Grandparents Day & Heirloom Jewellery

As we celebrate grandparents' day, let's reflect on the special role they play in our lives. Grandparents often act as a link to our cultural heritage and pass down traditions and memories from generation to generation. In India, Pakistan and other South Asian countries, one of the most cherished pieces of jewellery passed down through the family is heirloom jewellery. This includes delicate bangles, intricate earrings, and beautiful anklets.

Raani haar, Pendant Sets, and Rings are among other popular passed-down jewellery pieces. When you are buying gold jewellery do you consider the potential for it to become a family heirloom?

Today, we'll take a closer look at some of the most popular types of heirloom jewellery found in south Asia.

What is an heirloom?

A family heirloom is a piece of jewellery passed down through generations. It can be an expensive antique or economic costume jewellery, but it's the sentimental value that makes it so special.

The main theme in the selection of an heirloom is honouring your loved ones who have passed on by including them in your daily life and wearing something that reminds you of them.

Jewellery is one such gift that can be passed down from generation to generation; it’s something you can keep forever with you as a memento of your relationship with the people who matter most in your life. It is often associated with the emotional value of the person giving it, so if you want to show how much they mean to you by giving jewellery on their special day or occasion then Heirloom Jewellery is perfect! 

A lot of people love the jewellery that their mothers and grandmothers passed down to them. These pieces are like a bridge to your roots. They remind you of where you came from, who your ancestors were, and how they lived their lives. They tell the story of your family’s history with each piece that has been passed down through the generations.

A piece of jewellery passed down by your grandmother will make you feel connected to her, especially if she's still alive. You'll think about how much she cared for you when she gave it to you and the love she has for her family members. This can be especially true if the item was made by someone who holds a special place in your heart like a parent or grandparent. It may not be expensive but it becomes priceless when given as an inheritance because of its sentimental value alone!

Bangles/Karas/Kangans

Bangles (Karas) are often preserved and handed down to future generations as heirlooms.

Bangles are one of the most popular pieces of heirloom jewellery. They are often made of 22ct & 21ct gold, silver or other precious metals and can be passed down through the generations. Bangles are traditionally worn by women on their wrists and are a symbol of femininity and elegance. A mother's/ grandmother's most cherished bangles are those she intends to pass down to her daughters or daughters-in-law. There are also baby bangles that are gifted to the baby at her birth and might be saved for her children & grandchildren.

Earrings/Jhumkas

Just like bangles, earrings (jhumka) are also a popular type of heirloom jewellery. They are often made of gold, silver or other precious metals and can be passed down through the generations.

Anklets/Payal

Anklets (Payal) are also a popular type of heirloom jewellery. They are often made of gold or silver or other precious metals and can be passed down through the generations. Anklets are traditionally worn by women on their ankles. A mother's/ grandmother's most cherished anklets are those she intends to pass down to her daughters or daughters-in-law.

Raani Haar

A Raanihaar is a necklace that queens and princesses would wear in India. It is a longer necklace that drapes down the chest instead of stopping at the neckline. In the modern day, it is often worn by Indian, Pakistani, and Bengali brides on their wedding days as well as on baby showers (godh barai). The two most common styles are delicate, fully gold haars and sophisticated & timeless pearl or bead variations. It is a good investment piece that can be passed down through the generations. You might have been a bride that wore her mother's pearl rani haar on your wedding day.

Pendant Sets

Pendant sets are also a popular type of heirloom jewellery. Pendant sets usually consist of a necklace and earrings. These are the smaller intimate gift that is usually given on birthdays or graduations.

Rings

Rings are also a popular type of heirloom jewellery. Rings are traditionally worn on the fingers and are a symbol of maturity and grace. Married south Asian women frequently wear numerous rings, and a young girl's hand adorned in gold is often seen as a sign that she is married.

Consider the potential of it becoming a family heirloom next time you are on the market for buying gold jewellery.