Meenakari Bracelets

Known as the bohemian jewellery of India, Meenakari bracelets belong to an ancient and evergreen style of jewellery. Meenakari bracelets have evolved from traditional to contemporary, with each piece symbolising India’s mesmerising culture and heritage. Meenakari bracelets boast fine enamelling done on metal surfaces with vibrant colours. The age-old technique involves fusing the glass powder or crushed precious/semi-precious gemstones onto the metal by a firing and cooling process. Though typically done on gold, today, Meenakari bracelets are available in gold-toned, silver, silver-plated, copper or alloy. The art of Meenakari was first discovered by artisans of ancient Persia. According to historians and scholars, the art form dates back to the Parthian and Sassanid eras of Persia, which lasted from 247 BC till 651CE. During both these reigns, art and craft flourished in Persia. Meenakar's worked with metals, glass, and ceramic items. They applied the art to decorative items, utensils, armchairs, dining sets, steel sinks, and cast iron bathtubs. The golden period lasted until King Ardashir of Persis was overthrown by the Arab Rashidun Caliphate. During the 16th century, Meenakari, the traditional art form which originated in Persia, came to India with travelling Mongols who followed the silk route. The Mogul ruler Emperor Shah Jahan was so fascinated by the colours and designs that he ordered his palace walls, ceilings, pillars, and throne to be decorated with Meenakari work. Subsequently, seeing the fine artistry, one of the Emperor's wives commissioned an artisan to create the first Meenakari necklace with fine enamel work. Slowly, Meenakars began to decorate royal gold jewellery consisting of bracelets, bangles, earrings, rings and anklets with fine Meenakari work. Soon, Raja Man Singh of Amber, the General of the Mogul emperor, to promote the trade further, invited skilled workers from Lahore to set up their trade in Rajasthan. The trade prospered, and Jaipur in Rajasthan became the centre of traditional Meenakari jewellery. The art also spread to other regions of India, including Gujarat, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. While Meenakari done on gold bracelets is mostly from Jaipur, Delhi and Benaras, the Meenakari done on silver bracelets comes from Bikaner, Udaipur and Nathdwara. The glass enamelling of Meenakari jewellery from the region of Pratapgarh has gained popularity due to its lower price tag. Today, after centuries, Meenakari bracelets continue to adorn the hands of Indian women.

How to Style a Meenakari Bracelet

If you are attending an Indian wedding, an heirloom Meenakari Kundan bracelet is a good option as it complements the iconic saree, heavy lehenga and rich salwar kurta. It can be styled with other Meenakari ornaments like the Meena collar, bajuband, maang tikka, nosering and anklet depending on its colour, texture and style. 

For a classy look wear a single cuff bracelet on one wrist and keep the other bare. On an off-shoulder evening dress, or a fitted black leather dress, a colourful gemstone studded cuff does all the talking to reflect your unique style. Moreover, if the bracelet has a shiny texture, you can style it over a silk kurti pantsuit.

While stacking bracelets is on trend, stack up a Meenakari bracelet with other gold bracelets to create an eclectic look. For one, get a pair of Karni beads Meenakari bracelets and wear them with thinner Meenakari bracelets in the center. Otherwise, stack a pair or two of Meenakari bracelets for a fashionista look.

You can mix and match two or more Meenakari bracelets. When mixing and matching Meenakari bracelets, the key is to have fun while creating a look that is uniquely you. Pay close attention to the colours, motifs, and materials. When rightly balanced, the combination can be quite a wrist attraction. Mix-n-match style Meenakari bracelets look cool, when worn over a long-sleeve white shirt and a pair of jeans.

Bracelets can be worn alone or in combination, depending on the look you want to create. Get a Meenakari bracelet that reflects your hippie or classic style to craft a perfectly mesmerising look.  From gold to silver, alloy to acrylic, Meenakari bracelets are incredibly important in our culture. They are available in a wide range of colours, styles and prices. All you need to know is how to pick the right bracelet type for your style, and then, step out wearing a beautiful Meenakari bracelet with a fabulous smile!