Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Lightning Strikes Once!









A fiery opal ring!
Opal,  since early Roman times,  was regarded as one of the most treasured gems until the 19th century,  when Sir Walter Scott's novel "Ann of Geierstein" associated this fiery stone with an unfortunate heroine.  The story's heroine,  accused of being a demon,  died shortly after her opal lost all its color when sprinkled with holy water.  As the book became more popular,  superstition also increased and opal became associated with bad luck.


But this was just superstition and not fact!  Queen Victoria helped dispel the curse on opal by giving opal jewelry to relatives as wedding gifts.  Also,  in 1877 a remarkable find of Black Opal in an area of New South Wales (Australia) called Lightning Ridge,  revived the opal market.  These Australian opal literally took the world by storm!  Even today,  there are no other sources producing opals as fine as those from Lightning Ridge.


Opal - a rainbow frozen in stone.
Since Black Opal is far rarer than White Opal,  it commands much higher prices.  These two varieties of opal (white and black) are found in different rock formations;  Black opal is typically found in nodules,  whereas White Opal is found in seams.  Two mines in Australia,  "Coober Pedy"  and  "Andamooka"  account for 75% of the world's supply of white opal.


But what makes an opal black or white?  Black Opal is so called by virtue of its dark background color - black, gray, blue or green - with vivid flashes of pure spectral hues.  White Opal has a light background with flashes of colors that are more pastel.


There are some basics to opal beauty.  First and foremost is the base color, also known as the  "potch".  The darker the potch,  the more intense the play of color,  a direct result of contrast between the color play and background.  A second factor to consider is Hue Mixture.  The purity,  distribution,  and number of different hues displayed in an opal greatly affect value.  Naturally,  the more varied and pure the colors,  the more lively the stone and hence the more valuable.


Finally,  connoisseurs consider Color Pattern.  One of the most favored patterns,  called Harlequin or Mosaic,  features well-defined geometric patches of color in both symmetrical and asymmetrical designs.  Other distinguished patterns include Flash Opal which displays broad well-defined flashes of color that change as the stone moves,  much like the prisms seen in a turning Kaleidoscope.  If the colors in a Flash Opal are predominantly red,  orange and yellow,  then the stone is referred to as a Flame Opal.

Pinfire Opal is a term used to describe stones with pointillistic dots of color.  As the dots get smaller and less vivid,  the value decreases.  Peacock Opal is a name reserved for opals displaying predominantly blue,  green and violet flashes of color.  What causes these magnificent patterns of color in opal?






A striking opal and diamond ring.
Opal is composed primarily of silica and some water molecules.  The phenomenon Play-of-Color is the result of light diffraction on these silica and water spheres.  The size and number of these molecules as well as the ratio of silica to water determine the intensity,  number and distribution of colors portrayed.

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Gold Jewelry as a Fashion Accessory

A real woman always wears some gold on her. Is it really a stupid fancy that men, and especially women, have on gold?

Gold and diamonds have always captured the fancy of man. Remember the Gold Rush? The metal has been known since ancient times and was the standard of money until recently. No jewelry is perhaps complete without some gold in it. Its yellow, mellow material is not actually that attention grabbing. Nor is it the most precious. Still, it is the king of metals.

Why is gold jewelry always so much in demand and always so alluring? The actual metal in its purity is never used as it is too soft and wears down easily. Some mixture of copper and other metals is used to blend with gold to be made into wearable items.

Heavy use of gold is common in some Asian countries where it is the staple of all jewelry. Gold plating of other metals is also a common practice, though the shine is lost quickly and needs to be recoated.

Diamonds, platinum, and other precious stones can be easily combined with gold to design exquisite jewelry items - rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, headgear, neck chains, accessories, studs, and other wearable items.

Every fashion conscious woman knows the importance of wearing the right jewelry to match the dress. It need not be fanciful, or exuberant. Just a thin necklace, a small ear stud, or a ring does the trick.

Designer jewelry customized to your occasion can bring you the added qualities of combining gold into your jewelry.

Gift Jewelry to Woo Her

Vibrant colors, elegant designs and meaningful symbols on jewelries can bring smile on the charming face of the person you care most. Whether it is a simple chain necklace or a diamond studded precious ring, you are bound to impress your counterpart with the selection of the jewelry. Italian jewelers, who are respected as the trendsetters in jewelry making business, can guide you well through the selection process. However, if you are well acquainted with her demands, then the task becomes easier and your shedding of sweats becomes fruitful. Women always share a unique bond with jewelry, irrespective of the monetary factor deeply associated with it. You can tighten up the bond by presenting them with the trendy set of jewelries, which they would love to get themselves adorned with. Finger rings can be the best gift that you can give to your loving one. You can exchange your feelings for each other by gifting heart shaped pendants or simply hearts of gold encircling the neckline. These romantic pieces can surely speak volumes about you and your love. There are various types of romantic jewelries with loads of meaning hidden in them. You can go in for any of them and make the best selection.

Choosing a romantic jewelry for your girlfriend should be full of fun and excitement. Semi-precious and inexpensive fashion jewelries attract most of the women today. These jewelries are among the best gifts that you can ever present them with. If you have an eye for jewelries or a sense of uniqueness, then go for any of the fashion jewelries that are offered by many shops at bulks. Select the right one out and walk away with the best jewelry on offer. The heart shape in jewelries is classic and can be presented in numerous ways. The designers mould metals and other attractive materials in making some of the exquisite pieces of romantic jewelries. Diamond studded in heart shaped pendants or earrings are always preferred. Two golden hearts overlapping each other when encircles a sapphire or ruby, the combination looks stunning. When your girlfriend is feeling blue and you are hunting for something to cheer her, then ceramic necklaces with vibrant colors can create an unimaginable magic. If fact, if you are planning to propose the girl next door, then the purple ceramic earrings with the combination of wood can also make your proposal successful. You can also try out your luck with the amazing collections from Vivace.

When the Cupid arrow has already pierced her heart, then you have to think about the ravishing collection that can bring her closer to you this valentine. Even if it is your 25th marriage anniversary then these fashionable jewelries can bring back the spark, which you have left years behind. When love is in the air and your heart is beating faster for your sweetheart then make her realize the fact with the amazing collection of ceramic, wood and bamboo jewelries presented by Vivace. Cupid jewelries help in bringing back the passion and adding glory to your life. Love life doesn’t move smoothly always and you might get slowed down with the mundane life. The lost luster can be revived with brilliantly decorated and elegantly presented pearl sets or shell jewelries. Romantic jewelries that have the names of your fiancée engraved in them or few verses of love embossed can bring both of you closer to each other. Cupid shaped pendant with its arrow facing towards her heart can be romantic enough to make others believe how passionate you are about her.

The Italian designers have always been fascinated by the brilliant look of the Hawaiian flowers. Inspired by those flowers, the designers can also create awesome designs on silver or on gold. If you are hunting for inexpensive jewelries you can be sure that by making the cheaper materials as the base unparalleled designs can be created. Colors definitely have a deeper association with the love and passion. If you go in for gold and silver jewelries, then there is not much scope to select colors. But in case of the fashion jewelries that are made of inexpensive materials like earth, seashell, coral and ceramic, you can get a wide scope to select the color of love. Stones of various colors – both semi-precious and precious – can be used to carry the message of your love to your sweetheart. Crystals signify clear and romantic relationship. When woven with utter care crystals can create the magic, which is absent in any other forms of jewelries. A suitable collection of crystal bracelets and necklaces can be enough to woo your girl. The love messages that are written on the bracelets can signify many things but would obviously boil down to the one and only thing and that is the love that is nesting in your heart for her.

She can also be surprised with elegant multi-chain earrings with arrows or necklaces with two heart shaped pendants crossing each other. If you can recollect the day when you met her first, then you can also celebrate it with marvelously molded and contemporarily presented jewelries. Stones are of great use since the metaphysical properties of love are explained in a better way through it. So this time when you plan to give something exclusive to your loving one and there is no better idea coming into your mind, ensure moving straight the jewelers’ shop and pick one fashionable jewelry set for her. This would be the most suitable gift that you can give her and you will also feel that she is much closer to your heart. Even if your budget is low, the designs of these fashion jewelries are enough to make your honey the cynosure of any event she moves into.

Personalized Jewelry is a Perfect Mothers Day Gift

Many people spend a lot of time thinking and trying to figure out what to get their mothers for Mothers Day. Every year should be different, and many of them are tired from the usual jewelry, flowers, or Mothers Day Brunches. While those presents are nice, some take weeks to plan or buy.

For example, with jewelry, it takes a long time to decide on a jewelry piece for Mom. It has to be something nice that she is going to wear, and it has to be something that you haven’t bought for her in the last 30 or 40 years.

With flowers the problem is usually with same old, same old. How many years in a row have you bought Mom roses for Mothers Day? If you decide on the flowers, again, at least try to be different this year and get her carnations.

And what about Mothers Day Brunch? How old is this idea? And, if this is what you would like to do for Mothers Day, you need to decide to do this in February and get restaurant reservations immediately. Restaurants get filled up for Mothers Day Brunches months in advance, so if you decide to take Mom to brunch a week before Mothers Day, you are out of luck. You will not be able to get reservations.

A great Mothers Day gift idea, that is often overlooked, is personalized jewelry. Personalized jewelry can be very beautiful and very frugal at the same time. Even if you do not have that much money to spend on the Mothers Day gift, you can still afford a very beautiful personalized jewelry piece for your Mother. This is because personalized jewelry is made from different metals, and some of these metals cost much less then gold. And, since personalized jewelry has a lot of sentimental value, it is not as important that that it is not made of gold.

Personalized jewelry, as the name implies, is a very personalized gift. When Mom receives this gift, she will know that you put some thought into it – you did not just got to the store and buy the first thing that you saw there.

Personalized jewelry is very beautiful, especially if it is made with birthstones. There are two different types of personalized jewelry you can buy for your Mother for Mothers Day – with birthstones or with your Mother’s name on it.

We recommend the birthstone jewelry for Mothers Day gifts, and we recommend getting a piece of jewelry in which you can include her children’s birthstones. This will make the piece of jewelry that you give her a very memorable gift and an heirloom.

If you are looking for a perfect Mothers Day gift, don’t look further than personalized jewelry. It is an unusual Mothers Day gift, that your Mother will love!

