Jewellery is about much more than just pretty accessories – it holds deep cultural meaning across various societies, as a symbol of identity, status, heritage, and religious belief. More often than not, a piece of jewellery carries tremendous spiritual significance. Closely tied to special occasions and milestones, it doesn’t just narrate the story of a culture, but that of your own life.
Like the Japanese Obi, Tibetan Ghau, and African Maasai beadwork hold enormous symbolic value in the world of jewellery, so does theIndian Rani Haar. Below, we delve into its origins and talk about the many creative ways to style these long necklaces with ensembles of your choice.
What is a Rani Haar Necklace?
Widely considered a must-have piece of jewellery in every enthusiast’s collection, Rani Haar necklaces are one of the oldest traditional jewellery in India. These long, heavily studded, and brightly-coloured statement pieces are known to have originated in Tamil Nadu. They have become a wedding staple in the northern and northeastern parts of the country as well.
Origins and Cultural Significance
Rani Haar necklaces can be traced back to the royal courts of India, particularly during the Mughal age (16th to 19th centuries). The opulent jewellery pieces were originally worn by queens, princesses, and noblewomen as a symbol of their regal elegance, social status, and wealth. A Rani Haar is crafted using precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum, and adorned with precious gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and pearls – it serves as an imperial style statement even today.
Its craftsmanship involves complex detailing and elaborate design, showcasing the mastery and creativity of Indian jewellers. However, these necklaces are more than just fashion accessories – they also carry a cultural and spiritual dimension in South Asia. Many believe that the gemstones used in an Indian Rani Haar carry protective qualities, bringing good fortune and warding off negative energy. Others consider it a cherished heirloom and pass it down through the generations to narrate the family’s legacy and stories.
Wearing a Rani Haar necklace during special occasions like weddings and festivals is a matter of immense pride for the Indian people. The fact is it looks strikingly regal without weighing too heavily on the neck. This quality has made it a popular choice of jewellery in various places around the world, including Australia.
The Different Styles of Rani Haar Jewellery
The waves of time and trends have had an interesting impact on modern designs. Combining its old-world handcrafted quality with contemporary fashion sensibilities, Rani Haar is available in four different styles:
- Temple Jewellery Rani Haar
Temple-style Rani Haar is inspired by the ornate patterns found in ancient Indian temples. It features the customary intricacies and motifs of deities, flowers, and other religious symbols. Crafted in gold or silver, temple Rani Haars tend to integrate semi-precious gemstones like rubies, emeralds, and pearls.
- Bollywood-Style Rani Haar
Characterised by bold, heavy, and extravagant designs, this particular style features oversized gemstones as well as elaborate filigree work. While the base is usually gold, the pendant is inscribed with diamonds or other precious gemstones. Bollywood-style Rani Haar is a favourite among brides and anyone seeking a super-glam statement piece for special events.
- Kundan Rani Haar
Kundan Rani Haar is a traditional Indian necklace known for delicate craftsmanship and the use of uncut gemstones. Employing a gold foil to create intricate patterns, it features emeralds and rubies that are set without any prongs, giving the necklace an elegant appearance.
- Multi-Layered Pearl Rani Haar
If you are seeking subtlety, a multi-layered pearl Rani Haar might be the ideal choice. This necklace can be your go-to for informal occasions and traditional gatherings as it is characterised by its strings of lustrous pearls arranged in multiple tiers. The pearls might be of uniform size or graduated, creating a cascading effect.
How to Wear a Rani Haar Necklace
Conventionally, most Rani Haar Indian jewellery belongs to ethnic ensembles like saree or lehengas. However, with contemporary artisans giving it a modern and minimalist twist, you have a much broader repertoire for styling this iconic piece of jewellery. Here are some styling tips that will help you bring out the charm and majesty of temple-style, Bollywood, and long Kundan necklaces:
- For a classic look, you can opt for a monochromatic outfit and let the necklace be the focal point. Complete the attire with matching earrings and a sleek up due to call attention to your neck.
- Want the better of two worlds? Layer the necklace over a plain blouse or dress and combine it with contemporary statement earrings. That way, you can strike the perfect balance between traditional and modern.
- To look your absolute best at a wedding, you can experiment with layering multiple necklaces by wearing the Rani Haar with other shorter or longer chains. Don’t be afraid to mix different styles, textures, and metals in complementing colours to create a multi-dimensional outfit.
- Pay attention to the neckline of your outfit when pairing with a Rani Haar. It goes perfectly with a low-cut or deep-neck blouse, but can also be worn over high-neck blouses.
- Choose earrings that complement the Rani Haar without overshadowing it. Studs or small hoops work well for a balanced appearance.
Choosing The Right Rani Haar For Your Body Type
Just as you would think about your body type before buying clothes, picking a Rani Haar necklace is also about balance and harmony.
- If you are on the petite side, Rani Haar necklaces that are not too long will avoid overwhelming your frame. On the other hand, those who are taller can pull off longer Rani Haar necklaces with ease.
- The neckline and face shape are also important when selecting a Rani Haar – V-shaped necklaces can flatter a round face and elongate the neck, while a shorter Rani Haar with greater volume suits a longer face shape.
The Future of Rani Haar Necklaces in Australia
Contemporary twists in Rani Haar design have not only put the jewellery style on the map but created a high demand in places like Australia. Today, you can find minimalist Rani Haar new designs that feature sleek lines and fewer gemstones, offering a subtle and versatile look. Some necklaces even come with detachable sections or fusion materials, which you can transform into different styles.
To give your traditional outfit a modern edge, you can wear Rani Haar gold sets with geometric patterns and layered designs. Many designers have embraced the beauty of imperfection, handcrafting necklaces that feature mismatched gemstones and unique colour combinations. Additionally, the use of lightweight materials like titanium, resin, and ceramic has increased the comfort and every day wear ability of Indian long necklace designs without compromising on style.
These modern adaptations have managed to achieve the tremendous feat of preserving the cultural significance of Rani Haar jewellery. Moreover, they are catering to changing fashion preferences and lifestyles. With its diverse and multicultural population, the increasing popularity of Nepalese jewellery and traditional Indian Haar sets in Australia comes as no surprise.
That is the reason why skilled designers at Ratna Jewellers Melbourne love to create authentic Rani Haar necklaces in a stunning variety of styles, textures, and materials. Whether you have a wedding to attend or simply want to level up your everyday style, browse their extensive collection of Rani Haar necklace sets. Contact experts at Ratna Jewellers, Victoria – you can call on 0452 422 731 or email at [email protected] to order custom-made jewellery for all the special days in your life.