Summary

The article discusses the deep-rooted cultural significance of jewellery in India, its role as an investment, and the growing trend of costume jewellery.

Abstract

The Indian affinity for jewellery is deeply ingrained, with gold, diamonds, and pearls being particularly cherished. The article highlights the cultural importance of jewellery in India, noting its prominence in Indian TV serials, its role as a financial investment and security in emergencies, and the resale value of gold versus diamonds. It also touches on the personal joy and expression that comes from wearing jewellery, the social status it conveys, and the increasing popularity of costume jewellery as a safer and more affordable alternative that still allows for personal expression and style.

Opinions

The author suggests that jewellery in Indian culture transcends mere adornment, serving as a form of expression and a symbol of social status.
There is a perception that the portrayal of characters in Indian TV serials adorned with heavy jewellery reflects a national fascination with ornamentation.
The purchase of gold is seen not just as a personal indulgence but as a strategic investment, particularly for future expenses like education or marriage.
The article points out the practicality of gold as a financial asset in times of emergency, as evidenced by a cancer patient selling her gold bangles to pay for treatment.
The resale value of diamonds is questioned, with the author expressing skepticism about the authenticity of diamonds and the lack of guaranteed resale rates, unlike gold.
The author appreciates the trend of wearing jewellery for personal enjoyment rather than solely as an investment, suggesting that jewellery should be worn and appreciated rather than locked away.
The significance of jewellery is seen as multifaceted, providing a sense of achievement and pride across different socioeconomic groups.
The rise of costume jewellery is seen as a positive development, offering an affordable and safe alternative to real gold and diamonds, allowing people to experiment with fashion without significant financial risk.

As Good As Gold

“Wearing jewels is a way to express the woman you are. Without saying a word.” Anonymous

The Indian woman and her love for jewels are well known. The dazzle and sparkle of gold, diamond and silver jewellery, adorned by women in their most beautiful silk saris are a sight to see at Indian weddings. A lot of consideration goes into what one wears, be it a gold, diamond, or pearl jewels. Women prefer not to repeat what they have worn earlier and ensured that their jewellery matches and enhances the beauty of their dress.

Photo by Meelika Marzzarella on Unsplash

Here are some reasons why jewellery is intrinsic to Indian culture

1. Transcends to Indian Serials

One has to watch an Indian TV serial to understand the obsession Indians have with jewellery studded with precious stones.

Even while doing something nondescript, actors will adorn heavy, glittery necklaces and long dangling earrings, making you wonder if producers feel this adds to the TRP ratings or is this to pander to the national fetish for jewellery.

How many of us wear colourful necklaces at home, resting or doing household chores as depicted in TV serials?

2. Purchasing jewellery as an investment

Even the Indian male, is not adverse to his wife buying gold. He prefers her spending money on gold, instead of expensive dresses, bags or watches as he sees it more as saving and investment.

My yoga teacher told me how he acquired a gold coin every Diwali(the festival of lights) for his daughter. I wondered what joy did the child derive from such a gift?

He contended that by the time she was twenty-one years old, he would convert the gold coins at the prevailing rate and spend on her education or marriage as required.

3. Gold comes in handy in emergencies

I recently saw a documentary film drawing attention to the evils of smoking. A cancer patient talks about her ordeal and how she had to sell her two gold bangles to pay her hospital bill. The filmmaker’s emphasis was more on the patient selling her bracelets to raise money for treatment rather than the cause of the disease.

4. Resale of gold is more profitable

I, too, have succumbed to societal pressure, and like my friends and acquaintances, bought jewellery a couple of times in the past. I remember saving my salary for months and buying diamond earrings.

Later on, realising that I had no utility for the earrings, I went back to my jeweller to return them. To my dismay, I found that despite the assurance given earlier jewellery bought from us would be taken back, the amount he was offering was just a small percentage of what I had paid.

How many of us know, how genuine are the diamonds we buy?

Even if one jeweller gives us certificates of authenticity, will others accept it?

So unlike gold, where at least the rate of gold is guaranteed, resale of diamonds gets you next to nothing. I still have those diamond earrings and now do believe that my “diamonds are forever.”

5. Love for big chunky jewellery

I appreciate the effort women make, accessorising and choosing their earrings or neckpieces wisely, ensuring they look dressy and classy.

They buy jewellery because they enjoy wearing new designs, and not merely for investment. Instead of leaving their jewellery unused in a locker, they adorn what they possess.

6. Significance of jewels

For all strata of society, jewellery has its significance. For the rich, it symbolises their prosperity. They love to flaunt their jewellery, and fulfilment comes, with the appreciation they receive from their friends and admirers.

For the not so wealthy, the satisfaction of possessing and wearing a piece of jewellery comes from within, giving them a sense of achievement, pride and well being.

7. Alternatives for those who cannot afford

However, today “all that glitters is not gold”. The market is full of beautiful costume jewellery, an endless variety to choose from, at an affordable price.

With gold prices on the high, and safety being a major issue, more and more women are opting to wear costume jewellery.

There are numerous designs available to suit everyone’s fancy and wallet. You can change your jewellery more frequently and be as experimental as you desire without investing significant sums.

Nowadays, with costume jewellery, women still flaunt their love for wearing ostentatious jewellery, with a lesser threat to their lives and retaining a sense of well being.

They can dress up or down as an occasion demands, and flaunt their love and taste for jewellery effortlessly. Even for the discerning, it’s tough to gauge whether the jewellery is real or fake.

So if wearing ornaments adds to confidence, individuality and gets the attention and appreciation desired, it more than serves its purpose.