For centuries gold jewellery has been an integral part of the Indian society. Jewellery is not only used as an embellishment for the Indian women but is also considered auspicious. It is an important part of the tradition and culture of every Indian community.
Among all other metals, gold is the most popular metal used for making jewellery of various designs. Gold Payal, necklaces, bangles, finger rings, and waistbands are the most common designs of jewellery. Gold jewellery is a symbol of wealth, power and prosperity according to Indian traditions. This metal is known for its long-lasting properties and its ever-increasing value.
Religious Significance
Gold is considered auspicious by the followers of Hinduism as it is a symbol of the Goddess Lakshmi. She is also worshipped as the goddess of wealth. Gold is used for making jewellery for the upper body only. Toe rings are not made in gold among the Hindus because it is a symbol of the Goddess of wealth and wearing on the human feet is considered a disrespect to the goddess.
Ornamental Value
Gold Bengals
Women of all ages and all different communities love to wear jewellery made out of gold. It is an important part of weddings and other family celebrations. In marriages, gold rings are exchanged between the bride and the groom as a mark of a long-lasting relationship. Gold can be moulded into various designs which attract the women.
Heirloom
For ages now, gold jewellery has been passed down from one generation to the next as ancestral property. In the Hindu community, the mother-in-law hands over gold jewellery to her daughter-in-law who is supposed to carry forward the tradition. It is an important tradition in many Indian families.
Investment
Gold is also considered to be liquid cash and is a safe and secure investment of wealth. It is an asset to have whose value increases over time.
Symbol of Status and Wealth
Possession of gold jewellery is a symbol of status and wealth in India. Wearing pure gold or 24-carat gold by the bride is believed to bring good luck and happiness throughout her married life. The gold bought by the bride’s family shows the status of the family in society.
Silver Jewellery vs Gold Jewellery
Traditionally, Silver and gold jewellery is the most commonly used ones. But if given a choice, people always prefer gold over the silver.
Gold is a rare and highly durable metal which makes it much more expensive and valuable than silver. Jewellery made of silver may cause allergic reactions in a few people and the colour gets tarnished with repeated use.
The value of gold keeps increasing with time and is an investment. Silver is not as valuable and cannot be an investment as such.
Gold jewellery is easy to clean with just warm water and soap. Silver jewellery gets tarnished sooner and therefore, need regular cleaning with silver polish or a soft cloth.
Conclusion
However, gold is used for making bangles, necklaces, finger rings and is not used for making of toe rings. Silver dominates in the making of toe rings and anklets for its ability to react with the Earthly energies. The silver yoga Jewellery is also a trend now. Silver is known for its health benefits and therefore, it is preferred for the yoga jewellery. It keeps the system in balance while you do your yoga. Gold, on the other hand, cannot be used for this purpose.