What is it that makes the mangalsutra so special in every woman's life? In some communities the ritual of the groom placing the mangalsutra around the bride's neck is an essential part of the marriage, along with his applying the sindoor along the parting of her lustrous hair. This is what (as in defining something, WHAT is) makes the mangalsutra an indispensable part of the jewellery essentials to be worn by the bride. The original concept of the mangalsutra was that of a black row of beads to ward of the evil eye. It was meant to protect the wearer and her husband from 'nazar'. However, mangalsutra have, with time, evolved from the black beads strung on a string with a gold pendant to designs with indicate gold pendents, intricate gold filigree and even minakari work. Within the specific designs given, women and their jewelers manage to make unique statements with their mangalsitras.

For those who believe in it, a mangalsutra is much more than a row of black beads strung together. For married women, it is a symbolic representation of deduction, commitment, endurance and tolerance. The auspiciousness of this ornaments has been put to test time and again, and has always triumphed. It is no longer characteristic of only Maharastrian brides but is accepted as a wedding ornament by everyone in the country.

The traditional 'mangalasutra' usually in gold, comes in various forms and sizes -some with auspicious symbols depicting 'Om' or gods like Vishnu or Shiva (for Hindus) or a cross (for Christians) and others with traditional designs. Nowadays more fashionable versions with diamonds and precious stones are also seen. In the south especially in Tamil Nadu and in a few other states, Thaali's are tied on a thick yellow thread. When the thread is worn out, they are replaced by a new thread. Generally, in the northern states Mangalsutra is worn on a chain with two strings of black beads interspersed with gold. These beads are believed to protect the marriage against evil.

Today, the mangalsutra has made a comeback as a must-have fashion accessory for every bride. With pendants have changed in shape from the traditional designs to more contemporary versions made in gold, the basic concept remains the same. Funky pendants to go along with the chain are now in fashion. Nowadays women wear a Mangalsutra on a pair of jeans too, a complete fashion fiasco till a few years back!

Though the style and fashion of the Mangalsutra has kept changing over time, the craze of demand has never weakend. The Gold and the black beads have endured over time as a symbol of ever lasting devotion between a husband and wife. It is still symbol of devotion and love for someone special.

Gold is something Indians have always used to convey intense emotions. The noteworthy festival of Karva Chauth also exemplifies this notion. If there is one overriding reason why women fast and adorn themselves with exquisite Gold jewellery during the festival. It is because such is the whole someness, exclusively, superiority and pre-eminence that they attact to their relationship with their husbands.

The Punjabi bride usually chooses as her mangalasutra the kundan (traditional Indian stone setting with thin gold foil forming a wedge around the stones) pendant set in 22-carat gold and held together with black beaded chains. Also set in 22 carat gold is the Hyderabadi mangalasutra with seven pendants attached.

Other than the Mangalasutra, in North India, many women deck their arms with bangles in vivid green and red. And the chooda that is presented to the bride by her mama as a symbol of her newly married status, is one which she has to wear for at least 40 days after her marriage. The chooda is traditionally a set of ivory bangles with inlay work. The modern day variations can be found in cheaper forms in plastic or acrylic as well. In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, bichwa or toe rings must be worn by all married women. After marriage, the Sindhi women prefer to wear the traditional gold earring each studded with nine diamonds. Further north, after marriage, the Kashmiri Brahmin women wear the 'dejhoru' and 'aathhoru', an ornament worn in the pierced cartilage of the ear with a cord suspended from it at one end. Among the Muslims, the nose ring is obligatory at the time of marriage.

Most jewelry is crafted from with excellent workmanship and delicate embossing work. And traditional necklaces are back in vogue; the Hars, Mohanmalas, and the gold-beaded Tushi have now become fashionably popular for the festive season.

The Indian woman's love affair with jewelry does not end with India and traditional jewellery. An upcoming trend seen especially in the metros has been women drawing towards contemporary jewellery. These are young, fashion-conscious women who desire smart jewellery that can be accessorized with their wardrobe.