BEADS AND IT’S BEAUTY
Beads have been used by cultures, religions and subcultures for personal adornment, communication and trade across the world. Today beads are used to express our identity in fashion and jewelry.
Beads has variety of shapes and sizes with a small hole for threading or stringing. Beads represent some of the earliest forms of jewelry. Beads are now readily available across the world in a whole host of colors, styles and sizes. Wearing beads made from different gemstones and materials also have different meanings and symbolism. However, most of the meanings associated with beads are positive and have good implications. Beads can symbolize union as they look better when they are paired with each other to make a necklace or chains.
Combining different colors and shapes can bring some stunning-looking designs and patterns. Beads can be divided into several types of overlapping categories based on different criteria such as the materials from which they are made, the process used in their manufacturing, the place or period of origin, the patterns on their surface, or their general shape.
Beads can be made of many different materials. The earliest beads were made of a variety of natural materials which, after they were gathered, could be readily drilled and shaped. As humans became capable of obtaining and working with more difficult materials, those materials were added to the range of available substances.
BLACK BEADS / MANGALSUTRA
‘Mangala sutra’ literally translates to ‘an auspicious thread’, signifying its meaning to be something very holy. Without the mangalsutra, the marriage between a Hindu man and woman is not complete. It’s a symbol of the inseparable bond between a husband and wife.
According to the Hindu customs, this holy thread is to be worn for the long life of the husband. It is also said to protect the marriage from evil. The black thread is believed to absorb negative energy and keep the married couple happy. Based on this religious belief and custom, married women wear the mangalsutra throughout their married life so that the well-being of their significant other is always maintained.
Like all things, this sacred thread has also evolved to suit today’s modern woman. Mangal sutras, these days, come in different styles to reflect every woman’s individual taste and likes. Women now have their mangalsutra made of yellow gold and accented with sparkling diamonds. It may be designed with the regular back beads and finished with a decorative diamond pendant in the center. Some may also prefer to add colorful beads and precious stones for added flair.
There are some women who may prefer to have two or more mangalsutra made; a lightweight casual one for daily wear and the traditional flamboyant one for important occasions.
A mere mention of ‘beads’ makes us think of the cheerful-looking pieces of jewelry in a store of a local market or perhaps, the stunning pieces of jewelry worn by the royalties. However, beads are also commonly used in crafting beautiful wearable, decorative and traditional accessories in different regions of India.
Check out our beads collection today for more beautiful collection from Navishka's Fashion Jewellery