Nose rings in an extraordinary manner are worn by a hole pierced in the nose. In India, it is considered a very popular piece of jewellery. Its origin is dated back to the countries of the Middle East. The practice of wearing nose rings was taken up by India during the 16th century. Evidence however bears witness in the sculptures of Ajanta and Ellora, the excavations of Harappa and Mohenjodaro as well as during the time of Kushan and Gupta dynasties, that nose rings were not present in the old Indian civilization. Moreover, nose rings are only associated with the Hindu religion. Although, nose rings known as `nathunis` are worn by Muslim ladies and children.

Nose rings came into prominence in India at the time of the Mughal rule. But they did not bear the real essence of the ornament. At that time, it looked like a `minute ornamental pattern depicting a tiny flower with a thin stem, which entered the left nostril, and was held in place by a screw on the inside`. Sometimes, these nose rings were embellished with finespun chains or fragile pendants. Nose rings are by and large made of gold or diamond in the form of a small ball or a small flat disc.

The type of nose ring is ascertained by the part to be ornamented. If the nose rings are worn in the nostril, stud rings are very easy to use. If the nose rings are to be worn in septum, a circular barbell is worn and in case the ring is to be worn at the bridge of the nose between the eyes, the nose is decked by a straight barbell. On some occasions the septum rings are so large that a portion of the mouth is covered. As they cover the mouth, the nose ring comes in the way while eating. The nostril ring also draws in the attention. They are sometimes to a great extent decorated with pearls and precious or semiprecious stones. Due to this heavy ornamentation the nostril rings are to be supported by fine chains. And this fine chain is attached to the hair. The `Bulak` from Madhya Pradesh, is a perfect example of this kind of nostril ring. Bulak is quite a frequently used ornament in Madhya Pradesh.

Nose rings are made from the metals like stainless steel, 14\18 carat gold, nickel, titanium or niobium. But the rings made from nickel sometimes may cause allergic reactions. Sometimes it can cause reactions in and around the area of the nose ring like rashes or burning sensation. One can use an alternative metal instead of nickel if it causes any reaction like this. Gems are sometimes used to decorate the nose rings. There are chances that the gems may fall out in time. So one needs to ensure the mechanical set up of the gem into the ring.

In India, calves or the young domestic cattle are also made to wear nose rings, which are quite bizarre in nature. Despite anything to the contrary, the purpose of this is not only ornamental, they are also implied to wean the calf in a successful manner. During the feeding process the nose ring comes in between, so as to create a hindrance, which becomes tormenting for both the calf and the cow. When this happens consistently, the calf gets used to the idea of not being able to feed and is successfully ablactated without going through the psychic trauma of detachment.