When you think of a woman, how do you see her?  You see her kohl smudged large eyes and her round curls dangling by the side of her face. Yet the part that might attract you the most is the little dot on her nose that sparkles when she tilts her head and gives you a smile. The tiny dot is not just a random accessory; rather it is a huge part of the collective traditions of the subcontinent. 

Nose piercings are now a significant part of fashion and considered the second most popular type of body piercing, only after ear piercing. It is a case of modern fashion embracing traditional sensibilities and updating them to suit its needs. 

Through different times, women from varying cultures have been expressing themselves by accessorising with nose jewellery. Be it a simple nose stud or a big round ring encircling the curve of the cheek, each has a different appeal to it. Even if it's more popular in the Hindu religion given its multifarious beliefs, the trend of nose pins has become quite popular among Muslim, Sikh and Christian women.

When we think of Indian women and nose rings, more often than not we imagine the face of a Rajasthani woman with an arc of gold, dangling by her upper lip. These pieces of bold jewellery are not just mere accessories but are intrinsically tied to the belief systems that are endemic to each culture. 

In India, two types of nose pins were worn by women - kokas and naths. The kokas were studs which come in simple shapes and designs, symbolising the virginity of an unmarried woman. On the night of the wedding, she would get to replace that koka and wear a stud made of diamond or gold. 

On the other hand, the naths were worn by married women and are worn mostly by brides today. Besides, there is a belief among Indian women that piercing the left side of the nose helps the female reproductive organs, and is supposed to make childbirth easier. 

In countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan that time has long gone when only married women pierced their nose. Now, girls as young as 13 are also seen doing it; there are no more age barriers. 

Types of nose piercings
The most common way of piercing is doing it just above the crease where the nostril curves gently away from the cheek. This has the widest range of jewellery potential.  They allow the insertion of just about any type of nose jewellery. Other piercings include: septum, bridge, nasallang, high nostril and vertical nose tip. The septum piercing which is also known as the bull nose piercing is very common among village girls, and are accompanied by simple studs on both sides of the nostril, a moon/star on the left and maybe a ruby on the right. 

Simple studs 
The most conventional nose pins are the simple studs. They are small and can be of simple shapes made out of diamonds, gold, imitation metals, or pearls. They come in different designs and shapes like stars, moons or just ordinary ovals. Whereas affluent women prefer studs of gold or diamond, young girls are killing it with simple gemstones. They make the structure of the face quite prominent and one can wear it with just about any dress. According to the occasion, one can wear simple studs with saris or shalwar kameezs. With Western outfits, these go just hand in hand. They add a sophisticated touch to any ensemble. 

The chic circles 
When we think of big hoop nose rings, we immediately imagine bridal jewellery. What never skips our minds is the circular ring by the side of her nose, and an intricate chain attached to it, that goes all the way up to the earlobe.  Some brides prefer a gold ring styled with a small diamond, with a combination of a plain chain. Again some brides go crazy over chic patterns of pearls or stones. Brides are mostly seen wearing thin circles of nose rings. But some brides, who are more bent on the traditional side, are seen wearing thick rings designed with studs of diamonds and pearls in thickness of gold.  

The funky loops
Nowadays, women no longer wait for the wedding bells to ring for making nose pins a part of their everyday look. They have come up with very trendy pieces available in the market. Loops of different gauges can be worn even if ones nose is not pierced.  They are held by circular barbells on both sides of the nose. They look very funky and can be worn with saris or Western clothing.  These loops have the added benefit that getting them is an absolutely painless process and they serve as a contrast to the simpler studs adorned by women. If you consider yourself a bit of a wild child, try a funky loop and let your personality show. 

Fashionable naths 
Being part and parcel of the Maharasthrian tradition, naths are big nose pieces that often cover the mouth or the side of the face. The special designs that they come in are elegant and eye-catching. The designs are very intricate and made of 22 karat gold with a touch of pearls and polki. 

Various combinations of coloured stones can also be used such as emerald, ruby, amethyst, and sapphire. The best part about a nath is that it can be worn without getting your nose pierced.

Two kinds of naths are made for those who do not want to pierce their nose. One such style is a button nath which is locked by a small button connected with the ear and the other style is a screw nath which is locked by a screw and has a small chain to support it. 

The other types of naths available are sling nuts which work as a clip-on nath nose ring and also the magnetic or push style naths. Such has been the acceptance of naths that it has even become a big part of the hippie culture. Other types consist of: nostril screws, L-shaped pins, nose rings, circular barbells (commonly known as horseshoes), and captive ball rings.

Stylising it
First of all, you need to check the size of your nose and that of your face. Large noses and big round faces may look great with a giant red ruby. On the contrary, a smaller nose may be adorned with a silver stud. Big nose rings are mainly worn with saris. Even though only brides were seen to wear loop nose rings with the extension of a chain, nowadays girls often wear them with saris and heavy makeup while at a wedding. 

If you wear a lot of makeup then you may want a large nose ring to complement the look whereas a small nath can be used if the makeup done is light. Maharasthrian naths which are designed with gemstones and pearls go hand in hand with gorgeous saris. 

Coming to a more conventional look, the small dot of diamond or precious stone goes with more or less every outfit, be it a shalwar kameez or a fatua. Some girls love wearing small and simple naths with Western outfits, which creates a very bold look.  Stylising the nose pins with the outfits you wear is necessary. Otherwise the look that you want to go for can go totally wrong. 

Where to find them
In Bangladesh the market for nose pins is popular among both unmarried and married women. One can order nose pins as per the designs they have in mind from different gold stores.  Other than that, scintillating nose pins of different designs and shapes can be found in Diamond World and KZ. 

A plethora of shops in Genetic Plaza and Bashundhara City sells both expensive and cheap nose pins. 

Aarong has a very unique collection of nose pins. You can also hit the stores in Banani 11. New Market is flooded with brass and copper nose rings but these metals should be avoided as they could react to the skin causing skin infection. Since the nose is one of the most sensitive areas of our body, nose rings made of synthetic stones should not be worn.

Nose pins add a very sensational touch to a women's face.  It brings out a certain level of maturity in their faces and turns a girl into a woman. I would always go for a look that includes accessorising my nose, any day, every day. 

By Mormee Mahtab
Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Model: Tania
Make-up: Farzana Shakil
Styling: Isha Yeasmin