Dictionary
Bangles – Whilst european stores tend to sell bangles in a single (larger size), in south asian bangles are made in different sizes, to assure a better fit. The size of the bangle is fixed (unless it has a clasp which opens), and the bangle should feel tight around the hand when you push it on. If it slides on too easily, it will look loose when you wear it! If you have a bangle that fits you, you can check the size by measuring the diameter across the inside of the bangle. Then you can size it from the chart below.
| Size | Diameter in inches/mm |
| 2.4 | 2 + 4/16” or 57mm approx |
| 2.6 | 2 + 6/16” or 61mm approx |
| 2.8 | 2 + 8/16” or 64mm approx |
| 2.10 | 2 + 10/16” or 67mm approx |
Bindis – Bindis are often wore purely for decorative purposes, regardless of religion. However, a bindi (meaning a dot or a point in sanskrit) is a sign of marriage in some Indian traditions. It is worn on the forehead, between the eyes, and has a spiritual significance. For that reason, they are even now worn by men as well as women for traditional ceremonies.
Chandi /925 Silver – Indian silver, which may be of varying levels of purity and in costume jewellery is often combined with other metals such as copper. The nearest equivalent of sterling silver of often referred to as 925 silver (92.5% purity).
Chumka – the bell shaped drop often featured in Indian earrings or attached under a bracelet.
Damini – sometimes called a shangar pati, this combines a tikka and additional parts which follow the hairline to either side of the forehead to pin near the ears.
Jummar – sometimes called a pasa, this is a decorative Indian headpiece, worn to one side of the head. It is traditionally worn by brides, but in recent years has come into its own as a fashion item for special occasions.
Kundan – a type of Indian jewellery setting, traditionally made in a very pure gold. It has a hollow setting with the centre part filled with lac or natural resin. This technique pre-dates the more recent claw setting.
Kaleere – the metal decorative extensions which are attached to a sikh bride’s bangles.
Mala – a traditional Indian pendant, worn either on a chain or a string of beads.
Naath – a nose piece, either for a pierced nose or just to clip on the nose, with or without a chain that pins near the ear.
Panja – a handpiece with between one and five rings. The design usually covers all or part of the back of the hand and fastens around the wrist. A bride will typically wear one on each hand, whereas a single panja is usually worn as a fashion item.
Payal – an anklet.
Pilling – Cashmere is one of the finest natural fibres in the world and is very luxurious to wear. However, it requires a little more care and attention than products made from coarser wools.
Sometimes when soft cashmere item is used you might find small balls or “pills” of fibre forming on the surface. These are caused by some of the loose fibre tangling together as areas of the fabric are rubbed during wear. This does not in any way indicate an inferior quality – it is an inevitable consequence of the careful processing of this fine fibre. Pills can be easily removed by hand or by using a cashmere comb or “defuzzit” device.
If you remove the pills in this way, the cashmere will consolidate and soften in handle and touch and improve with age if cared for properly.
Rhodium plating – a thin plating of rhodium, which is one of the members of the platinum family, applied over either sterling silver or another alloy to give a bright, shiny, long lasting silver coloured finish to a piece.
Sahara – a chain attachment one end of which is fixed to the upper end of an earring with the other end pinned in the hair, either for purely decorative purposes or to hold a heavier earring in a stable position.
Sterling silver – an alloy containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.
Swarovski crystal – high quality precision cut crystal supplied by the world renowned Swarovski Group. Not all crystal used in jewellery is of the same high quality as Swarovski crystal, and this is reflected in the price.
Tikka – a decorative Indian head piece, usually worn down the centre parting.
Turban kalgee – the decorative brooch attached to a turban