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Understanding Celtic Wedding Rings

Thousands of years ago, the Celts, groups of independent tribes spread throughout much of current day Europe, were sophisticated artisans, carving knot work patterns that have inspired modern day jewelers to create wedding rings.

Understanding these knot patterns and why they make such ideal wedding rings can be illusive. Many ancient motifs are rooted in mysterious cultures that stretch back well before written history. Some knot work motifs found in Eastern Europe may be as old as 20,000 years. We know the Celts viewed that the Earth itself as well as all aspects of life and death as divine. They had a large and varied pantheon, of gods. The natural world was considered sacred, and every river, mountain and tree had its own spirit of place.

Knot work, which has become synonymous with today's idea of "Celtic" was undoubtedly a form of sacred, artistic expression. Some of the most famous designs were preserved in highly embellished, illuminated manuscripts, such as the Book of Kells which survived the Viking invasions. For some people, the choice to have a Celtic wedding ring is an expression of their wish to connect deeply into their own ancestry. They feel empathy with a European based tribal tradition that treats the Earth as Mother. It's also easy to fall in love with soulful Celtic music and poetry. Others simply want the one piece of jewelry that they wear every day to have a beautiful design with significance.

Whether one has Celtic heritage or not, a Celtic motif wedding ring is appropriate because it has universal, symbolic meaning. In the most general sense, the knots express two different paths woven together. Life itself can be viewed as a great web of interconnectedness, which is expressed in the knot work. Even our own spiritual path, metaphorically, can be viewed as a tapestry of interconnected experiences. The Celtic wedding ring is a talisman, which reminds us, in physical form, of our mystic connection with another person and the great web of life.

Many Celtic merchants will label a particular design as "Friendship" or "Unity" but often there's not any real basis for these labels. These facile tags shortchange the person interested in the ring by giving a concept instead of assisting them to understand the deeper meaning behind the design.

It's also easy enough to say that the ring is about how all things are interconnected, but this is so general that it doesn't help explain why we may be attracted to the sacred geometry of one ring over another.

To do this, you can contemplate the various components that make up the knot work and try to determine how they are functioning. For example, consider the circle. We speak of a circle of friends and live in circular cycles, such as the day and the season. Native cultures throughout the world hold ceremonies in protective circles. A knot work pattern with circles or variations of circles certainly has some important keys to relationships and community. In the broadest sense, the ring itself is a circle, and putting it on has also always been symbolic of sealing a commitment.

A square knot motif concerns structure, which is why buildings use the shape of a square foundation. Squares certainly have an element of stability. Numbers were a significant part Celtic lore, and the number five represented the four directions and the center point.

Many Celtic rings also deal with vectors that travel in a certain direction. If you look at the shape of an arrow, it's easy to understand why a triangle might connote movement. Another common Celtic motif is the knot work depicting a trinity. Many Celtic deities had three forms. The Mother Goddess was understood to the maiden, mother and crone. The universe was viewed as heaven, earth and otherworld. We are born, we live and we die. Certainly the trinity knot also illustrates the One being dividing off into the masculine and feminine, or the mother and son--a mystical truth contemplated in many sacred traditions.

Though modern jewelry techniques allow a greater range of possibilities than the Celts had during the time of the Romans, finding an exceptional Celtic wedding ring at a local jewelry store may not be possible. The best place to search is on the Internet, which has the widest selection.

Today you can find rings made with platinum, or white and yellow gold accented with diamonds. Some of the most beautiful rings are bi-metal, where the knots are one color, such as white gold, while the rim of the ring might be yellow gold. There is a wide range of class and price.

Your wedding ring is a once in a life time purchase that you will live with every day. It must be aesthetically beautiful.

The knot work on the rings should be well executed. It should have some meaning that makes sense for you which should be explained on the website.

The best jewelry designers offer engagement ring sets, along with the option of having a wider band for the gent and a narrower of the same knot work motif for the lady.

You'll want it comfort fit, which means that the band tapers slightly toward the center, making it easy to wear.

Since it is very likely within the course of a marriage that you'll gain or lose twenty pounds, it is most advantageous to choose a ring with a sizing band.

The company you choose should have a record of creditability backed up by customer service, guaranteeing their product. Give them a call and see if they are worthy of doing business with. A track record of timely delivery is also essential. It's not uncommon for a ring from outside the US to be held up by Customs, for example.

Finally, the most important thing is to trust your feelings.

The rings should be unique and resonate with your own profound, sacred connection and commitment to your beloved.

Choosing Jewellery For Women

When you are buying jewellery for a woman it normally means that the person is special to you (sister, mother, lover, wife or whatever) and that you might be going to spend quite a large sum of money. Because buying something so personal is never easy we have put some thoughts together on things you should take into account before making the final choice.

You are making a statement of affection to someone by giving them jewellery. It does not have to be an exclusive or expensive gift as focusing on the cost is a recipe for disaster. Also what can you realistically afford? If you try to be flash and she knows you don't really have the cash, once she has got over the shock of how much you have spent she will still won't wear it if she doesn't like it!

So once you have set your budget there are a few basics to take into account:
Does she have any allergies (eg: does gold or silver bring her out in a rash?) if in doubt opt for platinum which is hypoallergenic.
What jewellery has she already got lots of? A girl only needs so many diamonds or pearls – and she might prefer coloured gemstones such as emeralds, rubies or sapphires for a change.
Does she really want costume jewellery? Don't buy her something from Theo Fennell or Butler and Wilson if she really wants you to put a diamond ring on her finger.
Is she the sort of lady who would prefer something with a bit of tradition behind it? For example the three stone or trinity ring symbolises the past, present and future of a relationship, an eternity ring is what is says it is and a diamond horseshoe or wishbone symbolise good luck.
What style of jewellery does she wear? Is it contemporary with bold styling or does she prefer the vintage or classic look? The best indication of her taste is the jewellery she wears all the time because these are the pieces she feels most comfortable with.
Buy jewellery which fits her actual size, not the size you think she is. If she has a short neck she will probably prefer stud or huggy earrings to the long chandelier design; a short neck needs a necklace or pendant that will complement it and not be too tight – remember “choker” is not the literal meaning! Think of the shape of her fingers when buying rings: does she have slim delicate fingers or small square hands? You can get her ring size by tracing around the inside of one of her current rings and measuring this on a ring sizer guide. This has an enormous impact on whether you buy an elaborate, modern or plain ring – although a diamond solitaire looks good on any finger!
An elongated diamond like a marquise or oval cut can make short fingers look sleeker--but be careful not to overdo the look or it could have the opposite effect.
A setting that's extremely delicate could get lost on large hands, over-emphasizing their size and making the ring look smaller.
How will the jewellery fit in with her lifestyle? Does she work in a profession where fussy jewellery would look out of place? A pointed gem with high prong setting could snag clothing (and people) and is harder to keep clean. Save that type of jewellery for gifts that will be worn on special occasions and not every day.
Is it for a special occasion? Eternity rings are usually given to mark the birth of a child and various named gemstones are accepted as birthstones and anniversary gifts.
If you are buying pearls take her colouring into account as rose/pink pearls suit pale complexions and blonde hair; off white and cream pearls bring out the tones in dark skin and brunettes and unflattering tones of greens and browns should be avoided.
Anything with diamonds should be purchased with the 4C's in mind – cut, clarity, carat and colour.

Whatever your final choice, the most important thing is that she feels you have given it some thought, got the right size and made a real effort in selecting the piece of jewellery. So don't blow it on the presentation, every women loves to receive a gift that is beautifully wrapped with some ribbon and bows and give it to her properly and confidently without muttering that she “can change it if she doesn't like it” or “a woman at work has got one just the same and I thought it looked nice on her!”.

Leave her in no doubt that you chose the jewellery yourself and are giving it because you want her to know how much you care about her or love her.

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Sacred Geometry in our Lives

Referring to sacred geometry, we may define it as a belief according to which some of the fundamental forms of space and time, beginning with the most minuscule fragments in nature, embody spiritual values of their own. A second use of the term is that related to the ancient conviction concerning the significance of the geometry used in the configuration of religious architecture and in that of sacred art in general.

According to its first meaning, sacred geometry entails the assumption that in nature there are certain structures which follow geometrical archetypes - independently of their dimensions - and which serve as examples concerning the unavoidable connection between the part and the whole. As a consequence, contemplating the basic patterns of existence equalizes with contemplating the origins of all things, revealed this very way. This is also the reason why sacred geometry considers those basic patterns as sacred. By studying them one may attain precious information, esoteric knowledge we might say, thus experiencing and becoming aware of the most profound laws of the Universe.
There is an unavoidable analogy between every single natural pattern and at least one geometrical shape.

In what the second meaning is concerned, sacred geometry refers to a various range of universal aspects one may discover by means of geometry and mathematical relations derived from it. As a result, the sacred geometry constitutes the basis of reality and that of mathematics. Numbers represent the language of reality, but visible shapes are the ones to generate all the laws of physics. The final goal is proportioning spaces according to the geometry of nature. Following this principle, the sacred geometry had an important influence over the construction of churches and temples during the history.

Sacred geometry reflects the move of the Spirit through the void, being some kind of a guide of the steps needed to reach the three-dimensional world. The five Platonic solids (tetrahedron, hexahedron, octahedron, dodecahedron and icosahedron) represent the basis of the material world; they are ideal and fundamental models having numerous forms of occurrence in the mineral world. These traditional geometric forms are actually attributed to sacred geometry. The ancient Greeks, for instance, used to associate each of the Platonic solids with a distinctive meaning, having the function of a symbol, as the numbers they represented also did, but even with a stronger emotional impact in this case; thus their use differed depending on the future purpose of every building.

Even nowadays geometrical shapes are considered as important symbols of different truths or spiritual beliefs. As an example, the circle is considered to be the symbol of the Universe, of unity, eternity and balance. So, sacred geometry also reveals itself through various kinds of talismans, objects that are believed to bring good luck. Wearing jewelry with the shape of a certain geometric symbol is many times viewed as having supernatural powers, protecting the owner or giving him capacities or powers like inner peace, courage, esteem, self balance… Talismans are always appreciated not only for their exterior beautiful aspect, as in the case of jewelry, but especially due to their positive energy and healing qualities.

