History and Significance of Men’s Jewelry In Indian Culture
The significance of jewelry in Indian culture dates back over 5,000 years, deeply rooted in tradition, status, and artistry. Both men and women have adorned themselves with gold, silver, and gemstone ornaments, symbolizing prosperity and heritage. While women’s jewelry has been widely celebrated across regions, the history of men's jewelry, though less varied, holds its own charm, reflecting power, spirituality, and cultural identity.
While jewelry is often associated with women, the significance of jewelry in Indian culture extends just as deeply to men. The history of men's jewelry reveals a tradition rich in meaning, where necklaces, rings, and bracelets serve not just as adornments but as symbols of power, culture, and spirituality. From ancient kings to modern-day traditions, male jewelry continues to reflect heritage and status in Indian society.
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Symbolic and Spiritual Significance Of Men’s Jewelry
Indian jewelry is not only ornamental but has amuletic properties too. Believed to provide health and astrological benefits in Ayurvedic and Hindu astrological traditions, people stimulate acupressure points using piercings and other jewelry.
- Metal Meanings
Gold is the most popular metal used in making jewelry. It is durable and doesn’t tarnish despite everyday use. For many Indians of Hindu faith, gold is considered precious. It is believed that gold has the power to purify anything it touches. It is also considered as a sign of power and wealth. Aside from that, it also symbolizes good health and prosperity.
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- Spiritual Protection
The form and function of many types of Indian jewelry for men is primarily for protection. For example, pendants for men arose from the primal need to protect the self against the harmful effects of the evil spirits. Often worn on a necklace or bracelet, pendants are believed to have the power to deflect danger, protect from evil, and even have the power to attract good.
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- Financial Protection
British industrialist Sir Thomas Wardle commented in 1901 that ‘the skill in India in making brooches and bangles out of silver rupees is astonishing, full of patterns and flowing format’, something which remains a widespread practice for both Indian men and women. This was practical as well as decorative. The coins had an intrinsic value and using them as jewelry added to the financial security of the wearer.
Most Popular Men’s Jewelry Designs
- Necklaces And Chain
Royal or wealthy Indian men usually wear strings of diamonds, emeralds, and pearls, called malas, in contrast to the heavy Kundan jewelry of the women. Men of all Indian communities are also commonly seen to wear the hansli, a collar-like necklace, or thin gold chains. The name hansli was derived from the clavicle, which is where this ornament rests. In Western Indian culture, it is more common to find men adorn themselves with simple gold chains such as Cuban-link styles.
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- Kada Bangles
The popular and well-known Kada is a bracelet commonly worn by Indian men of all religions. Kadas are a form of bangle made of gold or silver. The inner side of Kada bangles is sometimes covered by floral designs of colorful enamel, intertwined elephant trunks, peacocks, or crocodiles. Among royalty, Kada bangles are made of silver or gold with an enameled inner plate, featuring animal and floral motifs.
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- Binti Rings
Other popular ornaments for Indian men include the binti (or, beenti), a ring. These traditional rings for men are often set with gemstones in accordance with the wearer’s astrological chart or engraved with depictions of religious deities. It’s believed that the soft part of the fingers is an acupressure point and beneficial for a man’s physical and spiritual health.
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Conclusion
The history of men's jewelry in India dates back centuries, deeply intertwined with culture, tradition, and identity. The significance of jewelry in Indian culture extends beyond decoration—these ornaments have symbolized social status, spirituality, and even health benefits. Worn as a reflection of a man's connection to his community, religion, and self, Indian men's jewelry remains an enduring part of heritage and tradition.
Today, the practice of wearing such jewelry by men is mostly confined to special occasions and festivals, although there are some daily-wear pieces. For more information on Indian jewelry designs for men, visit our website or schedule an appointment with one of our in-store jewelry experts.
Written by Taylor C. Heron
Lead Copywriter for Virani Jewelers