Nose rings are another form of jewelry that is quite popular in Indian tradition. Though they are popular here, their origin was in the Middle East. In India, the trend of wearing nose rings as jewellery came with the arrival of the Mughals. Nose rings and nose pins are popularly known as "Nath" in India and are also known by other names such as Nathni, Koka and Laung. In some customs and traditions, it is necessary for a girl to get her nose pierced.
During the Mughal rule, nose rings were designed as very tiny floral patterns. There was a small flower with a very thin stem which was kept in place by a firm screw inside the nostril. Sometimes, these tiny pieces of ornaments were decorated with precious stones, pendants, thin chains, etc. that looked beautiful. In today's world, nose rings are worn by young girls as a fashion statement. Though the traditional importance of a nose has not been lost, it has been making waves in contemporary trends as well.
Indian nose pins are usually a small circular ball fitted to a thin pole that is screwed from inside the nostril. Sometimes, the ball is replaced by a small stone like a diamond or a ruby or any other small gem; sometimes a flat disc replaces the ball. They are available in many different varieties and styles and can also be matched with different clothes. Some nose rings are very big in size and may sometimes come in the way of eating! Such nose rings are used in very few parts of rural India. These nose rings are supported by thin chains whose one end is attached to the nose rings while the other end is attached to the hair above the ears. Nose rings and nose pins sure add grace and beauty to a woman's face and also accentuate the nose.
