Which is the best type of Mangalsutra?
Mangalsutra is a sacred necklace used in traditional Indian and Hindu marriage ceremonies. Representing both the married status of the bride as well as the sacred union between the husband and wife, mangalsutra first originated in southern India, and is still practiced all over the world.
If you’re getting married soon and on the lookout for your mangalsutra, it can be difficult to decide what design will suit you best on your big day. In this guide, we’re going to introduce you to the best mangalsutra designs today, explain why this tradition is so important, and help you pick your favorite style for your ceremony. Let’s get started!
WHAT IS MANGALSUTRA?
Mangalsutra is a type of Indian necklace used in traditional wedding ceremonies. Mangalsutra is typically a chain of black beads intertwined with gold, and usually also features a gold or diamond pendant. Traditionally, mangalsutra necklaces would be colored with turmeric and be so long that they reach the bride’s chest. Today, mangalsutra designs have evolved to be more practical, reflecting the increasing number of women who work. Contemporary necklaces still tend to carry the traditional gold mangalsutra design.
BEST TYPES OF MANGALSUTRA
If you’re unsure what type of mangalsutra would suit you on your wedding day, here are just a few of our favorite styles:
SOLITAIRE MANGALSUTRA
Solitaire mangalsutra is a great way to combine tradition and modernity; solitaire mangalsutra is composed of small, black and gold beads attached to a pendant, typically a solitaire diamond. If you want something chic and glamorous – but can also be worn on a day-to-day basis – a solitaire mangalsutra is your best option.
FLOWER MANGALSUTRA
Flower mangalsutra – or floral mangalsutra – features a black and gold beaded chain and a large, eye-catching floral pendant. If you want to go the more traditional route, you can opt for a large, captivating diamond pendant. For a more modest look, you can wear a small, floral-shaped pendant that can be easily paired with work clothes or a casual outfit.
MINIMALIST MANGALSUTRA
There’s no obligation for you to wear a long, eye-catching or statement mangalsutra design. In fact, many Indian women prefer to go the minimalist route, with a short-to-medium length chain of black and gold beads, and a small gold pendant that is both discrete and elegant. A minimalist mangalsutra is ideal if you work in an environment with a strict dress code, as it can be easily concealed or worn as an everyday pendant necklace.
PERSONALIZED MANGALSUTRA
Your wedding is the most intimate day of your life with your new husband, and the mangalsutra is going to play an important role in the marriage ceremony. You can add to this intimacy by personalizing your mangalsutra, either by engraving something personal on your pendant, or choosing a colored pendant that carries sentimental significance. After all, it’s your wedding day, so why not make the event even more special?
MEENAKARI MANGALSUTRA
If you want to add a splash of color to your big day, a Meenakari mangalsutra is your best bet. Meenakari mangalsutra is also a great way to honor the long Indian tradition, as it’s not created to blend in with western outfits or be concealed at work. Meenakari mangalsutra allows you to customize your necklace with colors that hold sentimental significance for you and your new husband, while also adding joy and vibrancy to your wedding ensemble with rainbow colors.
LONG CHAIN MANGALSUTRA
As previously mentioned, mangalsutra was traditionally very long, reaching past the bride’s shoulders and falling around her decollete. If you want to honor the traditional practice while still being able to wear your mangalsutra to work with ease, you can simply opt for a long, thinly beaded necklace with a small, lightweight pendant.
MANGALSUTRA BRACELETS
While this design is certainly a break from tradition, a mangalsutra bracelet is certainly an effective way to modernize the ancient romantic concept and transform it for the contemporary world. Popularized by Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, the mangalsutra bracelet is ideal for those who dislike wearing jewelry around their neck.
THE BOTTOM LINE
When it comes to your mangalsutra, the best design is going to be one that works best for your style and aesthetic preferences. Whether you opt for a more traditional design or try something more contemporary, you’re going to be wearing your mangalsutra for a long time, so the most important thing is that you love it!
