Toe Rings
Toe rings, popularly called Bichhiyas in Hindi are small circular bands, made of metal that is worn on the toes. In India, toe rings carry a lot of social significance and are considered an important accessory for the married women. These days, a large number of college going youth wear them as stylish and trendy accessories.
Toe rings are usually made of silver and worn in pairs on the second toe of both feet. Traditionally they are quite ornate, though more contemporary designs are now being developed to cater to the demands of modern women. The toe rings are usually adjustable type and are available in a variety of designs and patterns and are great to show off with sandals or open-toe shoes. They are made with the base material as metal and often embellished with various other materials.
Highly stylized in contemporary times, toe rings are catching the fancy of all ages. Even men could not keep themselves away from this ornate piece of jewelry for long. A huge of toe rings is being designed for the metro sexual man of today.
Tradition of Toe Rings in India
Tradition of wearing toe rings carries tremendous social significance for married Hindu women in India. With age, designs and patterns of toe-rings have changed but it's relevance in the Hindu society has not altered. Even today these are very much a part of the bride's jewelry.
Symbol of Married Status of Indian Woman:
Toe rings, better known as bichiya in India, are a must for married Hindu woman. In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, bichwa or toe rings is one of the most important symbols of marriage and women are encouraged to decorate each toe with different rings with myriad motifs ranging from paisley, to fish to flowers. In South India too, toe rings are a symbol of marriage and women wear a heavy ring on the second toe of each foot. Traditionally, toe rings are quite ornate, though more contemporary and simple designs are now being developed to cater to the requirements of modern bride.
Toe Rings are a Part of Traditional Sola Shringar:
During the Vedic times, Sanskrit texts laid down the concept of Sola Shringaar or the sixteen traditional accouterments with which every woman could adorn herself. These were carefully laid down for every part of body. Irrespective of class or economic status, these items of person grooming can be fashioned out of wood, glass, fresh flowers or precious jewels. Toe rings along with anklets were amongst the shringars to help women adorn their feet.
Bicchwas Not be worn by Unmarried Girls:
As Toe Rings or Bicchwas were considered to be symbolic of married woman, Hindu religion prohibits unmarried girls from wearing Bichhwas. Even in present times, girls refrain from wearing toe-rings before marriage.
Tradition of Wearing Silver and Not Gold Bichhiyas:
Traditionally, toe-rings are made of silver and not gold, this is because, the metal gold is held in high regard by the Hindus. It is believed that gold is the metal of gods and hence Hindus do not consider it appropriate to wear it below the waist. In present times though, this tradition is not followed very strictly and women can be seen wearing toe rings made of gold and diamonds.
Types of Toe Rings
Given here is a description of general characteristics of toe rings and types of toe rings available in the market. Please read on to find out which type of toe ring will best adorn your feet. With the growing market of toe rings, you are sure to find the perfect design to suit your personality and jewelry preferences!
General Characteristics:
Toe rings come in styles similar to rings worn on the fingers, but toe rings have a small gap on the bottom of the ring to allow them to slip over the tips of the toe more easily. The toe rings are usually adjustable type and are available in a variety of designs and patterns and are great to show off with sandals or open-toe shoes. They are made with the base material as metal and often embellished with various other materials. You can find beaded or woven toe rings, but anyone who has worn toe rings usually prefers metal, because it's smoother on the skin.
Toe Bands:
Toe Bands are usually designed for the big toes. Often rings complementing the bands are designed for the other toes. Toe bands look classy and the latest trends are sterling silver bands. The simple bands without embellishments are just right for day-to-day wear. But for parties bands can be embellished with diamonds or color studs. One can even try and have minakari bands as they are just right for Indian weddings or a simple line of diamonds on the band can also look very striking.
Amvat:
Traditional Indian toe ring for the big toe are called amvat. These are not so ornately designed as toe rings for other toes.
Double Toe Rings:
There are also double toe rings which cover the entire toe. These look quite ethnic, though they are not so comfortable to wear.
Men's Toe Rings:
Men's toe rings usually come in classic, refined bands of gold or platinum.
Customized Toe Rings:
These days, one can find customized toe rings for both him and her. Once can have words, name, zodiac signs or special symbols inscribed in their toe ring. Besides, one can have toe rings studded with their favorite or lucky stone.
