Toe Ring Jewellery Jaipur
Indian Names - Bichua, Bichia
Toe rings are traditional Indian jewelry that is worn in the toes by Indian women. Though usually married women wear toe rings, these days even young girls who are unmarried wear toe rings as fashion accessories. Popularly known as "Bichua", toe rings come in a variety of designs and styles. Toe rings are more or less similar to finger rings. The only difference is that toe rings have a little gap in order to allow the ring to easily slip over the toe.
These days toe rings come in a variety of designs, colors and shapes to cater to the changing tastes of women. A traditional toe ring is essentially made of silver and sometimes gold. These days, we find toe rings in copper, plastic and other different materials. Some are inlaid with beautiful gems and stones, while others are carved exquisitely. In plastic, one can find toe rings in a variety of colors and designs with bold and funky embellishments.
A toe ring is a ring made out of various metals and non-metals worn on any of the toes. The second toe of either foot is where they are worn most commonly. This is due to the fact that proportionately it's the longest toe and thus the easiest toe to put a ring on and stay without being connected to anything else. In most western countries they are a relatively new fashion accessory, and typically have no symbolic meaning. They are usually worn with barefoot sandals, anklets, bare feet or flip flops.
Like finger rings, toe rings come in many shapes and forms, from intricately designed flowers embedded with jewels to simple bands. Fitted toe rings are rings that are one size, whereas adjustable toe rings have a gap at the bottom so they can be easily made to fit snugly. Source: Toe Rings at Qwikgift.com
Wearing of toe rings is practiced in India. It is worn as a symbol of the married state by Hindu women and is called bichiya in Hindi, jodavi in Marathi, Mettelu in Telugu, Metti in Tamil), Kaalungura in Kannada. They 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 modern bride. Some 'bichiya sets' may have pairs for four of the five toes, excluding the little pinky. 'Bichiyas' may not be made of gold, as gold holds a 'respected' status and may not be worn below the waist by Hindus, but this is not followed very strictly and toe rings made of gold and diamonds are commonly seen.
In the 19th century mirror rings were sometimes worn on the great toe assumed to be for decorative purposes. Traditionally a large ring was worn on the great toe of the left foot to indicate a married status. Some men frequently wore a ring on the big toe for curative purposes or to augment their masculine vigor. These rings were seldom closed circles but open hoops so that they could easily be removed.
Toe rings were introduced to the United States by Marjorie Borell who, after returning from India began manufacturing and selling them in New York in 1973. Her first retail outlet was Fiorucci, a trendy fashion retailer located on 59th Street in New York. The "Original Toe Ring Boutique" sold toe rings in silver, gold and with diamonds. She eventually sold them in Bloomingdale's and many other retail outlets but due to the fact that her designs could not be patented, she moved on to other ventures but retains the title of Toe Ring Lady to this day.
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