Ring Bracelet: Blend of New and Old

Source:

Panjangla Design for Dulhan

www.silentfunblog.blogspot.com

"Jewelry has occupied an important part of life in India from ancient times to the present day. Evidence from the earliest Indus Valley civilizations, which flourished along the Indus River in modern-day Pakistan and which date back to 2500 B.C.E. , indicates that early Indians adorned themselves from head to toe with many varied ornaments. Although traditions have changed over the thousands of years since the beginning of Indian culture, jewelry remains an integral part of religious, regional, and social life." *

 Generally my accessory style is classic, simple, and minimal, which was greatly influenced by my mom who has a pronounced appreciation for real jewelry. This passion for jewelry opened doors to explore fashion jewelry, or more commonly known as costume jewelry, which were more practical to use, especially for casual affairs. My collection of accessories include simple strand beaded necklaces, or single strand chain with drops, bangles and cuffs ,and key piece statement necklaces; but no ring-bracelets like the elaborate pieces of Indian jewelry.   

Ring-bracelets also known as “slave bracelets” are a popular form of Indian jewelry. The desire of adorning the body led to the origin of jewelry in India. The long history of body adornment of Indians, chiefly from women dating back 5,000 years ago; and has made its way to becoming significant in their culture and tradition. Women in India give importance to jewelry with unique design and workmanship; ranging from necklaces and earrings, to pieces that embellish the hair, hip, hands and feet; some even going as far as having their nose pierced for rings and studs. Jewelry is an integral part of their social and religious life thus a whole culture of body adornment was developed.  Driven with this train of thought, it is no wonder that ring-bracelets emerged as a popular form of jewelry.

"The Mogul Empire, Indian Muslims who ruled India from 1500 to 1700 C.E. , greatly influenced Indian jewelry styles. Under Mogul rule Indian goldsmiths developed the technical skill to create beautiful jewels for the body, and Indians wore an almost infinite variety of jewelry that literally covered the wearer from head to toe." *

Two years ago, I recalled Kerin’s first chain accessory project when she asked me to teach her basic chain linking. She made a ring-bracelet/ hand harness out of rhodium chains and continued exploring chain accessories after our half-day session. It was an interesting piece of accessory. Then at the early quarter of this year, Michelle, a schoolmate in elementary and high school asked me to customize a ring- bracelet inspired by Indian jewelry; so we made our first. When other girls saw it, they lined up and wanted one for themselves. The custom of wearing accessories and jewelry is a tale as old as time; which succeeds in influencing our way of dressing and adorning ourselves in one way or the other.These ring-bracelets that we customized, though not made of precious metals, in contrast to original Indian jewelry, have adapted to how body adornment surpassed time in terms of design, availability of materials, and price.  -PJV

Women in the real world: Tita Eden and Berna wearing their customized ring-bracelet from Palamuti

Michelle's ring-let w/c she can wear on a casual day

P.S. Did you know? In India, slave bracelets or ring bracelets are a very popular ornament amongst the newly wedded bride of ancient times. There are no direct links with these type of ornaments and slavery. It's called a slave bracelet because the bracelet and ring are attached to one another, thus the ring is a “slave” to the bracelet and vice versa.

*Read more: Jewelry - Fashion, Costume, and Culture: Clothing, Headwear, Body Decorations, and Footwear through the Ages http://www.fashionencyclopedia.com/fashion_costume_culture/The-Ancient-World-India/Jewelry.html#ixzz1yzGhiNPv