Varieties of Toe Rings
Growing fad for toe rings is forcing manufacturers and designers to prepare toe rings in huge variety. Mentioned here are some popular varieties of toe rings available in the market.
Toe Rings with Motif:
Since ancient times toe rings always carried motifs. The traditional motifs used in toe rings include fishes, birds and flowers. But now the trend is changing. Contemporary style motifs are given a more abstract look and paisley is one of the hottest trend. Toe rings can also carry some odd shapes in oxidized polish.
Toe Rings with Different Shapes:
In modern times, lot of different shapes are being used for the toe rings. From wave shape to stripes, even the knotted look is very much in. Besides, toe rings are available in adjustable and non-adjustable styles. People with bold taste go in for bichhiyas with heart shapes and butterfly shapes. Even wired toe rings and basket weaves are getting popular with middle-aged women.
Toe Rings with Oriental Looks:
These days, oriental toe rings are very much in demand. Mostly people are preferring toe rings with oriental designs with a black and white combination for an unusual look. In some of the contemporary toe rings the bands and rings are on the broader side and motifs are from oriental culture.
Toe Rings Embellished with Stones:
To give people an option to match toe ring with their dress, lot of color stones especially opal and aqua color stones are being embellished on silver bands. This style is very classy and women from any age group can wear it, but the key is how to carry it.
Crystal Toe Rings:
Crystal toe rings are considered a perfect fashion accessory for evening wear, when teamed with crystal anklets. Here, silver bands are embellished with colorful crystals to give a fuller look to the toe rings. At present, colored crystal toe rings are widely is use. The hit colors in crystals being aqua blue and fuchsia pink.
Diamond Studded Toe Ring:
Those with royal taste are going for diamond studded gold toe ring with intrinsic carvings and broad borders with gold or diamond studs. But they are on the steeper side.
Painted Toe Rings:
Body paining is the latest fad these days. So, if you are creative, then try and paint your toe rings. You can try various colors and combinations. The best way to do this is to pick up plastic rings and paint them loud or one can even use subtle pastel colors.
Etched Toe Rings:
Etched toe rings are very rare and a rising trend amongst teenagers across the globe. Here, the band is etched and bright colors are used. Apart form alphabets a lot of motifs are also used. Fashion experts say, etched toe rings are best custom made and looks great in silver.
Contemproary Toe Rings
The ancient Indian practice of wearing toe rings is emerging as the new fad amongst fashion conscious youth the world over. In contemporary times, people are experimenting with innovative and stylish bichhiyas to adorn their feet in a stylish manner.
Toe Rings are a Trendy Fashion Accessory:
In the contemporary world of fashion, toe rings have emerged as the one of the hottest fashion accessories. As more attention is being given to the dressing of the foot, people are trying to make their own fashion statement by going in for funkier and more stylish toe-rings. A noticeable factor in this regard is that toe-rings are catching the attention of women of all ages. From teenagers to grandmothers, women are adorning their feet with the latest and more stylized toe rings. And, it is not just women in India or other South Asian countries (where tradition of wearing toe rings is old one) who are going crazy over toe ring but women in US and other western countries too are hugely attracted towards them. The advantage with toe rings is that they retain the funkiness of nose rings and other new jewelery, but do not require body piercing.
Contemporary Styles in Toe Rings:
Toe Rings are available in a wide and extensive range of contemporary designs and patterns to suit the taste and requirements of all. One can therefore go in for toe rings with delicate designs featuring hearts and flowers or toe rings with bold bands and designs. Besides, umpteen range of intrinsically carved rings and hand painted toe rings has also hit the market to cater to the demands of those who want to style their feet in the most creative manner. Another fad amongst fashionistas is to go in for toe rings embellished with gem stones and semi-precious stones.
Best Toe for Toe Rings:
A toe ring can be worn on any of the toes as there are no definite rules regarding where it should be worn. However, it has been noticed that second toe of either foot is where they are worn most commonly worn. Besides, some 'bichiya sets' may have pairs for four of the five toes, excluding the little pinky. Hence, one can be creative and conceive their own fashion statement regarding the decision to wear toe ring in which toe.
Toe Rings for Men:
It may be astonishing for some, but the truth is that more and more fashion savvy men are decorating their feet with designer toe-rings. Ranging from platinum, to gold, to not so expensive metal toe rings are available exclusively for men these days. Most men go in for flat and round fitting toe rings that look 'sexy' with casual floaters and swim wear.
