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Meenakari Rings
Meenakari rings embody the exquisite artistry and culture of India. The ancient art of Meenakari is practised by artisans called Meenakars. Making a Meenakari ring involves a complex process that requires a high degree of precision. It takes three days to a month to make, as it encompasses the formation of intricate designs and geometric shapes with luminous colours of enamel. This style is unique among other rings, as precious and semi-precious stones are embedded in the enamel with wires and molten gold forming thin borders. Their prices vary depending on the use of the base metal (alloys, copper, silver, gold) and the intricate enamelling. Historically originated in Persia, the ancient art form of Meenakari rings celebrates the antiquity of the craft. The word Meenakari or M?n?k?r?, is derived by combining two Persian words - m?n? and k?r?. M?n? is a feminine variation of the word m?n?, meaning paradise or heaven. K?r? means to do or place something onto something else. Together, the word Meenakari means placing paradise on an object. The artists who belonged to the Parthian Empire, also known as the Arsacid Empire, which ruled from 247 BC to 224 AD, first invented this art form on metal, glass, ceramics, and stone. The art further developed when King Ardashir of Persis established the Sasanian or Sassanid empire. Utensils, showpieces and jewellery displayed beautiful Meenakari work on them. In 651 CE, the Sasanian empire was overthrown by the Arab Rashidun Caliphate, thus ending the ancient Persian culture. However, the meticulous ornamental Meenakari work resurfaced in Safavid Iran around the 15th century. The Mongols, who travelled the silk route, first introduced it into India in the 16th century during the Mughal Empire. During the reign of Shah Jahan in the mid-seventeenth century, Meenakars decorated royal palaces with this art form. They enamelled the finest patterns of birds, animals and flowers using Cloissoné and Champlevé techniques. Later, as the begums of emperor Shah Jahan developed a great fondness for the art, they requested Meenakars to enamel royal jewels. During the same period, a noble and connoisseur of art in the court of King Shah Jahan, Raja Ram Singh, awed by the Meenakari work in royal architecture, invited more Meenakari artisans from Lahore to introduce the art to Rajasthan. He helped them set up enamelling workshops in Mewar, Rajasthan, to promote Meenakari. Since then, Meenakari rings, necklaces, and bangles have found patronage in the courts of rulers, including the Mughals and Rajputs, becoming a symbol of royalty. In India, Jaipur has emerged as the capital of Meenakari trade.
Diving into the Design
Meenakari rings have gained popularity among brides and the beautiful women of India. From a traditional heirloom meenakari ring to a contemporary meenakari ring, each with its unique charm has carved a place of pride in jewellery collections.
The enormous Aarsi ring has a decorative meenakari design around a circular mirror set within the ring. The colourful enamel designs that are traditional, floral or geometric create a visually appealing contrast against the reflective mirror surface.
The Tilak ring with red and green enamelling reflects indigenous Hindu rituals and traditions. Classic floral designs sometimes have polki embellishments on gold to create a classic charm.
The Kundan Meenakari ring combines Meenakari enamelling with a Kundan setting that uses uncut diamonds.
The Polki Meenakari ring is yet another unique style of Meenakari jewellery, combining flat diamonds along with Meenakari enamel colours and traditional motifs.
Jadau Meenakari rings are elaborate. They showcase Meenakari work with Jadau setting. Here, the precious gemstones such as uncut diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and pearls are embedded into gold.
The Meenakari Haath Phool is another style of ring with a hand harness worn by brides. It has a decorative centrepiece connected to the finger rings embellished with enamel work.
Traditionally, gold was the preferred metal for making all these different types of Meenakari rings. Gold helps to hold the enamel better, bringing out its lustre. But with the prices skyrocketing, Meenakari work was done on rings made from metals like silver and copper. A resurgence in enamel-based art further prompted the Jaipur jewellers to take it beyond the state of Rajasthan. Meenakari rings made from alloys became more affordable and accessible to women across India and abroad.
