For every Indian, jewelry is deeply ingrained in every aspect of their lives, including tradition, religion, rituals, ceremonies, weddings, and festivals, and it is viewed as a status symbol, the abundance, and display of which is equal to one’s social success. South Indian jewelry styles and artistry are traditional, grandiose, and distinct, clearly distinguishing it from other Indian states’ jewelry styles. Southern India jewelry is dominated by gold, followed by diamonds, pearls, and kemp stones.
Let’s see some of the most common South Indian Jewellery for everyday wear and also for special occasions and festivals.
TRADITIONAL SOUTH INDIAN JEWELLERY – NECKLACES OR HAARAMS
LAKSHMI HAAR
A Lakshmi Haar is a long gold necklace adorned with jewels, with the central piece being a finely crafted engraving of goddess Lakshmi surrounded by peacocks or elephants studded with precious stones. The goddess is associated with wealth and prosperity. It is commonly seen at celebrations and festivals. When made with gold coins, Lakshmi Haar is known as Lakshmi Kasu Mala. TDF has a collection of creative designs for your all special occasions and festivals.
MANGO MALA
A Mango Mala or Manga Malai is a southern India specialty that comes in lightweight or heavily accessorized. They look great with Kanjeevaram sarees or any traditional outfit. The necklace’s chain is made up of mango-shaped pendants with mostly cabochon rubies and pearls, with an intricate pendant in the center. This is typically worn at weddings and other major occasions. Mango represents love.
KASU MALA
Kasu Mala, which means ‘Gold Coin Necklace,’ is an ancient ornament in which small gold coins with Lakshmi insignia are chorded together so that they overlap. Kasu Mala, which is required for brides to wear on their wedding day, comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from short pieces for lighter occasions to ornate long ones for traditional attire. Women of a certain age wear smaller Kasu Mala as everyday jewelry and can also wear them to every festival. The necklace represents good fortune and wealth.
SOUTH INDIAN HAND ORNAMENTS
VANKI
The Vanki is an inverted V-shaped armlet made of gold, diamonds, and rubies that represent strength. Images of goddesses, peacocks, elephants, and serpents are common motifs. Its roots can be traced back to snake worship. The top half of Vanki is also embellished with precious stones such as emeralds. Vanquis is traditionally worn at weddings, social gatherings, and religious ceremonies.
SOUTHERN INDIA EARRINGS
JHUMKIS
Jhumkis are popular ear adornments all around the country. These earrings are bell or chandelier shaped, medium to heavily embellished, and drop imposingly, emphasizing the woman’s face. They are made of kemp (red, green, or blue stones), kundankari (gold and gemstone combinations), or a combination of the two. Smaller ones are worn every day, while larger ones are reserved for special occasions such as weddings. If you’re looking for jhumkis to wear to any festival, TDF has an incredible range of southern India jewelry and Jhumkis to style yourself with traditional south Indian-inspired jewelry designs.
SOUTH INDIAN DIAMOND & PEARL JEWELLERY
DIAMOND MANGALSUTRA AND TANMANIYA
South Indian mangalsutras, unlike those seen in other parts of the country, feature dual gold coin style, leaf shapes, and highly detailed artwork on the central pendant (shaped like squares and bars), which may or may not be held together with black beads. You can also visit TDF for thread mangalsutras with elegant designs.
SOUTH INDIAN TEMPLE JEWELLERY
This historic style of jewelry based on South Indian temple architecture originated in the 9th century and was originally used to adorn the idols of gods and goddesses by the kings. It later gained popularity among classical dancers and is now seen in fashion as well as traditional ensembles in the South. The jewelry has a traditional design, with images of gods and goddesses as the primary motif.
MODERN SOUTH INDIAN JEWELLERY
While traditional and antique South Indian jewelry has a perennial place in the culture and heritage of South India, modern and contemporary designs have slowly made their way into the styling choices of women. Imitation Kundan sets and gold-plated temple jewelry are preferred for daily wear and lighter occasions.
RINGS
Women are wearing Vanki and Meenaz rings as a fashion statement. They can be also worn at every festival or celebration or at formal gatherings.
PACHI JEWELLERY
Pachi jewelry, which originated in Gujarat’s Kutch region, is similar to Kundan jewelry except that it is made on a more delicate silver framework rather than gold and focuses more on the vibrancy of the gemstone colors set in myriad patterns. This type of jewelry is not only popular in Southern India but also widely recognized in other parts of the country.