Monday, February 5, 2007

Deck Up your Tresses With the Finest Hair Accessories

The face had its share of pampering; the arms and legs had it too. It's time now for the lovely tresses to be a little cosseted, a little fancied up. And with the exquisite line of hair accessories in the stores these days, you could not have more to do for your locks. The Rapunzels of the world are in for a good time if they are planning to add value to their falling hair cascades. Good news is that this fantastic range of hair decorations can be worn by women with short hair as well.

Hair accessories are many and varied, with items ranging from wood to vintage Swarovski crystals. And there is a hair accessory item for every occasionbe it a wedding you want to dazzle in or dinner parties to make heads turn or some casual get-together you want to make memorable. There is a diverse line of accessories tailor-made for all occasionthere are gorgeous barrettes, bobby pins, circlets, hair claws to chic bun slides and ponytail holders, from elegant clamps and forks to classy headbands and more.

The latest and quite fashionable addition to all these is, perhaps, the swish hair sticks. It's quite an age-old tradition to hold up the hair with sticks. Now the fashion is back in a new flavor. The best part is that these hair sticks go with a casual everyday bun just as much as they go with dressy updos fit for proms and parties. Some hair sticks are ornate, being fitted with stunning jewels, crystals, art glass, gemstones and beads; and some are trendy and simple, made from wood and natural bone. The wood hair sticks are usually carved from rosewood, palm, ebony or bayong. These look especially smart and swank when it comes to everyday wear and casual occasions. And there is yet another flavor to hair sticksthe tribal flavor! Like most tribal jewelry, these tribal design hair sticks are ethnic and sometimes admirably detailed. You can do your hair with a single hair stick or go for a pair to cross them across the bun. Do not worry about the price-tagyou can surely bring a stylish hair stick home without burning a hole in your pocket. The prices range from something as affordable as $3.50 to some handsome $20 or more. You just need to pick up the best deal.

Just in case you are wondering if these slender sticks can keep your knot or bun in place, here's a quick assurance for all first-timers. No matter what shape you want to give your hair, these are designed in a way so that they keep your bun or French twist firm and steady without loosening up.

Not just hair sticks, anytime you want to pamper your tresses and win the onlookers' admiration, you will find loads of hair jewelry waiting for you to be picked up and flaunted. And if not for yourself, these hair accessories make the finest gifts too. So why wait? Give your mane the main attention and enjoy collecting kudos!

Source: http://www.crystalmood.com

Saturday, February 3, 2007

Ethnicity Embracing Her Neck

The sleek ethnic necklace adorning the neckline of a woman can stimulate the sexy look in her. Ethnic jewelry that is culture specific is now being modified into fashion ethnic jewelry for the woman belonging to any part of the world with ethnic necklace playing the key role. The innocent body language of a lady gains prominence when the precious metal of her necklace takes twists and turns over the curves of her neckline. Your ethnic and bohemian look can be enhanced with the finely molded ethnic necklaces with patterns based on the culture of a particular country embedded on them. There is no wonder that ethnic necklaces can also add flair to your fashion. Each time you put on these charms and pendants adjacent to your culture you wear an old look in a graceful manner. Traditional earrings are also one such type of ethnic necklaces that can remind you about the culture you belong to, over and over again. They are also fashionable and bear the reflection of your heritage so that you can feel your nearness towards it. Ethnic necklaces comprises of the colorful beaded necklace, crystal necklace, simple gold chains with heart pendants on them, Lariat necklaces, Sapphire Pendants and lots more.

The specialty that makes ethnic necklaces so close to the heart even after the large-scale promotion of the other types of necklaces is the essence of any particular region that these necklaces carry. The tribal in the African forests since a long time back has been creating masterpieces out of the colorful stones that existed in nature. They have now learnt to use their immense creativity to draw out figures and images on these stones boosting their demand. Similar to that Indians are also known for the ethnic items that are created in the cottage industries. The technologically sound western people, being impressed by the charm of the Indian and African designs, bag variety of items in loads. Bead works on the jewelry is a specialty among the Americans who consider these beads as one of the essential items to decorate their fashionable necklaces. Every region and culture has got its individual sense of jewelry making where necklace is the keystone. Precious stones and metals like, diamond, platinum and gold are also the favorites of women. But the ceramic, glass and beaded items are getting a lot of popularity, nowadays. If they have flair for ethnicity then the hype generated, increases.

Ethnic necklaces are lustrous if they are handmade with finer works of art embedded on them. The Tibetan necklaces are usually used as the fashionable jewelry with the wrappers and long skirts. Some people also prefer to put them on with light colored Capri. Huge pendant with big coffee colored beads inserted into it and frames with silver can be an exclusive collection of the tribal necklace that almost all prefer to wear. With the increasing demand of the ethnic jewelry, a number of efficient designers are also cropping up in almost all the corners of the world. They are trying to implement their best effort to produce something unique and worthwhile. Beads of glass, spildle whorls and brass surrounding the antique beads can look amazing when organized together in the right way possible. The Arabian people prefer carnelian beads that are excavated near Timbactu. These are cheaper as per the material used in concerned but prices when the craft is valued. Contemporary beads from places like Amsterdam and Chili can also create some of the exclusive ethnic necklaces.

Garnet and pearl is a fusion collection of some of the exclusive necklaces that are found in almost all designer shops. Pearl is primarily used in southern India while garnet is more English. Their combination can produce a radiant looking ethnic necklace that can make the lady more gorgeous. Lily, one of the most essential components of Minoan Civilization can be styled in such a fashionable way that it would ensemble the thoughts, ideas and features of civilization in every aspect. As people of this civilization depicted their women in every creation of art, necklaces and other jewelries were also included in the series. Belly dance that is practiced in almost all the parts of the west Asia including Egypt makes use of the ethnic necklaces of golden coins arranged in the series to create a V shape. This is popular among the women of that region and is also gradually percolating in the other countries. Women of the present generation are however getting fascinated by the charming contemporary ethnic necklace. Outstanding ethnic Copper Pendant on multi-strand necklace can enhance your look brightening up the way you look.

Among all other jewelries that a woman wear necklace is considered to be the most beautifying one. The elegance that it bears is simply incomparable. It is definitely a matter to wonder that a simple necklace can speak a lot about the culture, heritage and craftsmanship of the people of the region to which it belongs. Be it a square cut shell, ceramic ball, bones or garnet, everything can be molded into a set of fashion jewelry. Ethnic necklaces can never become outdated. The fashion that they hold in them will remain evergreen for ages. Though not precious but they carry the fragrance of the people who have created it. Those materials that are available in the nature become the basis of their creativity. A section has ample access to the shell near the sea that they tie beautifully to create ethnic necklace while those in the desert collect unique stones for their necklace and those in the forest can get a mileage for collecting wood to create mind blowing works on them. Natural stones inlay in any ethnic style can also make the jewelry extremely wonderful. Necklaces of this sort look delightful and amazingly stunning. These region- specific necklaces are now being exchanged all over the world to bring a change in style statement for a better look.

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Thursday, February 1, 2007

Wedding Planning for Brides: 5 Leasing Options For Your Wedding Day

Back in the days, renting a wedding gown for that special day seemed completely absurd and out-of-question! Now the gown rental trend is not only fully accepted, but in full swing and widespread among bridal shops across the country. Brides are simply looking at the practicality of a cost effective way to have that luxurious wedding of their girlish childhood dreams. And what's wrong with renting instead of buying? In some cases, leasing can be one-third the price of buying.
Taking a cue from the growing acceptance of gown rental, other services are emerging that provide brides options for perfecting their "look" for their wedding day.

One of the newest and innovative leasing options for weddings is bridal jewelry leasing. This popular trend of leasing genuine, authentic jewelry at a fraction of the price is picking up steam with brides and their attendants. Brides, who appreciate fine jewelry and are searching for an elegant alternative to costume jewelry, are finding the affordable option of leasing their wedding jewelry to be a perfect solution. Like Hollywood celebrities, they get the beauty of a glamorous piece of jewelry around their neck or wrist for their special day without the expense. With the Internet at their fingertips, working with web-based companies like Adorn Brides is a convenient way to add some bling to their wedding day.

While renting or leasing wedding gowns and jewelry are very intimate items for brides to lease, there are many other accoutrements that brides may rent to add the perfect touch to their special day. Here are 4 other wedding rental options to consider for that special day:

1. Wedding Limousine Service

You can't forget the limousine. Renting a limousine service for your wedding day can not only be a wonderful way to travel on your special day, but a great convenience to planning the travel arrangements for everyone involved in the wedding party. Depending on the size of your wedding party, more than one limousine may be necessary.

2. Wedding Facility in a Spectacular Location

So many couples go with the usual wedding facility - from the local church hall to the upscale country club ballroom. Why not rent your facility in a vacation spot for all your guests to enjoy a vacation in a beautiful or exotic place? Lake Tahoe is often referred to as the perfect year round vacation and wedding destination with terrific weather and breathtaking scenery. And if that doesn't work, why not a unique facility like a local botanical garden, city owned mansion, a lighthouse or historical castle that rents for weddings. The wedding can even be arranged at the place where the couple had their first date - a vineyard, a park, the beach or even the zoo!

3. Wedding Arch or Chuppah

Many couples deciding on outdoor weddings will rent the wedding arch or chuppah to accessorize their "altar" area. The wedding arch or chuppah canopy can be decorated with flowers, plants or balloons that match the floral and color theme of the wedding. The arches come in a variety of shapes and sizes - lattice, brass, heart shaped, round, square - and even gazebos to rent for the outside wedding "altar". The decorations and accessories to the arch or Chuppah are many. Beach weddings can also rent torches leading up to the arch - creating an "aisle", garden weddings can rent railing structures that can be configured many ways around the wedding arch to make room for a whole wedding party.

4. Unique Dome Tents

Why not become the talk-of-your-town by thinking outside the "box" tent and renting a unique "dome" tent for the wedding? These futuristic structures are an all-in-one facility for that special day. >From design concept and planning to setup and teardown, dome tent renters are available to work out all the details to pulling off the perfect wedding. Dome decorations can be spectacular and most dome tents provide built in media projection screens with natural acoustics, will coordinate in-house music, lighting and interior design to your specifications.

