Bracelet Bangles for Women: 2012

Wednesday, 29 August 2012

Lac Bangles

Lac bangles are perennially in demand, especially in north India, as they are considered an auspicious sign of ‘suhag’ or marriage by women, cutting across caste and community lines. The industry now involves nearly five million people, most of them local tribals. Muzzafarpur town is one of the largest production centres for lac bangles in Bihar. Lac is an ancient material for obtaining colour, known and exploited by Indian craftsmen as a less expensive means of decoration and of applying colour. It is an insect-based resin that is collected and processed by traditional craftsmen as an effective substitute for precious mineral and synthetic substances. The bangles have an inner core of refuse lac and an outer layer of high-quality lac. Hot lac mixed with pigments and chemicals is rolled and stretched on a shaping mandrel that corresponds to the size desired. Mostly, the bangles are reinforced with an aluminium core. Value additions are made in terms of embellishments – glass beads, decorative wire, mirror pieces and even gold foil. The market value of the bangles depend upon the nature of the embellishments. The bangles are sold locally as well as supplied to places like Nepal, Patna, Vaishali, Begusarai, Siliguri, and Jhanjarpur. There is an increased demand for lac bangles during festivals like Chhattha Puja, local fairs and the wedding season.

Monday, 27 August 2012

Glass Bangles: Their Value in History, Manufacturing and Fashion

Glass bangles have bewildered Indian women from ages with their shimmering sparkles, tinkling sound, innovative patterns and magnificent colors. The unstoppable fancy and charm of these delicate glass works have successfully abridged the controversial barrier between tradition and fashion. Starting from a newly wed bride under veil to the jean freak swanky fashion girl, everyone's frenzy is same for this fabulous jewelry item.

Origin of Glass Bangles

Let's talk about tradition. Glass bangles have won and enchanted Indian women's heart since the. Numerous archaeological evidences from the site of Indus valley Civilization support the fact that women from ancient ages wore glass bangles as ornamental accessory on their arms and forearms to make them more beautiful and attractive. Medieval period introduced the ritualistic beliefs by associating this jewelry item as the symbol of a married woman. And these customs are still intact and well maintained even in this millennium. Adorning a married woman's wrists with green glass bangles or gold bangles bunched with glass bangles fall under such rituals which are still in vogue in different parts of this country. The tradition of wearing glass bangles also engulfed the young, teenage, and unmarried women, as it is a strong traditional belief that it is inauspicious leaving their hands bare.

Manufacturing Glass Bangles

India is a perfect market for glass bangles. The industry has mainly developed at Firozabad, in Uttar Pradesh. But, how do they make such beautiful, intricate, and colorful glass bangles? The whole process involves a few steps: First, raw glass collected for bangles are processed in a furnace and is taken out with the help of a pipe. Second, the molten pipe shaped glass is converted into a glass spring with the help of an automated roller. Third, the glass spring is cut into pieces of equal length to make glass bangles. Fourth, these bangles with two open ends are joined through a process called "Judai." Five, the joined bangles are made neat and plain through a process called "Sadai." Six, as the last step of the whole process, these plain bangles are embellished with colorful zari dust or carved to give different golden, silvery, and other glittering designs. And these are ready for display in some fashion store showcase.

Glass Bangles in Modern Age Fashion

Shifting from tradition to the trendy fashion wardrobe, filled with dazzling jewelry of twenty-first century, was an easy glide for glass bangles, paving its own way through the feminine heart almost with no effort. So, irrespective of traditional practice, they sparkle and chime in the same way, with no less significance, around the wrist of a dashing, fashionable lady. Fashion has added up its existing popularity by introducing the concept of selecting the perfect color and the right combination of patterns, while choosing bangles for a particular outfit, in order to complement the best and ultimate trendy look.

Therefore, be it the changing face of fashion or the customs of cherished tradition, gleaming elegance of glass bangles have been greeted everywhere, and by everyone. And there lies the true beauty of glass bangles.