Meenakari Bangles

Countries worldwide, from Italy to New Zealand, have incorporated enamelling techniques into modern jewellery. Even Indian nouveau art jewellery designers have made invigorating efforts to explore modern Meenakari designs. The fusion of contemporary and traditional designs has become a big part of Indian bridal fashion. Ornate Meenakari bangles have carved a niche for themselves, raising the wearer’s fashion quotient. Popular in Rajasthan and Gujarat, Meenakari bangles showcase a variety of motifs and colours. Available in different metals like gold, silver, brass and alloy, these bangles cater to beauty and affordability. A Meenakari Kada (single-piece or open-ended) has become a fashion feature. Depending on whether it is a thin kada or a heavy kada, it can be worn daily or on special occasions. Brides and newlyweds enjoy wearing wedding churas and traditional Jodhpuri bangles decorated with intricate Meenakari work. The history of Meenakari finds its genesis in Persia. Persian art and culture bloomed during the four centuries of the Parthian and Sasanian Empires. During this golden period, artisans discovered the fine art of hand painting metal surfaces and ceramic tiles with enamel, which they named Meenakari. The name Meenakari or M?n?k?r? can be split into two Persian words - m?n? and k?r?. M?n? is a feminine variation of the word m?n?, meaning paradise or the azure colour of heaven, while K?r? means to do work on an object. Together, Meenakari means to affix or apply paradise to something. Thus, Meenakari is the art of decorating or enamelling a metal surface by fusing minerals and treated substances. Overthrown by the Arab Rashidun Caliphate, the golden period ended in 651 CE. Meenakari art form, too, went underground until it once again resurfaced in Safavid Iran around the 15th century. Enamels were applied to tiles, bathtubs, refrigerators, armchairs, serving dishes, containers, vases, frames, and other display ornaments. In the 16th century, the Mongols travelling the Silk Route introduced Meenakari art to the Mughal Empire. The Mughal Emperor Akbar was so fascinated by this unique art form that he commissioned the artists to decorate his palace walls, pillars, ceilings and throne with intricate Meenakari work. This colourful enamel work soon found its way to the Queen's jewels. But it wasn’t until Raja Man Singh of Mewar, a nobleman and a military commander of the Mughal Empire who wore it for his portraits and Darbar ceremonies, that it first gained attention. With the growing demand for Meenakari bangles, necklaces, earrings, bajubands, and buttons, Raja Man Singh invited five Meenakars from the Mughal palace in Lahore to establish their trade in Jaipur. The markets of Jaipur were a hive of activity in the sixteenth century and have continued to grow since then. Today, Meenakari bangles of Jaipur have established themselves, both in domestic and international markets.

How to Style a Meenakari Necklaces

If styled properly, a Meenakari bangle can help you achieve the perfect traditional or contemporary look. Here are some tips on how best to style a Meenakari bangle. The first thing to do is match the bangle with the attire. The colours on the Meenakari bangle must match or contrast the colours of your dress. For example, if you're wearing a vibrant red silk saree, opt for red and gold Meenakari bangles or contrast it with a rich green Meenakari Kada with a touch of red. 

 Next, mix and match thin, broad, solid or multi-coloured bangles to create your unique style. If you are young and want to stand out, go for fun styling by mixing different types of Meenakari bangles. Also, it is important to synchronise a Meenakari bangle with a necklace, earrings, and other pieces of jewellery while styling it. When pairing Meenakari bangles with other Meenakari necklaces, earrings, and Maang tikkas, ensure all the pieces are in the same family of colours, motifs, and metals to complement each other.  

Furthermore, when styling Meenakari bangles, it is essential to pay close attention to the kind of occasion. For instance, when dressing up for a wedding, you can wear a heavy heirloom kada or layer multiple Meenakari bangles for a striking look. On the other hand, for a casual event, like a birthday party or a theatre outing, opt for thin Meenakari bangles to give a minimalistic look. If you're wearing a colourful Meenakari Kada with a solid-coloured Western dress, try to keep simpler jewellery pieces elsewhere or skip them altogether. Let the focus be on one statement piece. To get the best fusion look, go minimalistic. 

To conclude, there is no one rule for styling a Meenakari bangle. All you need is some imagination and experimenting to get it right. Meenakari bangles are the perfect pick for reflecting your appreciation for culture and craftsmanship! When exploring ways to style Meenakari bangles, it's helpful to understand the broader spectrum of traditional Indian jewellery. Each piece carries its own charm and complements various looks and occasions seamlessly.