Glittering, Colorful, Circular Metal or Glass Bands that raise spirit of India

Bangles are traditional pieces of jewelry made to adorn wrists of all ages of women in Indian subcontinent and supposed to bring god fortune and prosperity. Creativity and excellence woven together to design this highly desirable jewelry pieces which are loved by all: those wearing it and fascinated onlookers. Bangles are tinkling, glittering riot of colors that mesmerizes Indian subcontinent.

Bangles are token of happy and radiant lives. Bangles come in all different colors and textures and might made up of metal, glass, plastic and lac (molten resin) embellished with mirror, beads, thread and sequin work to enhance its beauty.

History of Bangles

Bangles were excavated from Mohenjo- Daro site near Indus River and supposed to exist nearly 5000 years ago. It is considered to be the first mention of Bangles made and used as jewelry.

It is used as tradition after marriage by brides and supposed to bring good luck, prosperity and are part of symbolism and identity of married women. Red and Golden bangles signify vitality, energy and prosperity while green ones indicate auspiciousness and purity.

Other beautiful colors and groups of mix and match of colors and styles are fashion symbols. Copper, Brass and Bronze bangles are quite common. Precious metals as gold and silver are also used extensively and has a wide range of cost and value. Bangles studded with Pearls and Diamonds, Ruby, Jade and other precious gems also sell like hot cakes.

Regional Styles in Bangles

Each regional state has a different style of Bangles and they are the specialty of that region. Visitors often go for all varieties and hence accumulate all kinds of bangles in long run. This taste and attraction for bangles is passed through one generation to next.

Firozabad in India , 200 Km away from capital New Delhi, is hub for small scale glass bangle industries. Most of the people in the town are involved in bangle making, packing, transportation to other states of India and exports.

Lac bangle making is traditional art of Jaipur city in Rajasthan, India. It is remarkable handicraft famous all over India and exported internationally.

Varanasi, Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh, India are also large scale producer of Bangles.

Women in other Asian countries besides India as Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are also fond of these traditional ornaments and jewelry pieces.

Traditions and Faith

Tradition continues! Babies are also adorned with black and silver beaded bangles to ward off evil spirits (Drishti or Nazar). Small girls are also very fond of bangles. May be fascinated by their shine, colors and tinkles. Or may be they want to copy their elders in tradition and fashion.

Elderly women match the colors of bangles with their clothing and are very particular about it. They also have fixed the colors and designs for each season and occasion and festivities.

I also have large collection of bangles and bracelets of all kinds and cost gathered over a period of time. Still fascinated every time I pass through a bangle shop. Their shine, colors, artistry compels me to end up buying new collection for myself and my near and dear ones.