Occasions
Modern brides love Meenakari rings. If the theme is spring, Meenakari rings, earrings, and necklaces perfectly express it with floral motifs. Whether Ek Rang Khula Meena, Panch Rang Meena or Gulabi Meena, there is a Meenakari ring for every bridal outfit from red and gold to ivories and pastels. Several guests at the wedding also like to show off their decorative and designer Meenakari rings.
An engagement ceremony or Roka is also a special day to gift your daughter a traditional Meenakari ring. Whether an Aarsi ring, a kundan meenakari ring, or a Jadau meenakari ring, gift a ring that someday can be passed down as an heirloom. Meenakari rings are trendy, traditional and perfect for gifting.
Indian festivals offer the right occasion to style your Meenakari ring. Since a Meenakari ring occupies a significant place in traditional Indian culture, it is worn frequently at festivals. Featuring Indian motifs like peacocks, flowers and paisleys, these rings embody exquisite artistry and cultural richness.
Meenakari rings are versatile. They look equally good for day wear as for evening wear. Since Meenakari rings blend ancient techniques with modern designs, they can be worn anytime, with any dress. All you need is a bit of imagination and knowledge to get it right. Also, since they are available in different colours, styles and prices, you can make them your ornamental repertoire.
A meenakari ring completes your party wear and makes your styling look flawless. Dressed in fashionable Western wear, Meenakari rings allow you to create a cultural connection. When worn with the right outfit, it expresses the beauty and elegance of the wearer. While Western trends tend to offer freedom of expression, traditional jewellery allows us to express our identity.
When it comes to office wear jewellery, remember less is always more. Today, a Meenakari ring for office wear is undoubtedly a good choice, if subtle. An Ek Rang Khula Meena can symbolise Indian craftsmanship without looking too extravagant. Opt out of wearing other jewellery pieces such as necklaces, earrings and bracelets when styling a Meenakari ring for officewear.
How to Style a Meenakari Ring
A Meenakari ring is often seen as a fashion accessory that symbolises femininity, enhances an outfit, and showcases social status. It is essential to wear this timeless piece of jewellery in the right manner, with the right clothes, and on the right occasion.
The first basic rule in styling a Meenakari ring is to ensure it matches the occasion. A Meenakari ring looks grande in pre and post-wedding ceremonies and at Indian festivals. As these occasions represent our traditions and symbolise our heritage, you can wear a big one-coloured or multi-coloured kundan meenakari ring. It can be embellished with precious stones and pearls. You can also wear a majestic Moghul-style meenakari ring. Go big, go bold at weddings and festivals.
The next tip to remember while styling a Meenakari ring is to pick the right colour. Since a Meenakari ring is extremely colourful and vibrant, make it the focal point. Choose other jewellery which complements and does not compete with the ring.
Pay attention to the pattern on the ring and the outfit. Since Meenakari rings have different motifs, like flowers, birds, etc., match them with the embroidery of the outfit. Also, if the patterns on your outfit are busy, try to keep the design of the ring simpler.
Since a Meenakari ring is bold and beautiful, avoid over-accessorising. Complete Meenakari sets look good on special occasions, but one statement Meenakari ring is enough for an evening out or formal event. You can sport an heirloom gold-toned Kundan Meenakari ring with an elegant gold chain.
Lastly, do not mix metals. As Meenakari rings are available in gold, silver, copper, and imitation if you have to coordinate them with another piece of jewellery, stick them to the same base metal. Preferably, also try to maintain the same colours and theme. Materials matter as each piece of jewellery will have a different finish and lustre depending on the base metal.
Meenakari rings, with their conventional appearance, modern-day designs, magnificent crafting and religious symbolism, have captured the hearts of thousands of women in India and worldwide. Apart from traditional designs, fabulous Meenakari rings are now available in various colours, multiple metals, flexible ring dimensions and a wide range of budgets. Fit for royalty to fit for brides, the versatile Meenakari rings are here to stay!
Image Credits
Anayah Jewellery | Trendia | Etsy | Maharani London | Aurus Jewels | Umrao Jewels | Pinterest | Jaipur Polki House | Rudradhan