Besides the usual tuxedo, table linens and chair covers, these are just a few more innovative wedding rental options to considering when planning your special day.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Gold Jewelry Do's and Don'ts

Gold is durable, gold is beautiful and gold is lasting. But don't let that fool you, gold can be damaged. It can be scratched and dented when not treated properly. It can develop a film build up of oils from lotions, powder, soap and natural skin oil, which causes it to look dull. The chemicals circulating in the air can slightly oxidize the gold depending on the karat grade used. One more thing, do not let your gold jewelry, especially rings come in contact with common household cleaning products that contain chlorine. Chlorine bleach products can damage your jewelry over time. The moral is: don't wear your jewelry while doing household chores where chlorinated cleaning products are involved; don't wear your hand jewelry (rings and bracelets) when you are involved in active sports, hard knocks can damage or scratch it; don't wear your jewelry in swimming pools and Jacuzzis.

Now for the do’s; do enjoy your gold jewelry; do take care of your gold jewelry; do have it checked by a jeweler at least once a year for loose prongs, worn mountings and general wear; do have it professionally cleaned periodically. Between visits to your jeweler, it’s important that you check your jewelry pieces each time you wear them, just look them over for any wear or damage, such as clasps that are not fastening securely, prongs that may be cracked, bent or loosened, and chains that may be kinked. If you find any of these conditions, a visit to your jeweler is suggested.

What is the proper care for gold jewelry you ask? We have a few tips and will share them with you, as well as a few home recipes for cleaning fine gold jewelry, past on to me by my mother. Mom did not live in the city, she did not live in a town, she was a country woman and as such she had many home recipes and remedies. Her usual routine for cleaning her fine gold jewelry was simple. She used warm water and a mild detergent (used for dish washing), and a very soft brush to gently clean the items while they were in the water. Next step, gently dry it with a soft lint-free cloth. Voila, sparkling clean jewelry! One other method she used was to make a solution of water and household ammonia (one part ammonia to six parts water) and let your jewelry soak for up to a minute, remove and dry with a soft cloth.

Of course there are commercial cleaners available today that make cleaning your jewelry a snap! Many jewelers carry a commercial dip cleaner. There are a lot of different brands of this type of cleaner, and you are best off to read the label and follow its directions. Another commercial method is the ultrasonic cleaner, which is available in many different models and prices. They can be used to quickly clean your jewelry at home, however, ultrasonic cleaners can damage some jewelry. We’ll cover a few of the delicate stones you need to be careful with later. The best advice I can give you about the ultrasonic cleaners is that you should ask your jeweler which one is best for your jewelry and have your jeweler recommend an appropriate model.

Diamonds are a hardy stone, and can be cleaned using the above methods. Do not use jewelry cleaner or ultrasonic cleaners on pearls and porous stones, such as emeralds, rubies, lapis lazuli, coral and turquoise. Wipe them clean with a soft damp cloth or have them cleaned professionally. Check with your jeweler if you have any doubts about a particular stone.

Proper storage is also important. As I mentioned before gold can scratch and dent, so it is important that you not jumble all of your jewelry together – instead each piece should be stored so it does not come in contact with another piece of jewelry. A fabric lined jewelry case or a box with compartments and dividers works well, but if you prefer to use an ordinary box, each piece should be kept in a soft cloth pouch or wrapped in a soft cloth.

For those of you who travel frequently, there are many types of traveling carryalls on the market today. They come in all sizes, shapes and patterns and most of them have velvet linings inside so you can attach pins and earrings, and compartments in which to place your bracelets, rings and necklaces.

Gold jewelry is meant to last a lifetime and is an appropriate adornment for everyone

Source: http://www.naomisonlinebargains.com

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Ceramic Bracelets: Unleash the Woman Within

Women, since birth, embrace the potential to knit relationships with one thread and this is a universally accepted attribute. This aspect of her personality is reflected best through the bracelet on her slim wrist formed by the combination of beads of varying denominations. The finely selected beads of ceramic might be inexpensive in the eyes of the world but to her it means a lot. In fact they look awesome and precious the way she carries it. The ceramic bracelets glowing on the wrist of the woman breaks the myth that existed regarding the use of the material. Ceramic is now an essential component in jewelry making where ceramic beads are having the maximum demand. These beads of various shapes and sizes are organized and put into the wires or threads to form ceramic bracelets. These bracelets can be a wonderful gift for the person you love and care for. Building relationships with the ceramic bracelets can be a wonderful idea. May it be the valentines’ Day or birthday you can make your loving ones feel your presence through these priceless ceramic bracelets. Finely designed and meticulously structured ceramic bracelets can be a well-chosen gift that she can carry with her wherever she heads for.

The workingwomen of today prefer designer bracelets that are mostly unisex. Bold and beautiful things just like the ceramic bracelets have always enchanted the flock of men surrounding you. At office, party or while hanging out, you can wear some of the best collections of ceramic bracelets brought from the renowned jewelry shops. Designer bracelets in sizzling colors look beautiful on the wrists. Your beauty can better be magnified if the bracelets are matched with the apparels that you wear. Ceramic bracelets can be obtained in various colors and this availability of the various colors can give a glorious appeal to the bracelets. Blue is an effective color that plays vital role in removing the tiredness and keep you healthy. Some of the ceramic bracelets brought by the famous companies can help to keep your muscular problems at bay thus increasing your immunity against all sorts of diseases.

The tender wrists of women deserves something soft yet trendy. To satisfy their demands some companies indeed have come up with the soft and floral ceramic bracelets that beautify her by developing her look with greater effectiveness. The floral fantasy is thus reflected through most of the jewelry including the ceramic bracelets. The usefulness of the ceramic designer bracelets cannot be denied as many are using them for therapeutic purposes. Ceramic designer bracelets are easily available and can also be put on whenever you go anywhere. Like precious objects you do not need to be bothered about them of getting stolen. Designer bracelets of light colors and the less glossy ones can also accompany you at your work place. You can change them with the dresses that you wear everyday. Children can put them on with fancy dresses. The colorful ceramic bracelets with cartoons faces curved on them or with the fine works of flowers can attract them. On your part you can hunt for the exclusively designed ones that will be unique in it self.

The Italian and Indian craftsmen are perpetually experimenting with the ceramic bracelets to present something exclusive for the women. The designers of almost all the jewelry companies including the vivace jewelry are burning midnight’s oil to make the designer bracelets more expressive so that they can gel with the gestures of women. Charm when used in any form of designer jewelry reflects a sense of faith and trust. Therefore, when it is used as the charm ceramic bracelet, the hands look radiant and undiscovered depth in the character of the woman gets highlighted. Ceramic can also be given a geometric shape which goes well with the western wears. Geometric ceramic bracelets can be classy and gel well with light clothes. Round braded sting and hand glazed ceramic necklace can best tell the story of the natural color and look of ceramic. There are numerous types of ceramic bracelets that can also speak about the woman’s beauty in volumes. Most of these designer bracelets are casual and can be suitable for just any type of occasion. They can go with the casual wear. The designers belonging to the various jewelry companies are leaving no stone unturned to bring out some of the best designs that are incomparable and elegant. Right from the multi-colored chain ceramic bracelets to the plant black and white ones, they are trying to keep in store every type of jewelry along with them. Blue and white colored combination on the designer bracelets can look formal and so they are better at their work places. While the multi-colored ones reveals happiness will look better at informal get-togethers.

Every one of us has the feeling to sense beauty and every object of beauty deserves its due appreciation. Ceramic bracelets are just one such objects of beauty, in order to praise which you will not find enough words. Bone china, porcelain and ceramic are considered to commonly used materials for making decorative items but ceramic has left behind the former two to enter into the world of jewelry. Ceramic bracelet is just a small example of the great innovatory of ceramic jewelry. Candy red ceramic bracelets look better on the teenage girls who can wear them while partying. Ceramic shards are also used artistically to mold them into some extraordinary creations, which women would love to put them on the wrists. The online shops have everything in store; you can select them according to the occasion you are moving on to. Handcrafted ceramic bead jewelry can make use of the expensive stones and pearls to make them presentable for any occasion or party. If you have not yet found your colleagues putting on these ceramic bracelets then immediately go for one and become the trendsetter. The appreciation that the ceramic bracelet is going to usher on you will definitely make your counterparts jealous.

Source: http://www.vivace-jewelry.com

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Joanne Daley

Driven by a lifelong love of design and an insatiable entrepreneurial spirit, Joanne Daley designs innovative and customizable jewelry for her Clique line.

The Scottsdale resident has run J. Daley Design for two years and creates three distinct lines of women's jewelry.

The Clique line features sterling-silver and semiprecious-stone bracelets and necklaces, belts and earrings. They close magnetically and have interchangeable elements, allowing wearers to create their own looks.

Not only have Daley's magnetic "clicking" closures solved the frustration of putting on a bracelet yourself, they allow women to customize their accessories with Chinese turquoise, jade, carnelian and other materials.

"I have a natural hunger for color and texture and shapes and balance," says Daley, 58. "This is my passion; I do it at least 10 hours a day."

Daley used to do home makeovers but needed a creative outlet on a smaller scale because the furniture was getting too heavy to move.

She also designs the Smallchange line of interchangeable designs for budget-conscious customers and the J. Daley line, a non-magnetic line of necklaces and earrings made of sterling silver and semiprecious stones.

14K Small CZ Star Stud Earrings, $17.56


Sterling Silver & 14K Accent Genuine Semi-Precious Amethyst Braided Bracelet, $451.58


14K Two-Tone Gold Oval Belt Buckle Caviar Hoops, $134.22

Friday, January 26, 2007

The Bride Wedding Dressing - decision and choices

Ever since time immemorial, brides have always relied on accents to
highlight their glow and beauty on their special day. The first stop for
this is your jewelry. But how do you choose?

First, consider is your gown and your wedding motif.

A simple gown merits an elaborate jewelry design heighten the accent.
High necks can provide the perfect backdrop for large gems serving as a
lavaliere (a pendant on a necklace). A low-cut neck makes way for a
multi-layer arrangement of gems or pearls.

As the bride, you can wear the more elaborate earrings, if you so
prefer. Gems can hang on chandelier earrings, especially if you have a
long-ish face. Studs serve to frame the face circles for round faces,
squares for long faces.

For your wrist, a bracelet over your glove will do wonders. You can
opt to wear a watch though this is not a traditional wedding accessory.
If you absolutely need to be abreast of the time, bring a mobile phone
in your little bridal purse. This will also help keep you on top of
everything.

