Much ado about nose rings at Cannes

Among things Indian that Bollywood actresses Vidya Balan and Sonam Kapoor flaunted at the ongoing 66th Cannes International Film Festival, their bespoke nose rings, the traditional 'nath', drew immense attention. Designers believe this could set a trend of sorts among youth.

Sonam opted for a large nose ring to wear with an Anamika Khanna couture creation - an off-white sari teamed with an embellished full-sleeved jacket. Vidya, in turn, kept it traditional, with a Maharashtrian style 'nath' and wore it to compliment a Sabyasachi Mukherjee sari.

Fashionistas have opened up to the concept of wearing a nose ring.

"Earlier women used to wear nose rings only during the wedding ceremonies. But now they are wearing them everywhere - at dinner parties, beaches and even at corporate events," Sumit Sawhney of Apala Innovative Jewellery, told IANS.

He said women are even ready to experiment.

"Nowadays women are looking for nose studs or rings inspired from traditional tribal jewellery. These nose rings are slightly big in size. They are usually created using silver. Women are also opting for nature-inspired designs like leaves and flowers. There are also nose rings in geometrical shapes," Sawhney added.

The 'nath' has been a part of an Indian woman's jewellery box since ages. It is worn on one side of the nostril. A lot of young girls prefer to flaunt a simple silver or gold ring, or rather a diamond or coloured stud on their piercing.

But traditional naths, complete with precious or semi-precious stones like diamonds, rubies and emeralds, and sometimes also in kundan and polki, are worn by many women - especially on festive occasions - as well as by brides at their weddings.

Bollywood actresses have adorned nose rings many times on screen: Remember Madhuri Dixit in the song "Humko aajkal ha", Preity Zinta in "Veer Zaara", Kareena Kapoor in saucy number "Halkat jawaani", Aishwarya Rai in "Jodhaa Akbar", Rani Mukerji in "Aiyyaa" and Sonakshi Sinha in "Dabangg"?

Sonakshi is one actress who loves to flaunt her nose jewel even off screen and it goes well with all her looks. Even Hollywood celebrities like Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus and Jessica Biel have embraced the charm of the jewel.

Designers believe the nose accessory can never go out of trend and it not just helps in making a bold style statement but also adds the oomph factor to one's personality.

In fact, while many raised eyebrows over Vidya and Sonam's decision to wear a nose ring at a prestigious red carpet gala like the Cannes fiesta, internationally known Ritu Beri said it added a "sassy vibe" to their look.

"It definitely adds a fun edge to the look," Beri told IANS.

Tarang Arora of Amrapali Jewels, an Indian jewellery brand often flaunted by several Hollywood celebrities, said a whole variety of nose rings are on offer these days.

"We offer a variety of nose rings studded with gold and precious stones. We have also done some trendy nose rings in our collaborative collection with Manish Arora. It comprises nose rings, dazzling neckpieces, danglers and bracelets," Arora told IANS.

Those with a spiritual bent of mind can also choose nose rings in shapes of yantras, Ganeshas, trishuls and idols of gods and goddesses from Apala Innovative Jewellery.

Prices start at Rs 1,500 and go up to Rs 15,000, but if you prefer simple studs or plain accessories to accentuate your nose, you can even head to the nearest street market. It's easy on the pocket, and high on style!