Tanishq the Indian Wedding Jeweller

Text by Preeta Agarwal

Indian bridal jewellery is well known for its visual appeal, but the
reason why every bride or married woman adorns herself with
beautiful jewels goes deeper than that. It is said that Indian
cultures change every 100km and so do its people, rituals,
language, food and everything in between. However, the tradition
of wearing bridal jewellery - which dates back 5,000 years - has
strong roots across all cultures and remains an integral part of the
Indian lifestyle.
Tanishq, part of the Tata Group, was coined from a combination
of Tata/Tamil Nadu and Nishq(meaning a necklace of gold coins)
and, again, from Tan, meaning body and Ishq, meaning love.
Launched in 1994, Tanishq has become synonymous
with craftsmanship, exclusive designs and exceptional quality.
With over 6,000 individual pieces made from 18 and 22ct gold,
Tanishq is India's first and largest jewellery retail store, with 138
exclusive boutiques in 80 cities and a website, www.tanishq.co.in,
where you can buy online.
Specialising in jewellery that makes you want to marry, Tanishq
went from being simply The Indian Jeweller to Tanishq - The
Indian Wedding Jeweller. True to tradition yet contemporary in
design, Tanishq jewellery captures the beauty of an occasion, from
your engagement to your wedding reception, with fabulous, ornate
creations in gold, diamonds, Kundan, Polki and precious stones in
every colour.
The Tanishq bridal collection is divided into themes, based on the
regions in which different styles of bridal jewellery are worn. In the
north Indian state of Punjab, theVivah (wedding) is an all-night
celebration filled with love, laughter, the exciting sound of thedhol
(drums) and spirited bhangra dancing. Befitting of a spectacular
Punjabi wedding, Tanishq's Amritsari Jadau necklace is crafted
using the age-old tradition of working with gold sheet, creating an
illusion that the stones are not set into the precious metal but part
of it. The maang tikka (hair ornament) rests on the forehead, while
a regal-looking necklace and earrings, plus exquisitely carved
bangles, complete the set.
In the west, Marwari (state of Rajasthan) & Gujarati weddings are
extravagant occasions, with ornate decoration, lavish feasts,
spectacular outfits and elaborate wedding ceremonies. This
opulence is brought to life beautifully in a wide variety of
neckwear, earrings, rings, borlas (head ornament), naths (nose
ring), baju bandhs (arm bands), chudisandkangans (bangles).
Since the days of Rajput royalty, Rajasthan has been famous
worldwide for the antique craft of Kundan, an intricate form of
jewellery-making incorporating gold and uncut diamonds, making
it a popular choice for weddings. Gujarati versions feature intricate
work with gold sheet, with less of a focus on the Kundan style.
Perfect for either occasion, Tanishq's Kundan Polki jewellery is
handmade by a craftsperson with decades of experience, blending
modernity and tradition while remaining true to its origins.
The Maharashtrian Lagan (wedding) reflects the state's vibrant and
playful culture. The region has a long coastline, and the locals have
formed a strong attachment to pearls. Thenath- introduced to the
Indian culture by the Mughals -traces its origin to the Middle East
and has become an emblem of marital blessedness. In the north
and west, brides wear a round gold ring while, traditionally,
Maharashtrian brides choose a pearl and coloured stone, ambi
(paisley) shaped nath. Tanishq offers contemporary versions of the
nath and themundavalya (strings of pearls or flowers worn on the
forehead), made from gold beads, diamonds and precious stones
and pearls.
The eastern Bengali wedding is defined by its rich and distinctive
heritage. The sound of a conch-shell blowing, accompanied by the
unique ululation of the womenfolk, sets the mood for the pre-
wedding ceremonies and rituals. TheBiyaah (wedding) in Bihar
mirrors the simplicity of the earthy roots in which the state takes
pride. Tanishq's intricate gold jewellery will appeal to brides'
fondness for plain gold adornment in both of these states, with
necklaces that look fabulous worn in layers and row upon row of
broad gold bangles.
Travelling south, weddings are rich in customs and details yet
rooted in simplicity in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala &
Karnataka. Here, the aroma of fresh jasmine, the abundance of
rice grains and the rich colour of turmeric all signify sacredness.
Tanishq's gold and ruby-encrusted Mangamalai (garland of
mangoes) symbolises abundance, the traditional armlet
Vanki ensures no part of the bride's arm is bereft of gold finery,
and the Shringar patti (head ornament) - set with deep-red
precious stones and pearls - will transform a demure bride into an
elegant princess. These Tanishq pieces feature artistic depictions of
Gods, flora and fauna worked into the famous Nakashi
(stampwork) style. The exquisite Lotus necklace, in gold, diamonds
and precious stones, pays tribute to the sacred lotus flower, which
represents purity and peace