wedding jewellery is a traditional part of the wedding ceremony. For instance, in Indian culture, it's customary for the bride to wear a maang tikka, a type of headpiece, and bangles on her wedding day.
Wedding jewellery is special because it's often infused with symbolism, sentimental value, beauty, investment value, and traditional significance. It's a meaningful part of the wedding ceremony and can serve as a cherished reminder of the special day for years to come.
How to maintain Wedding Jewellery?
Maintaining wedding jewellery is important to keep it looking beautiful and in good condition for years to come. Here are some tips on how to maintain wedding jewellery:
Store it properly : When not wearing your wedding jewellery, store it in a jewellery box or pouch to prevent it from getting scratched or damaged. Keep it in a dry and cool place away from sunlight and humidity.
Clean it regularly : Clean your wedding jewellery regularly to remove dirt, oils, and other debris that can accumulate on the surface. Use a soft brush and mild soap solution to gently clean it. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the metal or stones.
Polish it occasionally : To keep your wedding jewellery shiny and looking like new, polish it occasionally using a polishing cloth or a jewellery polishing machine. This can remove any tarnish or dullness that may have developed over time.
Handle it with care : Be gentle when handling your wedding jewellery, especially when putting it on or taking it off. Avoid wearing it during activities like swimming, gardening, or exercising that can damage it.
Get it serviced : If your wedding jewellery has any damage or loose stones, get it serviced by a professional jeweller. They can repair any damage and tighten any loose stones to prevent them from falling out.
By following these simple maintenance tips, you can keep your wedding jewellery looking beautiful and in good condition for years to come. It's important to take good care of your wedding jewellery as it holds significant sentimental and financial value.