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ORNAMENTS
Indian woman are very
fond of ornaments. Indian ornaments, have a variety of design and style, both
traditional and modern. Each area in India has a particular style of design
which is quite distinct from the others. Some of them are traditional symbols.
Small and simple ornaments are used as casual wear. Heavy ornaments are used
for occasions.
NOSE RING
It is a traditional custom
for Hindu married women to wear a stud or a nose ring. Women pierce their nose
either on one side or on both sides. Gold or silver studs embedded with
stones of different sizes and shapes are worn. Small rings instead of studs
are also used. The nose ring is considered as a symbol of marriage. Nowadays
it is also worn by unmarried girls.
Ear
ring
It is a 
common custom among Indians, to pierce the ears of a baby girl few months after
her birth. Women wear different types of studs and hangings. These days
women pierce their ears on the lobe and ornament themselves very attractively.
On the occasion of marriage, very big hangings are used by brides. Ear rings
of various metals like gold, silver, white and black
metal are used. A thin chain attached to the ear studs with the other end pinned
to the hair is called 'Maatty'.
There are few other ornaments
used by women occasionally. On the wedding day, apart from the usual jewels,
a big golden waist chain (Odyanam) is worn. It is worn around the waist and
at times only on the left waist. It keeps the sari intact besides being an ornament.
A thin chain worn on the center part of the head with a drop in front is called
'Chutti'. An ornament called 'Vangi' 
is worn on both hands above the elbow. These ornaments are also used by
dancers during performances.
BANGLES
India has a large range
of arm ornaments. Bangles are popular among women. It is mad e
of gold, silver, glass and many other materials. In some parts of India, women
wear glass bangles of different colours which match their dress. Jaipur,
in Rajasthan is a big centre for lac bangles. They are worn on auspicious occasions
as a sign of good omen. A pair of shell and red coral bangles are worn by Bengali
women as a symbol of marriage.
ANKLET (PAAYAL)
Anklet is worn on the ankle
of both legs. There are few clinging beads attached to it. As the woman walk
the clinging sound of the anklet is heard. It is generally made of silver.
Nowadays gold is also used.
TOE RING
Toe rings are small rings
worn on the toes. Wearing toe rings is a custom among some Hindu communities.
It is usually made of silver. During the wedding ceremony the bridegroom put
the toe ring on the brides toes. In North India toe rings are as important
as a 'thali' (symbol of marriage). But nowadays it has become a fashion and
is worn even by women of other communities.
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