If your veil requires a headpiece, discuss this with your hair
designer. A tiara can be a wonderful accent, though a floral arrangement can be a refreshing alternative. In some cases, a combination of the two
would be perfect. In any case, let the expert advise you on this.

The color depends on your preference but there are traditional choices
pearls and diamonds. In recent years, gems have gained more
popularity to serve as a consistent thread among the jewelry of the bride and the entourage. The color motif helps guide which stones to use sapphires and lapis lazulis for blue, gold and amber for yellow and orange, emeralds and jades for greens, amethyst for pinks and purples, and others.

Second, make sure that your pieces match in some way. You dont need
to buy an entire set, especially if you have an heirloom you can use.
Get pieces that have aspects similar to what you have color, cut, type
of gem, design, etc.

The more subdued versions will do for the ladies of the entourage,
especially the flower girls.

Lasty, turn your attention to the men especially your groom! Youd
be amazed at the accessories they use.

The most essential of the lot are the cufflinks. If these can be in the same motif as your jewelry, it would be great. But remember that most people prefer to be able to use expensive pieces more than once. It is important to consider also what he likes.

Another essential piece in his look is the tie pin. This should also be consistent with his cufflinks. Optional pieces include collar pins, dress watches or chain watches.

For the completely consistent jewelry for you and your entire entourage, you can customize the design. This will save you hours poring over glass cases and catalogues but it can be expensive. So, consider this well.

At the end of the day, as the bride, it is your decisionyour choices, your budget and your jewelry. Be open to those who can help you you can use all the help you can get! It all boils down to you no matter what you wear, you are the radiant bride whose smile gives the best sparkle of all.

Source: http://www.discoverjewelry.info

Thursday, January 25, 2007

The Spiritual Dimensions of Ornamentation

The people of India have expended
limitless energy and creativity in the invention
of ornaments that celebrate the human body. Adorning
the visible, material body, they feel, satisfies
a universal longing for the embellishment of its
intangible counterpart, namely the human spirit.


Indeed rarely is a traditional
Indian ornament simply decorative and devoid of
inherent meaning or symbolic value. Symbols found
in Indian jewelry act as a metaphorical language
communicated from the wearer to the viewer. Such
a jewelry is created from an infinite reserve
of symbolically significant forms and images,
some obvious, some subtle, and some whose meaning
is forgotten.


Shringar


Complementary to such thought
is the conventional view where the graceful form
of a woman is said to epitomize the ideal beauty
and mystery inherent in nature. Thus befittingly
each and every part of the feminine physique including
the head, torso, limbs, and between the appended
parts - have consistently been used to support
ornaments, often in ingenious ways. The Indian
idea being that only things covered with ornaments
are beautiful. Poetry must overflow with rhetorical
ornaments (alamkara), metaphors, alliterations,
and other musical effects. The verb alam-kara,
"to adorn, to decorate," means literally
"to make enough": for the simple appearance
without ornament is "not enough"; it
is poor, disgraceful, shocking, except in the
case of an ascetic. Hence the stress on adornment
of the women, who are but the poetry of nature.


Lady of the Harem<br />


Ornamentation not only serves
to please the eyes of the beholder but also fulfils
an auspicious purpose. The impulse to adorn stems
from a deep rooted sensibility to mark every occasion
of life with auspicious symbols, designs and figures
to obtain good fortune and protection from evil.
Thus a fully bedecked woman evokes in the viewer
a deep and ingratiating feeling of tranquil contentment,
springing from an intuitive realization that evolving
before him is an image of perfect beauty, symbolically
conveying the richness and completeness which
is but natural to nature.


The Ten Mahavidyas : Shodashi - She Who is Lovely in the Three Worlds


The ancients who translated
the abstract nuances of Indian philosophy into
images of everyday reality went even further and
canonized the adornment of the female form into
sixteen different ornaments (solah shringar),
covering her entire being from the head to toe.
The choice of the number sixteen too is not without
significance. It is a significant number among
the Hindus, and corresponds to the sixteen phases
of the life of the moon, which in turn is connected
with a woman's menstrual cycle. This is another
pointer to the feminine physiognomy being a microcosm
of the rhythms of natural processes. Further a
woman of sixteen is considered at the peak of
physical perfection in her life. At this stage
of her life the aspect of delight is most pronounced.
Her nature is to play, seek new experiences, and
to charm others to her. Her innocence attracts
to her all that is true and good. Indeed it is
common for deities to be described as eternally
sixteen years old, which is considered the most
beautiful and vigorous human age. In fact an important
goddess is named after the Sanskrit name for sixteen
(Shodashi), and is visualized as having all the
above mentioned qualities.


The sixteen ornaments said
to make up the standard repertoire of feminine
adornment are:


Bindi


The bindi is a small ornamental
dot placed at the center of the forehead, between
the eyes.


White Tara: The Divine Mother


 


The word itself is derived
from the Sanskrit bindu, meaning dot. Metaphysically
speaking, it is the dimensionless point of infinite
potential from which has originated all manifested
existence. It is further said to signify the mystical
third eye, an invisible organ of spiritual perception
and second sight, traditionally said to be situated
at a point little above the place where the eyebrows
meet. It is regarded as the channel of supreme
wisdom and sublime intuition, and is said to confer
divine knowledge. Here it is relevant to note
that the two eyes are often likened to the sun
and moon. The third symbolic eye is then said
to represent fire. The two eyes are capable of
seeing only the past and the present, but the
third eye gives a potency to the perceptive powers
making them see the future also.


Meditating Shiva


Interestingly at some places
men too adorn their foreheads with this 'third
eye', but predominantly it remains a feminine
trait.


Sindoor (Vermilion)


Sindoor is a deep, rich blood-red
powder applied in the parting between the hair.
Exclusively used by married women it represents
their marital status. Significantly this same
powder is an essential ingredient in Hindu rituals
(puja). In relation to women the notable characteristic
is the color of this powder. A vital red it is
symbolic of fertility and the regenerative power
inherent in women. At a practical level (especially
in India where marriages are said to be made in
heaven), it proclaims in loud terms the status
of a woman committed irrevocably, and as passionately
as the color of her sindoor, to a single individual,
and thus being out of bounds for any other.


Tika


Surya TikaThe
tika is a composite ornament composed of a chain
with a hook at one end and a pendant at the other.


ShringarIt
too like the sindoor is worn in the parting of
the hair.


The hook holds the tika at
the hair end, while the pendant falls on the exact
center of the forehead. This place is believed
to house the 'ajna' chakra. This chakra stands
for preservation. Thus by adorning herself with
this mark, a woman reiterates her status as the
preservator of the order of the human race. Significantly
this chakra is visualized as having two petals,
and its presiding deity is Ardhanarishvara, the
half-male, half-female androgyne. This represents
the ultimate union where no dualities exist. In
Tantric terms this signifies the union of the
male and female elements in nature, at all levels,
including the physical. Hence this ornament is
specifically associated with women about to undertake
the vows of matrimony, uniting with her mate,
and holding within herself the potential to perpetuate
the genealogy of the new clan she is thus becoming
a part of.


Anjana (Kohl)


"The eye could
never have beheld the beautiful had it not been
made beautiful first
"

--- Plotinus


Ordinarily the eye is
a comparatively neutral and receptive organ, but
when intent is added to the look it can charge
the glance with irresistible power. Every feeling
of the heart is transmitted through the eye. The
eye can communicate feelings of reverence and
sympathy, or love and lust.


The Indian poet usually
longed to sink "in the depths below depths
of the eyes of his beloved." Most poetic
similes about eyes in Indian poetry are drawn
from nature. Eyes are like the narcissus, the
almond, the lily, or "like fishes with their
long, flashing glide."


Radha as Bani ThaniA
morning bath is a popular habit in India, and
sprinkling the eyes with cold water is a necessity
on account of the tropical climate. But there
exists a popular powder kohl (technically the
sulfide of antimony), also known as kajal, which
has been used from time immemorial both to brighten
and strengthen the eyes, and to darken the eyelashes.


A silver or ivory pencil, or
a fine camel's hair brush is dipped in the kohl
and passed along the borders of the lids with
a light and gentle hand, taking care to carry
the line of shading a trifle beyond the angle
of the eyes. This will cleanse the eyes and give
them a large, almond shape, delightful to look
at.


"A fair maiden's transformation
into lovely womanhood, when she comes of age,
is indicated by the transfer of restlessness of
her feet to her eyes, the orbs whereof keep always
on the move
," says an Indian sage. "When
the slow music of time begins to sing a sad song
into a woman's ears towards her prime, the flashing
of the eyes is then a very good exercise, winking
an excellent one.
"


Thus the highlighting of the
eye is an acknowledgement of the maturing of a
young girl in all her aspects, though the symbolism
remains primary physical. Often a poet would address
a heroine's eyes 'as deep as the sea'. Outlining
with kajal establishes two discernable banks to
these fathomless oceanic streams.


The erotic sentiment dominates
the adorning of the eye. Large eyelashes, it is
believed, make large eyes.


Therefore
the Indian artist drew long spears of hair for
the eyelashes he painted.


Incomparable Beauty


Also kohl, freely applied,
will make each lash not only dark and bright but
also so long that it is seen in full even when
the face is turned aside.


The eyes' size is increased
by drawing a short, fine pencil mark outwards
from the corner of the lids where they join. Thus
is created that sharpness in the glance that can
let an Indian poetess say with pride to her lover:


Radha and Krishna

p>

'My eyes are not eyes, beloved,
but arrows of light;

My eyebrows are not eyebrows, but swords for your
Destruction.
'


Padmini Nayika


The easiest way of preparing
kohl at home is by burning a cotton wick soaked
in mustard oil and then collecting the smoke that
arises in a silver spoon. A silver pencil is then
dipped into it and passed along the eyelids. This
is said to blacken the eyes and preserve them
against the sun and air. The eyes change to moonstones,
brilliant, glinting and flashing fire, as, in
the words of Kalidasa, "they are weighted
over by the eyelids and half closed under the
deeps of their palaces."


Nath (Nose Ring)


The nose was once believed
to be exclusively concerned with smell, but is
now established to be connected with emotional
responsivity also. In fact occultists go further,
believing it to be the 'seat' of the sixth sense.


