Traditional Bengali Jewellery ( 106 )

Here are all the reasons to back your liking and obsession for the jewellery that is made in West Bengal. Gold, precious stones, brass, zinc, etc. are heavily used to create the typical jewellery in West Bengal. Bengalis love their gold which is why it is the most popular metal to be used in jewellery. The modern twists in the design of jewellery can also have precious diamonds and some exclusive gemstones too. But what all does the jewellery of this place reflect in its craft? The literature, food, the city, dance, architecture, drama, culture, and so on.
The cultural ethnicity of this place is very well maintained and here are some of the statement jewels to be really obsessing over:
1. Pati Haar - A necklace most women in West Bengal like to wear during Durga Pujo, or other important events is the Pati Haar. This is made of gold and some intricate and interesting designs are made which require perfect skills for a smith to have. Despite the necklace having such an intricate design, no woman feels uncomfortable wearing it on separate occasions.
2. Jhumko - In other words, Jhumkis are called Jhumkos in West Bengal. The typical design of a Jhumka is retained and this is made of gold. These chandelier style earrings have undergone a change to suit the westernized tastes of women of today.
3. Nath - A statement nose ring is an exclusive choice of a bride to wear on her wedding day. It is not a compulsory ritual to do so though! It is important to note that in aristocratic families, the size of the Nath defines the status of the bride's family.
4. Tikli - It is the head ornament that is similar to a Matha Patti. This is again traditionally made of gold and has detailed carvings over the pendant that sits on the temple of a bride plus even on the chain along with the pendant that can be attached to the hair. Expensive Tiklis may also have gemstones studded in them.
5. Choker - This is easy to understand that a Choker is a close-necked neckpiece which a bride wears. Women can be seen opting for Gold Chokers with diamonds and rubies and emeralds in them these days.
6. Kaan - A word that says this ornament is for none other than the human ears. The Kaan Phool similarity holding ornament like this one is an elaborate piece of jewellery worn by brides and women who can afford to own such a jewellery. A minimum of 15 gms is the weight of each Kaan jewellery.
7. Kaan Bala - No, this is not for the ears but for the wrists. The Kaan Balas are the most famous kind of bangles design that is really chunky. These gold bangles are worn by those who are really rich.
8. Chur - The traditional gold bracelet of West Bengal, women like wearing these on different occasions. Sometimes, a single bangle may have 50 gms of gold used to make it.
9. Shakha Pola - A Bengali staple of jewellery worn by married women is the Shakha Pola, which are red and white bangles made with conch shells. The design may or may not have gold designs over the conch.