Bangles are glorified by the poetic symbolizations in Indian literature and are marked as the epitome of feminine grace. In fact, bangles in Indian culture are more than fashion accessories for women. Traditionally, they are more often than not considered a part of a women’s identity. 

What Are Bangles? 

Bangles, the thin, often rigid ornament similar to a solid bracelet in Indian culture has innumerable significance. The tradition of wearing these bangle designs in gold started way back in ancient times of Indian. However, even today, women love to wear these Indian gold bangles and other styles of 22k Indian gold jewelry to enhance their feminine grace and beauty with the help of bangles that are available in various colors and models.

The word bangle has been derived from the Hindu word Bangri or Bangali, which in sanskrit gives the meaning “the ornament which adorns the arm”. They are worn all over the world for style and fashion, but bangles originate in a set of specific customs in Indian culture. 

Some Indian men wear a single bangle called a "kada",  bangles are almost always associated with Indian women, who wear them for a variety of occasion.  

Bangles Are An Important Part Of Indian Culture For Women.

For Indian women, bangles are not just mere ornaments. Bangles are considered the symbol of the complete woman. While girls in traditional Indian society are allowed to wear bangles, married women are generally expected to wear bangles. It is a tradition to wear this style of Indian gold bangles after marriage, symbolizing health, luck, and prosperity. Indian gold bangles are primarily associated with matrimony, signifying marriage in the same way that the Western wedding ring does.It is considered inauspicious to be bare-handed especially for a married woman for most Indian weddings. According to Sikh tradition, a woman is not supposed to buy the bangles she wears. 

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In North India, the bride generally wears glass bangles, with the bangles themselves symbolizing the Suhaag (love) for the husband and their prosperity in married life afterward. After the wedding, the woman continues to wear her bangles as a charm of safety and luck for her husband, and if the bangle breaks before the husband's death, it is considered an ill omen.

Bangle designs in gold are part of traditional Indian jewelry and thus they are still preferred at occasions such as marriages and festivals. This style of Indian gold bangles is also popular for toddlers who sometimes wear 22k Indian gold bangles.

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History

The bangles are usually made from metal (copper, silver, gold, iron, etc.), wood, plastic, and glass. Archaeologists have excavated bangles made of various metals from various parts of India. Highly ornate bangles dating back to the Mauryan Empire and gold bangles excavated from the historic site of Taxila provide insight as to just how far back the tradition goes. A bronze figure of a dancing girl standing with one arm at her hip, the other arm with a collection of bangles, is a famously known artifact excavated from Mohenjo-Daro, a piece that shows the antiquity and prominence of these wrist ornaments for Indian women. 

Significance Of Colors In Bangles

In Indian culture, the colors of bangles also have their own significance. Red signifies energy and prosperity, while green denotes good luck and fertility. Yellow bangles are meant for happiness, white is for new beginnings and orange is for success. Silver bangles denote strength and gold bangles are the ultimate symbol of fortune and prosperity.

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Different Kinds of Bangles 

Kada

The Kada bangle is one of the more commonly known bangle styles. This thick style of Indian gold bangle is made from 22k gold or silver metal and worn on the wrists of men and women in India culture. It is a considered a religious piece of Indian gold jewelry which Sikhs & some Hindus wear. Kada bangles have a distinct design and style and is usually used to honor a religious figure.

Cuffs 

Cuff bangles come in a variety of fun, minimal, and versatile styles made. Traditionally, they are made of exquisite 22k Indian gold and can be adorned with gemstones, pearls, and /or engraved designs. They can be paired with traditional Indian wear or western wear to add cultural elegance. 

Temple 

Temple bangles are designed to show reverence for gods and goddesses relevant to Indian religious beliefs. This type of 22k Indian gold jewelry is sometimes accompanied by antique finishes and precious gemstones such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires.

Filigree 

Filigree bangles are designed using tiny beads, twisted thread, or a combination of the two to create artistic motifs that add texture and allure to a typical Indian gold bangle. 

Enamel 

The art of adding enamel to 22k Indian gold jewelry gained popularity during the 1920s and has spawned many noted bangle styles, like the beloved Meenakari. 

Kundan

Kundan is a traditional form of Indian gemstone jewelry using gems set with a gold between the stones and its mount. This method of jewelry making is believed to have originated in the royal courts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. It is one of the older forms of 22k Indian gold jewelry making used to adorned gold bangles that are made and worn in India and by Indian people throughout the world.