Further there is known to be
a close connection between the nose and the sexual
reflexes. It is a medically established fact that
swelling of the nasal spongy tissues and congestion
of the nose occur during sexual excitement in
human beings. The nasal passages of women swell,
and occasionally bleed, during menstruation. Indeed
Wilhelm Fliess (d. 1928), friend and associate
of Sigmund Freud, found a relationship between
the nose and the female sexual apparatus, and
held that certain gynecological complaints could
be cured by cauterizing the appropriate parts
of the nose.


In males there is believed
to be an affinity between the nose and the virile
member, and from ancient times it was thought
that a large nose was a sign of a large male sexual
organ. Similarly, a woman with a little nose is
believed to have a small sexual apparatus. In
a parallel custom, in a number of north European
countries, and in England under the law of Canute
(d. 1035), the punishment for adultery for both
men and women was amputation of the nose, not
only to cause disfigurement and loss of physical
attractiveness, but also to symbolize punishment
for the offending genitals. In India, the deflowering
of a virgin is symbolically referred to as the
removal of the 'nath' or nose ornament.


The Colors of Rajasthan


Thus the Indian aesthetic befittingly
adorns the female nose with an inspired ornament,
which highlights its amorous connotations. Indeed
amongst the many jewels with which the Indian
woman adorns herself, the nose ornament (nath)
is the perhaps the most seductive. Portrait of a Rajasthani BrideOrnaments
for the nose take on a variety of shapes ranging
from tiny jeweled studs resting on the curve of
the nostril, to large gold hoops that encircle
the cheek with graceful pendant pearls dangling
provocatively just above the upper lip.


Nath or Nose RingOne
can imagine the ornament making a very soft, sighing
sound, like breeze moving over pipal leaves, as
the head moves.


The length and position of
nose ornaments often came in the way of comfortable
eating, prompting the Abbe Dubois, a Christian
missionary who lived in south India in the 19th
century, to observe in amazement: "The right
nostril and the division between the two nostrils
are sometimes weighted with an ornament that hangs
down as far as the under lip. When the wearers
are at meals, they are obliged to hold up this
pendant with one hand, while feeding themselves
with the other. At first this strange ornament,
which varies with different castes, has a hideous
effect in the eyes of Europeans, but after a time,
when one becomes accustomed to it, gradually seem
less unbecoming, and at last one ends by thinking
it quite an ornament to the face."


An integral part of traditional
bridal jewelry, many aristocratic families have
a special nath brought out at weddings to be worn
by the bride. This is now perhaps the only occasion
on which today's urban woman wears the nath, evoking
its powerful seductive charm.


Necklace (Haar)


Gold Ruby Necklace SetThe
neck is an important occult center. Because necklaces
are often worn near the heart, they can be used
to work on emotions, or to attract or strengthen
love. By wearing a necklace of stones for example,
it is believed that we are binding ourselves with
their powers. From earliest times protective pendants,
necklaces and strings of beads, as well as elaborate
ornamental collars, were worn around the neck
to bring good luck and avert the evil eye.


Indeed among all the kinds
of jewelry, necklaces have had the maximum number
of magical properties assigned to them. In some
cases, they were designed as amulets or charms
to insure good health or wealth to the wearer.
Such necklaces could be very simple, with a gem
or carving carrying the burden of the charm, or
they could be very elaborate, glittering with
gold and gems.


In all probability the form
of the necklace was visualized with the explicit
purpose of distracting the eyes of the viewer
from the wearer's face and eyes - and thus protecting
the wearer from the dangers of the mysterious
Wicked Eye. The necklace hence also served as
a protection against any attempt at hypnotizing,
since such an effort would have had to start with
a concentrated gaze at the wearer's face, an attempt
which the necklace effectively undermined. A necklace
in this manner acted as a powerful restraint against
undesirable gentlemen trying out their charms
on virtuous maidens.


Jasmine BudsMost
likely, the predecessor of the necklace in India
was a fresh flower garland, to which there are
a number of references in literature. One of the
more important designs of the necklace is known
as champakali, i.e. 'buds of the champa (Michelia
champaca) flower'. Many others derive inspiration
from the jasmine flower, the fragrance of which
has strong erotic connotations.


Even today, despite the emergence
of paper and plastic flower garlands, the custom
of offering fresh flower garlands has retained
its charm.


Karn Phool (The Ear Flower)


Buddha HeadFrom
earliest times long ear lobes have been regarded
as a sign of spiritual development and superior
status. Among the distinguishing marks of the
Buddha, and a sign of his greatness, were his
large ear lobes. Homer (d.c. 800 BC) and Aristotle
(d. 322 BC) reputedly also had the same characteristic.


There
is believed to be a close connection between the
ears and the sexual reflexes. The fleshy ear lobes,
absent in all other primates, are not, as they
appear to be, useless appendages, but erogenous
zones which in sexual excitement become swollen
and hypersensitive. In ancient times severed ears
were offered to the Mother Goddess as a substitute
for the male organs. In Egypt devotees offered
their ears to the goddess Isis, and till the early
decades of the Christian era, sculpted ears were
offered at the shrine of the Great Mother in other
parts of the Middle East.


The boring of ear lobes has
been widely practiced in all parts of the world
from early times. The purpose of this operation
is not only to facilitate the wearing of earrings
for beauty, but to protect the wearer from evil
influences, the adornments serving as talismans.
The practice was also thought to have some therapeutic
value. In certain places, ear piercing was believed
to be good for the eyes; it also sharpened the
mind and drew off 'bad humors'.


One historian attributes the
piercing to the desire to punish the ears for
overhearing what they should not hear. The earrings,
in turn, were the consolation for the pain and
suffering. It was believed that the more decorative
and expensive the earrings, the greater the consolation.


The Maiden


Early sculptures demonstrate
that ear ornaments were an important constituent
of Indian female attire. To the married woman,
the ear ornament was (and is) auspicious. Additionally
a woman's wealth was conspicuously visible and
the ear ornament became a statement of her status
and power; elongated ear lobes were considered
a sign of beauty and wealth - the longer the lobe,
the greater the woman's wealth. By appending ornaments
to almost every part of the ear, the woman also
ensured a continuous state of mental and physical
well being. Indeed recent studies have identified
the ear as a microcosm of the entire body - "the
point of vision in acupuncture is situated in
the center of the lobe."


The Indian woman's bejeweled
ear offers a sight that prompted the exclamation:
"European ladies are content with one appendage
to each ear, while the females of Hindustan think
it impossible to have too many."


 


Antiquated Karn Phul


Ancient Prakrit and Sanskrit
literature describe girls wearing fresh flowers
in their ears. A range of floral earrings of gold,
silver or precious stones that have been popular
over the centuries in India suggest that the forms
of flowers were, almost literally, translated
into precious jewelry. Most ear ornaments are
virtually bunches (jhumka) of fruits and flowers.
A particular type, known as the karnphul, i.e.
'ear-flowers' is considered particularly auspicious.
These are an important, universal, large, round
metal flower-form earring, with a central stud
at the back being the equivalent of a flower stem.


The choice of the flower as
the inspiring shape behind this conception is
not without significance. Flowers in addition
to being natural erotic stimulants, by virtue
of their association with Kama, the god of love,
are also essentially a concise symbol of nature,
condensing into a brief span of time the cycle
of birth, life, death and rebirth. In addition
it also reflects gentleness, youth, spiritual
perfection and artless innocence, qualities which
are but the fundamental attributes of feminine
character.


 


The portrait of a nude


Often they are so heavy that
the ear lobe dilates to the extent that the long-hanging
earrings worn in the widened orifices touch the
shoulder.


Foreign travelers were fascinated
by the sight of elongated ear lobes and have recorded
their astonishment. Travelling in Kerala, Edward
Terry commented on this practice among 'gentile'
women: "The flaps or nether part of their
ears are bored, when they are young, which hole
daily stretched and made wider by things kept
in it for that purpose, at last becomes so large,
that it will hold a Ring (I dare boldly say, as
a large as a little saucer) made hollow on the
sides for the flesh to rest in." Amusing
stories of ear holes the size of large eggs and
plates, through which many a bold individual attempted
to pass his arms abound.


Henna (Mehndi)


'When she puts henna on
her hands

and dives in the river

One would think one saw fire twisting

and Running in the water.
'

-- Dilsoz, 18th century AD


Unlike real tattoo, which is
permanent, some decorative patterns created on
the skin with stain or dye are not immediately
removable but, depending on the dye strength,
can last for three or four weeks. Mehndi, the
Hindi term for "henna," is one such
temporary tattoo.


Men agree that mehndi patterns
on a woman evoke thrilling, erotic sensations,
perhaps because they associate mehndi with a maiden's
initiation into mature womanhood.


The custom of applying elaborate
mehndi patterns to the hands and feet is a symbol
of satisfaction and happiness in marriage among
the Hindus. This belief derives partly from the
dye's red color, universally considered to be
auspicious; and which is also the color of a bride's
dress. Mehndi is commonly applied to propitiate
Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, son of Shiva,
who overcomes obstacles and is always invoked
to attend a Hindu marriage ceremony. It is also
considered very dear to Lakshmi, goddess of wealth
and fortune. Indeed if ever there was a plant
associated with luck and prosperity, it is the
henna bush.


Mehndi has a great significance
in all Eastern wedding traditions, and no wedding
is complete without the decoration of the bride's
hands and feet - in many cultures on both the
front and back of the hands right up to the elbow,
and on the bottom half of the legs.


Mehndi is carried out on a
bride's hands and feet the night before the marriage
celebrations begin, often known as the 'mehndi
ki raat' or night of henna, raat meaning night.
A party of the bride's women relatives spend several
hours at this joyful task, during which they sing
appropriate songs, teasing her about her future:


"Oh, how sleep is hard
to come by, once her hands have been adorned with
the mehndi of her beloved.
"

"Oh, friends, come and decorate my hands
with mehndi, write my beloved's name. Just see
how auspicious this occasion is.
"

"Everyone's fate is held within the lines
on our palms, it is on these palms that mehndi
paints such beautiful pictures.
"


The mehndi night is something
like a hen night in the West, with all the bride's
female friends and relatives getting together
to celebrate.


For the bride, the process
is therapeutic in calming and preparing her for
the event.