Toe rings, popularly called Bichhiyas in Hindi are small circular bands, made of metal that is worn on the toes. In India, toe rings carry a lot of social significance and are considered an important accessory for the married women. These days, a large number of college going youth wear them as stylish and trendy accessories.
Toe rings are usually made of silver and worn in pairs on the second toe of both feet. Traditionally they are quite ornate, though more contemporary designs are now being developed to cater to the demands of modern women. The toe rings are usually adjustable type and are available in a variety of designs and patterns and are great to show off with sandals or open-toe shoes. They are made with the base material as metal and often embellished with various other materials.
Highly stylized in contemporary times, toe rings are catching the fancy of all ages. Even men could not keep themselves away from this ornate piece of jewelry for long. A huge of toe rings is being designed for the metro sexual man of today.
Tradition of Toe Rings in India
Tradition of wearing toe rings carries tremendous social significance for married Hindu women in India. With age, designs and patterns of toe-rings have changed but it's relevance in the Hindu society has not altered. Even today these are very much a part of the bride's jewelry.
Symbol of Married Status of Indian Woman:
Toe rings, better known as bichiya in India, are a must for married Hindu woman. In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, bichwa or toe rings is one of the most important symbols of marriage and women are encouraged to decorate each toe with different rings with myriad motifs ranging from paisley, to fish to flowers. In South India too, toe rings are a symbol of marriage and women wear a heavy ring on the second toe of each foot. Traditionally, toe rings are quite ornate, though more contemporary and simple designs are now being developed to cater to the requirements of modern bride.
Toe Rings are a Part of Traditional Sola Shringar:
During the Vedic times, Sanskrit texts laid down the concept of Sola Shringaar or the sixteen traditional accouterments with which every woman could adorn herself. These were carefully laid down for every part of body. Irrespective of class or economic status, these items of person grooming can be fashioned out of wood, glass, fresh flowers or precious jewels. Toe rings along with anklets were amongst the shringars to help women adorn their feet.
Bicchwas Not be worn by Unmarried Girls:
As Toe Rings or Bicchwas were considered to be symbolic of married woman, Hindu religion prohibits unmarried girls from wearing Bichhwas. Even in present times, girls refrain from wearing toe-rings before marriage.
Tradition of Wearing Silver and Not Gold Bichhiyas:
Traditionally, toe-rings are made of silver and not gold, this is because, the metal gold is held in high regard by the Hindus. It is believed that gold is the metal of gods and hence Hindus do not consider it appropriate to wear it below the waist. In present times though, this tradition is not followed very strictly and women can be seen wearing toe rings made of gold and diamonds.
Types of Toe Rings
Given here is a description of general characteristics of toe rings and types of toe rings available in the market. Please read on to find out which type of toe ring will best adorn your feet. With the growing market of toe rings, you are sure to find the perfect design to suit your personality and jewelry preferences!
General Characteristics:
Toe rings come in styles similar to rings worn on the fingers, but toe rings have a small gap on the bottom of the ring to allow them to slip over the tips of the toe more easily. The toe rings are usually adjustable type and are available in a variety of designs and patterns and are great to show off with sandals or open-toe shoes. They are made with the base material as metal and often embellished with various other materials. You can find beaded or woven toe rings, but anyone who has worn toe rings usually prefers metal, because it's smoother on the skin.
Toe Bands:
Toe Bands are usually designed for the big toes. Often rings complementing the bands are designed for the other toes. Toe bands look classy and the latest trends are sterling silver bands. The simple bands without embellishments are just right for day-to-day wear. But for parties bands can be embellished with diamonds or color studs. One can even try and have minakari bands as they are just right for Indian weddings or a simple line of diamonds on the band can also look very striking.
Amvat:
Traditional Indian toe ring for the big toe are called amvat. These are not so ornately designed as toe rings for other toes.
Double Toe Rings:
There are also double toe rings which cover the entire toe. These look quite ethnic, though they are not so comfortable to wear.
Men's Toe Rings:
Men's toe rings usually come in classic, refined bands of gold or platinum.
Customized Toe Rings:
These days, one can find customized toe rings for both him and her. Once can have words, name, zodiac signs or special symbols inscribed in their toe ring. Besides, one can have toe rings studded with their favorite or lucky stone.
