Jewelry and adornments take on a whole new meaning in South Asian celebrations -- did you know there's an auspicious sign behind nearly every piece of jewelry a South Asian bride wears? "Solah Shringar" literally translates to "Sixteen Adornments," and is the ritual system of adorning a bride-to-be in 16 steps. In Hinduism, the ritual pays respect to the Goddess Laxmi, who represents beauty and femininity. But even non-Hindu brides in South Asia have embraced many elements of the Solah Shringar, especially since so many of the pieces are part of a traditional jewelry trousseau.

We're breaking down the symbolism behind 12 of our favorite pieces of wedding day bling. From the tikka at the top of a bride's head to the payals at the bottom of her feet, these pieces of South Asian bridal jewelry do more than just sparkle!