Mehndi signifies the strength
of love in a marriage. The darker the mehndi,
the stronger the love. The color of henna specifically
has symbolic significance because red is the color
of power and fertility. Many brides believe that
the deeper the color of the mehndi, the more passionate
the marriage. The design itself is important,
too. Sometimes the groom's name is incorporated
into the bride's complex mehndi tattoos, and it
is a delightful task to try finding it - often
taking up hours to accomplish.


After marriage, mehndi may
be applied to a woman on any auspicious occasion,
such as the birth or naming of a child.


Mehndi designs are an aspect
of folk art requiring a well-developed decorative
sense. Though the community perpetuates old patterns,
innovative designs may also be introduced, which
gradually enter the communal design repertoire.
But an interesting aspect is that whatever be
the innovation or tradition, only vegetative motifs
are used. Thus henna is an attempt to symbolically
link women with the vegetative and organic nature
of Nature, along with its associated concepts
of birth, nourishment, growth, regeneration etc.


Additionally, the purpose of
tattooing is mainly apotropaic: to it is credited
an evil-averting, magical function. Especially
in animist societies, the tattoo acts to repel
the forces of evil believed to be constantly active
and attempting to gain advantage over the unwary,
unprotected individual, causing misfortune, illness,
or even death. In India, it is believed that an
auspicious occasion like a marriage requires an
extra protection against evil forces. This is
because such occasions are celebrated with much
pomp and show, amidst a high profile, making the
probability of their being noticed by negative
forces very high. The application of henna is
thus an attempted safeguard against any such dark
influences.


As well as being a lavishly
colorful cosmetic, Mehndi is also supposed to
have many healing qualities, many herbal doctors
still recommend the use of Mehndi for some ailments,
such as dry skin and to hasten the healing of
cuts and scratches. It also acts a hair conditioner
when applied on the head and is also said to stop
hair loss by strengthening the roots of the hair.


According to Loretta Roome,
a henna expert, in societies where mehndi is traditionally
practiced, marriages are often scheduled to coincide
with ovulation. "That's part of the intention,"
she said. "It's a fertility rite. The
henna is the color of blood, representing the
breaking of the hymen. In fact, Muslims call mehndi
'love juice.
'"


Bangles (Wrist Ornament)


Bangles in Mohenjodaro Statue


"Bangle-sellers are
we who bear

Our shining loads to the temple fair.

Who will buy these delicate,

bright Rainbow-tinted circles of light?

Lustrous tokens of radiant lives

For happy daughters and happy wives.
"

-- Sarojini Naidu


One of the oldest art objects
in India, the bronze statuette of a dancing girl
excavated at Mohenjo Daro epitomizes the antiquity
and the universality of wrist ornaments in India.
She stands in the nude with one arm at her hip,
the other arm completely weighed down with a collection
of bangles. From then on the variety and shape
of wrist ornaments spanned the gamut of nature'
s materials and human creativity.


Dragon BraceletIndeed
more than any other single jewelry form in India,
the bangle has been crafted from the widest variety
of materials. Ancient fragments testify that bangles
were made from terracotta, stone, shell, copper,
bronze, gold, silver and almost any material that
lent itself to craftsmanship. Lac and glass bangles
in a plethora of colors are a common sight in
India even today. From simple plain circlets of
metal, to ones decorated with etched and repousse
designs, to fabulous examples with bird and animal-head
terminals and studded with gems, these circlets
symbolize the potent energy of the sun.
The sheer variety of wristlets
of India is matchless anywhere in the world. Besides
being a mark of a married woman, these have enormous
romantic and amorous connotations. Often the Indian
poet would indicate a woman pining for union with
her husband or lover by bracelets slipping from
her wrist due to her becoming thin in the agony
of separation from him. The tinkling sound of
women's bangles is full of significant messages
expressing her presence, her wish for attention,
her anger or desire to exchange glances.


An important concept associated
with this feminine ornament has been responsible
for its continuing popularity. It is a universally
accepted idea that bangles identify the wearer
as a married woman, reiterating her status as
the beloved of her husband and the honored mother
of a family. To the Indian woman, ornaments for
the wrist have always been significant emblems
of marriage. Even when changing bangles, a woman
never allows her arm to be completely bare. A
simple string or even the end of her sari is wrapped
around the arm, until the new set is worn. Undoubtedly,
the most popular bangles are those made of glass,
worn by women of all classes of society, rich
and poor. Girls may also wear them, but, for a
married woman, their symbolism makes them a necessity.
Generally between eight and twelve glass bangles
are worn on each wrist, twenty-four in two matching
sets.


Armbands (Baajuband)


The upper arm is the place
where amulets strung on a black or red thread
are often tied to keep the evil eye away.


Silver Armlet from Jharkhand


It is also the spot where richly
decorated armlets are worn. Unlike wristlets,
the armlets need to be shaped in such a way that
they remain in position through pressure. For
this structural requirement, most armlets are
made by suspending one or more talismanic pendants
on a string or attaching to a strap which can
be tightened and knotted as per the wearer's requirement.


armbandsDepending
upon her community and her marital status a woman
could wear a single piece of ornament, or cover
the entire upper arm, from the elbow to the shoulder,
with armlets made up of a variety of materials
including gold, silver, ivory or shellac.


Lady with HookahThe
use of the armlet is consistent with the Indian
aesthetic which believes that anything beautiful
must be adorned, or in other words anything unadorned
is devoid of beauty. In this view point, the physical
form of the female by virtue of being one of nature's
most spectacular creations is an ideal playing
ground for ornamentation and adornment. Thus the
region between the elbow and the shoulder is given
a highlighted consequence, making it an important
part of the whole which is composed of a fully
bedecked woman, according to the canons of the
solah shringar. A perfect example of a complete,
flawless beauty, if there ever existed one.


Arsi (Thumb Ring with Mirror)


The simple ring was not ignored
in the vast array of larger ornament forms. Fingers
are believed to function as a medium between the
physical body and the spiritual body. Rings thus
are an important part of the physio-metaphysical
value of jewelry.


Arsi - Thumb RingThe
thumb is the king of the palmar kingdom. According
to anthropologists, the development of the thumb
marked an important step forward in the anatomical
and cultural evolution of the human race. In Chinese
palmistry the thumb is considered so important,
that often the whole character, state of health
and future are read from the thumb alone. In Western
Classical world the thumb was regarded as sacred
to Venus and in hand-gestures it still has a phallic
significance.


This special ring with a round
format has set in its center a small, usually
round but sometimes heart-shaped mirror. The ring
part, meant to fit snugly round a thumb, is broad
so as to bear the weight of the rest of the piece.


Arsi - Thumb Ring


Among all the rings worn on
the hand, the arsi occupies a special place in
a woman's heart, not only because of its impressive
size, but because of the function it performs.
With the mirror set into it, the young maiden
wearing it (most often a bride), can look and
check, by just turning the thumb, if all that
was adorning her head, or her hair, was in place.
Thus this unique piece of jewelry acts as a sentinel
over the other ornaments contributing their efforts
towards the embellishment of both a woman's physique
and psyche. Much delight is associated with this
ornament. Understandably, therefore, it features
in songs and proverbs; and one comes across it
in paintings too.


Hair Style (Keshapasharachna)


Hair
is regarded in occultism as one of the most extraordinary
parts of the body. It belongs to the element of
earth as it is solid and tangible; to the element
of water since it is free and flowing; to the
element of fire since it fed from the furnace
of the brain; Bathing a Princessand
to the element of air since it is light and can
be blown by the wind. Hair is both living, since
it grows, and dead since it is without sensibility.
It has its own life, grows more rapidly than anything
else, and continues to grow after the death of
the body. As such it constitutes a link between
this world and the next.


Hair
is a source of vital strength and magic power.
It forms a crown encircling the head, the most
sacred part of the body and is full of personal
mana. It was a substitute for the whole body,
and its sacrifice to the deities was an acceptable
surrogate for a human victim. In Byblos in Phoenicia
women had the alternative of sacrificing their
virginity to strangers in honor of the goddess
Ashtart, or shaving the head and offering her
their hair.


The
hair of women differs from that of men and was
supposed to have great attractive power over men
and nature. It was a temptation to the male and
women were enjoined to visit temples with their
hair covered so as not to distract the devout
men present in the same place. Indeed witches
knew the power that lay in their hair, and tossed
their loosened tresses in ritual dances as a love
charm, or bent down and shook their hair while
uttering a curse! In many places in Europe the
bride used to go to her wedding with her hair
hanging freely down, but after the ceremony it
was either cut a little, to signify the curtailment
of her power and independence, or was bound up
to symbolize her new responsibility. Letting one's
hair down still implies behaving in a free and
unrestrained manner.


Elaborate coiffures have been
the hallmark of women through every era in Indian
history. The ritual of weekly oil bath and the
preference for long black tresses still survives
in India.


Jasmine Flowers in HairdoOiled,
combed and plaited, the hair is adorned with garlands
of jasmine buds that bloom in the hair, radiating
their heady perfume in a mesmeric spell of seduction.


Arranging the hair in three
strands is considered the most auspicious. According
to mythology, these three strands of a woman's
plait are intended to symbolize the confluence
of India's three most venerated rivers - the Ganga,
the Yamuna, and the Saraswati - or the trinity
of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Yet another legend
states that one strand represents the father's
house, one, the in-laws', and the third is the
woman herself who unites the two.


Classical literature is replete
with analogies of the swinging, lithe, snake-like
form of a long plait. Chandi Dasa, the poet, describes
Radha's hair:


"Like stilled lightning
fair face

I saw her by the river.

Her hair dressed with jasmine,

Plaited like a coiled snake.
"


Indian Bridal Headgear



Often the ornamentation is
a simplification of the elaborate crown worn by
the deities, a further reiteration of a divine
association.


Head
ornaments are a category of Indian jewels that
are fast vanishing. The first to fall prey to
the goldsmith's melting crucible, they are now
popular largely as part of bridal attire and the
traditional ornamentation of classical dancers.


Lady from Ajanta


Kamarband (Ornament That Binds the Waist)


'So tender is her slender
waist

It bends when a girdle of flowers is placed
'

-- Tirrukural (South India)


The English word 'cummerbund'
and the German 'Kummerband' for waist-band are
derived from the Persian kamar, waist, and bandi,
a band. The word is prevalent in most northern
Indian languages. The immense popularity of waist
ornaments is evidenced by a large number of temple
sculptures, frescoes and miniature paintings ranging
from the Indus valley civilization till today,
in an unbroken tradition.


