Thursday, July 20, 2006

Jewellery - Bracelets/Bangles

Indeed more than any other single jewellery form in Sub-continent, the bangle has been crafted from the widest variety of materials. Ancient fragments testify that bangles were made from terracotta, stone, shell, copper, bronze, gold and silver. Lac and glass bangles in a plethora of colors are a common sight in Pakistan. From simple plain circlets of metal, to ones decorated with engraved designs, to the ones studded with gems, these circlets are thought to symbolize the potent energy of the sun.

In the sub-continent region it is a tradition to wear the bangles/bracelet/karhay. Every festivity starts with a gift of bangles, with every lady/girl having her arms covered with beautifully designed glass, silver or gold bangles. The simple desire to wear matching colored glass bangles eventually leads to purchasing of gold bangles/karhay.

The sheer variety of bangles of Pakistan is matchless anywhere in the world. Besides being a mark of a married woman, these portray enormous romantic feelings. The tinkling sound of women's bangles is full of significant messages expressing her presence, her wish for attention, her anger or desire to impress others.