Wedding ceremonies are not considered complete without some symbol that signifies the couple’s union. The bride could wear a wedding band, a mangalsutra bracelet, or a mangalsutra necklace. Hindu brides also wear sindoor above the forehead and along their hair’s centre parting. In some parts of the country, brides wear coral and ivory bangles to symbolise their married status. Here, we will discuss the traditional Women mangalsutra necklaces or chains that have been integral to Hindu wedding ceremonies.
The original mangalsutra that is tied around the neck has three knots. These knots symbolise the couple’s physical, mental, and spiritual union. The knots may also represent the commitment between the couple, her acceptance into the groom’s family, and their commitment to God. Whatever their beliefs, the most auspicious moment, mangalya dharana, of a wedding ceremony is when the mangalsutra is tied around the bride’s neck.
What is a mangalsutra?
Mangalsutras have been around since the 6th century AD and started as a thread dipped in turmeric. It was meant to protect the bride from evil. Even today, many regions use only a yellow rope and a piece of turmeric as the pendant during the ceremony. Later, women change the thread to a gold necklace or a chain made of the metal of their choice. And Mangala means planet Mars in Sanskrit and is associated with the colour red, which is why most South Indian mangalsutras will have one or two corals around the pendant. Black beads in mangalsutras are equally common across some parts of the country and are believed to protect women from the evil eye.
Mangalsutra pendants are called Vatis. Women in some parts of the country wear two Vatis on their necklaces to dispel negativity. Typically, Vatis carry the image of a family deity. They are also seen in the shape of coins or domes. And earlier, mangalsutra chains were made of heavy gold, and wives never took them off. Any other jewellery they chose to wear was always in addition to the mangalsutra. But times have changed.
Contemporary women prefer lightweight jewellery and don’t believe chunky mangalsutras are essential to show their commitment to marriage. Also, they go to workplaces that may have a dress code that requires simple jewellery. Hence, modern mangalsutra designs have become popular.
There are many unique designs of mangalsutra, and the one you choose will be based on your personal style. To give you an idea of what’s available, let’s look at a few mangalsutra designs in 2022.
Short Mangalsutra designs for 2022 that make a statement
Simple gold mangalsutra
Plain gold mangalsutra is short and sweet, like the Rhea Gold Coin Mangalsutra. It is made of 18 KT yellow gold and less than five grams in weight.
Gold mangalsutra with diamonds
Gold mangalsutra with diamonds in a more elaborate design, like the Seera Diamond Mangalsutra, is an excellent choice when looking for a short chain with black beads and a striking pendant.
Gold mangalsutra with gemstones
Gold mangalsutra with gemstones is ideal for those who like to wear gemstones or birthstones. It can still have a few black beads to ward off the evil eye, is short enough to wear daily and mean as much as a traditional mangalsutra. If red is your colour, you can go for the Anisha Gemstone Mangalustra.
A gold mangalsutra with an infinity symbol gives it a little meaning, especially with the well-spaced black beads and diamonds along the pendant. The Freya Infinity Diamond Mangalsutra in 14 KT yellow gold is short and elegant and can be worn with office attire.
Mangalsutra with a single Vati
It makes sense to choose a short mangalsutra that is also light enough not to weigh you down. Women are increasingly choosing single Vati mangalsutras as long as they have the requisite black beads and a pendant that symbolises their marriage. The Nirali Diamond Mangalsutra is a fine example of a small pendant with diamonds.
Mangalsutra with two Vatis
If you go for two vatis in your mangalsutra and enjoy wearing diamonds, the Diya Diamond Mangalustra is for you. The pendant has 63 diamonds in a prong setting, and the chain is in yellow gold with black beads.
Bring fashion forward with the Trisha Diamond Mangalsutra. It has traditional and modern elements and can be worn throughout the day and for an evening out.
Lariat style mangalsutra
Lariat-style mangalsutra is made for the modern woman. Even in this style, the mangalsutra can be short enough to wear daily. Made in 18 KT yellow gold with black beads in the chain and a simple yet elegant design for the pendant, this Keya Diamond Mangalsutra is impossible to resist.
Mangalsutra with a freshwater pearl
If pearls are your birthstones, you may want to add them to your mangalsutra. A single Vati pendant with a pearl lends itself to casual and elegant outfits that can be worn daily. The black beads, diamonds, and the large pearl in the Risa Gemstone Diamond Mangalsutra go exceptionally well together in 14 KT yellow gold.
Personalised mangalsutra
Did you know you could wear personalised mangalsutras? That’s right. You can have the groom’s initials or the full name as part of the pendant. It is a matter of personal preference.
Double chain mangalsutra
The Dineta Diamond Mangalsutra is lightweight despite the two chains and the evenly-spaced diamonds. It is also short enough to fall perfectly below the collarbone. It is one of the more modern designs and is ideal for everyday wear.
Solitaire in mangalsutra
An 18 KT gold necklace with a solitaire surrounded by smaller diamonds makes a statement. The Riah Solitaire Mangalsutra is striking in its elegance, and the diamonds are brilliantly offset in yellow gold with very few black beads.
Gold coin mangalsutra
Suppose you want to wear a traditional mangalsutra that is also short. In that case, you can choose the Vanya Gold Coin Mangalsutra. It has two Vatis with two gold beads separating them and three more gold beads on either side, brought together with a black-beaded gold chain.
Rose gold mangalsutra
Since rose gold has regained popularity, you will find mangalsutras made from rose gold if you like the antique look. Saisha Diamond Mangalsutra is one such example.
It is made from 18 KT rose gold, and the diamonds in the centre give it a floral look. It is stylish and perfect for the contemporary woman.
Mangalsutras have evolved from a yellow sutra through the heavy gold chains to the trending lightweight ones holding universal appeal. The pendant can be as simple or as elaborate as you desire. From simple and elegant to bold and flashy, there’s a mangalsutra design for women. So, take your pick and start your journey by visiting CaratLane physically or virtually and make your choice. Whether you’re looking for something simple and elegant or something with a bit more personality, we’ve got you covered.