 


The Sadhika, or the Woman Dedicated to Practising Music


Indians have always found the
middle region or midriff of the female sensationally
tantalizing. The quintessential garment of the
Indian female the sari is designed so as to give
a scandalous view of the midriff while preventing
from the vision any other significant part of
the anatomy.


 


Thus befittingly there exists
an impulse to adorn it with an ornament exquisite
enough to highlight its seductive allure. Hence
came about the waist belt, a graceful extension
of the girdle, which serves a dual purpose; it
restrains the lower garment in place and is yet
another embellishment to the feminine form.


Dances Of India - Kuchipudi


Designed to be held on the
hip, it holds together the folds of the sari,
especially in situations where women engage themselves
in heavy movements like dancing. Its presence
is evident in almost every female image throughout
Indian history.


The waist ornament is always
made up in a manner so as to conveniently hold
a bunch of keys. These signify the keys to a fresh
bride's new home, and her assumption of a new
position of authority, in a domain where her writ
runs large. Often it is handed over by the mother
in law to the daughter in law, symbolically delivering
over the reins to the new generation.


Anklet (Payal) and Toe Rings


Vishnupada - the Foot of Vishnu"Hail
to that foot of the lusty beloved

which hits the head of the lover, that foot which

is adorned with red paste and jingling anklets

is the banner of love and which is worthy

of adoration by inclining one's head.
"

-- From the 5th century drama, Padataditakam (Hit
by the Foot)


Feet are the support of the
entire body and therefore accorded great significance.
Indeed the foot is the human pedestal, in direct
contact with Mother Earth, absorbing vigor from
her powerful emanations.


Paradoxically in the Indian
tradition, the feet are considered the humblest,
most impure, and polluting part of the body, and
therefore command respect by those who surrender
their ego to the venerable. Humbling oneself by
touching the feet of one's elders or prostrating
oneself before them or worshipping the feet or
sandals of a deity or a holy man are expressions
of respect.


It is mentioned in the Ramayana
that when Lakshmana was asked if he recognized
the jewels recovered in the forest as belonging
to his brother's wife Sita, he replied that he
recognized neither the armlets nor the earrings.
Only the anklets were familiar to him, since his
gaze with reverence appropriate to the times,
never strayed above Sita's feet.


Krishna adorning Radha with a PayalBy
the same token of expression of submissiveness,
a lover is often portrayed in art or described
in literature as falling at his beloved's feet
or admiring them with gentle caresses:


"The hair of the lover,
who has fallen at the

feet of his beloved, are entangled in her anklets,
which

indicates that he has given up his pride.
"

-- Prakrit Pushkarini


The feet of a nayika, worthy
of a lover's affection, are abundantly adorned
with anklets. He admires her feet by caressing
them as a demonstration of his ultimate devotion
to her.


It was in this context that
Indian painting, drama, and poetry referred to
men treasuring the touch of the foot of their
beloved, and women lavishing great cosmetic attention
to their feet and adorning them with as much care
as they would take to beautify their face. The
tender foot then becomes the symbol of affection
and sensual desire, and plays an effective role
in love-play.


In Sanskrit, the anklet is
known as 'nupura,' etymologically the word nupura
is connected to antah pura, the female apartments
in a palace, which in the ancient times was a
mysterious place, holding within itself the promise
of a thousand pleasures. Indeed poets imagined
that with her every step, the heroine's tinkling
anklets beckoned her lover.


The Courtesan


In a charming aside, it is
worthwhile mentioning here that women in some
tribes are given foot bells, chains, and tinkling
anklets, not only to frighten snakes away when
they move outside at night, but in order that
their husbands may know where they are when they
cannot be seen!


The charm of the heroine's
rhythmic swinging of her body and wavy skirt is
enhanced by the jingling sounds of the anklets
(small tinkling bells are almost always attached
to anklets). These sounds inspired Indian poets
to describe the motion of a nayika, the heroine
in romantic Indian literature, as bewitching and
seductive. The association is that she has bedecked
herself with the most wonderful jewelry in anticipation
of a rendezvous with her lover in a secluded grove.


Dances Of India-Matka Dance (Rajasthan)


Classical Indian dance too
is not untouched by the allure of the anklet.
In most Indian dances, rhythmic footwork is one
of the most important elements, in combination
with gestures of the arms, hands, and eye movements.
The various classical texts on dance, such as
the Natyashastra, provide elaborate details on
the positioning of the foot and its contact with
the ground, the toe and ball of the foot touching
the ground or only the heels or big toe doing
so. The rhythmic stamping of the foot in its various
positions generates forth a rich variety of charming
harmonies from the anklet, contributing not a
little to the overall dance performance, suggesting
subtle erotic undertones. 'Music of the ankle
bells" is often how the ancients described
it.


On a practical level, Amongst
tribal women, long tubular bands of brass encircle
the ankle all the way up to the calf to protect
them against snake bites while walking through
long grass.


Anklet with Attached Toe Rings


Strictly speaking, golden anklets
are forbidden. This is because gold symbolizes
Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, and it is considered
sacrilegious to wear it on one's feet.


Finally on the feet are worn
toe rings. Often these may be attached to the
payal itself, with chains linking them.


Perfume (Itra)


"Refine your soul,

Refresh your thoughts,

Recharge your emotions.
"


The legendary reputation of
Indian perfumes is upheld if we contemplate the
variety of scents manufactured and used throughout
the country. All scents are ascribed to divine
origin, and it is fairly certain that perfume
was prepared in India, as early as the 15th century
BC.


Traditionally perfumes made
from flowers were preferred, their fragrance complimenting
and accentuating the characteristic, sensuous
body odor emanating naturally from the female
persona. Through the developing centuries, the
use of perfume has been raised to a fine art.
There are perfumes for different hours of a day,
perfumes to suit each dress, fragrances to reflect
the personality of different types of women according
to their color, build, character, age, and even
the sexual drive. The use of certain fragrances
is also supposed to heighten the spirit of certain
seasons, thus reflecting the moods of nature.
For example, there is the haunting, heavy scent
which reproduces the smell of the earth after
rain; a fecund, earthy, fleshy and carnal essence,
confirming the identification of women with Mother
Earth. Another known as kasturi is subtly conducive
to rest in the tense, heavy Indian summer. It
is believed to go with yellow and orange robes,
and evokes the proper mood of love for a newly
wedded couple. Similarly the scent of saffron
(kesar) is intoxicating in the extreme and evokes
an ecstatic response like that produced by the
heady influence of wine.


The Indian woman applies her
perfume discreetly and cunningly, to her clothes,
the lobes of her ears, her eyebrows, the palms
of her hands, and other parts of her body with
an artful expedience. This exercise requiring
ingenuity is one which gives expression to her
true character.


The Bridal Dress


The Maiden


'When in your floating robe,

Woven with red silk and golden,

In your floating robe

Held around your hips

By a broidered belt,

Showing all curves

Of your reckless body

You pass me by,

I feel come to me

A wild and mad desire.
'

- - From the Burmese of Asmapur, 19th century,
AD.


The ancient sculptures of Sanchi,
Amravati, and Khajuraho show the Indian woman's
robe to be light and falling in beautiful free
folds from the hips, to below the knees. There
are no unhealthy, restrictive collars, and nothing
to impede the free circulation of blood. The dress
facilitates free body movement. This dressing
tradition continues to the present day.


The bridal dress has a quasi-sacred
status. It is nearly always of a deep red color.


Red is considered auspicious
because it has several emotional, sexual and fertility-related
qualities, making it a suitable color for brides.
It also signifies the virginal status of the bride.
Indeed in some traditions, the nuptial bed is
inspected after the first night for traces of
blood, which confirm that the lady in question
was a virgin before marriage. In India it is stressed
that virginity should be a gift from a wife to
her husband on their first night together.


Hand Woven Paisley Sari with Embroidery All Over from Banaras


Further highlighting its import
is the weighty embroidery embellished with various
motifs and metaphors all emphasizing the fertility
symbolism and vegetative associations, linked
to creation and growth.


Indian Bridal Dress


Sometimes minutely ornamented
all over, the view of a new, bedecked bride draped
in this garment, colored the color of passi on,
is a breathtaking one.


The bridal garment is without
exception extremely rich in all aspects, reiterating
the significance of this momentous event in the
life of an individual.


Conclusion


The MaidenOf
a richly sensuous disposition, the ancient people
of India insisted that their sensuality be refined
with thought:


'In restless brow and twinkle
of the eye,

In smiling modesty and gentle tones,

In graceful gait and posture, woman owns

A beauty parlor and an armory
'

- - Bhartihari (c. 600 AD)


Indeed woman is beauty at its
active and sportive best. The ancients found in
a woman's walk the same majestic yet lithe and
graceful rhythm as in the steps of a peacock.
In the playfulness of a young maiden was discovered
the charm of a deer leaping across a jungle stream.
An alert woman, with her necklaces resting on
her full breasts, was compared to a sloping hill
with a sunlit cascade coursing down its sides.


It was believed that just a
woman beautifies her home so should she her body.
Such a combination was supposed to invite blessings
and prosperity from the gods.


If it is true for humans that
to beautify the mind is to beautify the body,
the converse is equally true: to beautify the
body is to beautify the soul. Creative Indian
psychology nurtured a positive attitude. The desire
to cultivate physical beauty was not considered
shameful and superficial. The philosophers of
love, like Vatsyayana in the Kama Sutra, advise
that the art of makeup be practiced as a ritual.
Even the 'plainest' woman adorns herself, she
doe not resign herself to her fate that either
one is beautiful or not, and there is the end
to it.


The Bejewelled NudeThe
essential significance of the above exegesis can
be summed up in the fact that in the canons of
Indian art, whenever a lady was represented in
the nude, i.e. without any trace of clothing,
her glorified physical form always carried the
same weight of jewelry which she would have worn,
when fully clothed.


Thus rightly said A.K. Coomarswamy,
noted authority on Oriental Art:


"One needs to be an
Indian woman,

born and bred in the great tradition,

to realize the sense of power that

such jewels as earrings and anklets

lend their wearers; she knows

the full delight of swinging jewels

touching her cheek at every step,

and the fascination of the

tinkling bells upon her anklets
"


It is reassuring and pleasurable
to observe that these traditional values are still
held valuable in the India of today.



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