Varieties of Toe Rings
Growing fad for toe rings is forcing manufacturers and designers to prepare toe rings in huge variety. Mentioned here are some popular varieties of toe rings available in the market.
Toe Rings with Motif:
Since ancient times toe rings always carried motifs. The traditional motifs used in toe rings include fishes, birds and flowers. But now the trend is changing. Contemporary style motifs are given a more abstract look and paisley is one of the hottest trend. Toe rings can also carry some odd shapes in oxidized polish.
Toe Rings with Different Shapes:
In modern times, lot of different shapes are being used for the toe rings. From wave shape to stripes, even the knotted look is very much in. Besides, toe rings are available in adjustable and non-adjustable styles. People with bold taste go in for bichhiyas with heart shapes and butterfly shapes. Even wired toe rings and basket weaves are getting popular with middle-aged women.
Toe Rings with Oriental Looks:
These days, oriental toe rings are very much in demand. Mostly people are preferring toe rings with oriental designs with a black and white combination for an unusual look. In some of the contemporary toe rings the bands and rings are on the broader side and motifs are from oriental culture.
Toe Rings Embellished with Stones:
To give people an option to match toe ring with their dress, lot of color stones especially opal and aqua color stones are being embellished on silver bands. This style is very classy and women from any age group can wear it, but the key is how to carry it.
Crystal Toe Rings:
Crystal toe rings are considered a perfect fashion accessory for evening wear, when teamed with crystal anklets. Here, silver bands are embellished with colorful crystals to give a fuller look to the toe rings. At present, colored crystal toe rings are widely is use. The hit colors in crystals being aqua blue and fuchsia pink.
Diamond Studded Toe Ring:
Those with royal taste are going for diamond studded gold toe ring with intrinsic carvings and broad borders with gold or diamond studs. But they are on the steeper side.
Painted Toe Rings:
Body paining is the latest fad these days. So, if you are creative, then try and paint your toe rings. You can try various colors and combinations. The best way to do this is to pick up plastic rings and paint them loud or one can even use subtle pastel colors.
Etched Toe Rings:
Etched toe rings are very rare and a rising trend amongst teenagers across the globe. Here, the band is etched and bright colors are used. Apart form alphabets a lot of motifs are also used. Fashion experts say, etched toe rings are best custom made and looks great in silver.
Contemproary Toe Rings
The ancient Indian practice of wearing toe rings is emerging as the new fad amongst fashion conscious youth the world over. In contemporary times, people are experimenting with innovative and stylish bichhiyas to adorn their feet in a stylish manner.
Toe Rings are a Trendy Fashion Accessory:
In the contemporary world of fashion, toe rings have emerged as the one of the hottest fashion accessories. As more attention is being given to the dressing of the foot, people are trying to make their own fashion statement by going in for funkier and more stylish toe-rings. A noticeable factor in this regard is that toe-rings are catching the attention of women of all ages. From teenagers to grandmothers, women are adorning their feet with the latest and more stylized toe rings. And, it is not just women in India or other South Asian countries (where tradition of wearing toe rings is old one) who are going crazy over toe ring but women in US and other western countries too are hugely attracted towards them. The advantage with toe rings is that they retain the funkiness of nose rings and other new jewelery, but do not require body piercing.
Contemporary Styles in Toe Rings:
Toe Rings are available in a wide and extensive range of contemporary designs and patterns to suit the taste and requirements of all. One can therefore go in for toe rings with delicate designs featuring hearts and flowers or toe rings with bold bands and designs. Besides, umpteen range of intrinsically carved rings and hand painted toe rings has also hit the market to cater to the demands of those who want to style their feet in the most creative manner. Another fad amongst fashionistas is to go in for toe rings embellished with gem stones and semi-precious stones.
Best Toe for Toe Rings:
A toe ring can be worn on any of the toes as there are no definite rules regarding where it should be worn. However, it has been noticed that second toe of either foot is where they are worn most commonly worn. Besides, some 'bichiya sets' may have pairs for four of the five toes, excluding the little pinky. Hence, one can be creative and conceive their own fashion statement regarding the decision to wear toe ring in which toe.
Toe Rings for Men:
It may be astonishing for some, but the truth is that more and more fashion savvy men are decorating their feet with designer toe-rings. Ranging from platinum, to gold, to not so expensive metal toe rings are available exclusively for men these days. Most men go in for flat and round fitting toe rings that look 'sexy' with casual floaters and swim wear.
