There was a time when ethnic jewellery with deities and goddesses on them were used as spiritual pieces, but not anymore. Lately, jewellery with imprints of Indian gods including Ganesha, Lord Buddha has become more of a style statement as it has gained popularity both in India and abroad. Indian jewellery designers vouch for this growing trend.
The spurt in demand for Indian goddess jewellery is a result of widespread awareness, says Tarang Arora, designer of Amrapali. “People abroad are now aware of how Ganesha is a God of good luck and they love designs with Krishna, Lakshmi and even Lord Vishnu. Whether it’s in silver, gold or just gold-plated, everything works. Rudraksh beads are also in,” he adds.
Although regular necklaces, bracelets, armlets and rings carved in popular designs of Swastik, Ek Omkar, Om, and Hanuman remain popular, now even traditional pieces like chokers, kamarbandh, and haathphool are a rage. Jewellery designer Neety Singh, shares, “Now, anything spiritual is in vogue. And as these pieces are done in contemporary styles, people love to wear them with both ethnic and Western outfits.”
Though jewellery is mere ornamentation, goddess jewellery has found devotees, says Alpana Gujral, a jewellery designer. She adds, “Traditionally, gold was considered auspicious and was regarded to be symbolic of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Ivory jewellery, made of elephant tusk, is an important part of Gujarati weddings. According to belief goddess jewellery with different stones has symbolic meaning attached to it.”