The most popular jewellery trends from South India

Describing South Indian jewellery as ‘ornate’ would be accurate, but a gross oversimplification of what it really is. To South Indians, jewellery is deeply rooted in every aspect of their life tradition, religion, rituals, ceremonies, weddings, festivals and is perceived as a status symbol, the abundance and display of which is proportional to one’s success in society. South Indian jewellery styles and craftsmanship are traditional, grandiose and distinctive, clearly setting it apart from jewellery styles found in other states of India. Gold plays a central role in South Indian jewellery, followed by diamonds, pearls and kemp stones.

Let’s take a look at the most common Tanishq South Indian jewellery for regular wear, occasions and bridal ensemble, followed by the most popular jewellery styles across the South.

Traditional South Indian Jewellery – Necklaces or Haarams

1. Lakshmi Haar

A long gold necklace encrusted with jewels, the central piece of a Lakshmi Haar is a finely crafted engraving of goddess Lakshmi surrounded by peacocks or elephants, studded with precious stones.

2. Mango Mala

Unique to the south, a Mango Mala or Manga Malai comes in lightweight or highly embellished heavy versions. They look great on Kanjeevaram sarees as well as on any traditional outfit.

3. Kasu Mala

An ancient ornament, Kasu Mala means ‘Gold Coin Necklace’ where little gold coins with Lakshmi insignia are chorded together so that they overlap. Mandatory for brides to wear on their wedding day, Kasu Mala comes in different sizes, from short pieces for lighter occasions to ornate long ones for traditional attires.

South Indian Hand Ornaments

4. Vanki

Symbolising strength, the Vanki is an armlet in the inverted V shape, made of gold, diamonds and rubies. Common motifs are images of goddesses, peacocks, elephants or serpents. Its origins lie in snake worship.

5. Kadas

Various kadas are worn by women in the south along with green and red bangles, the whole cluster signifying fertility. Unmarried women prefer thinner and lighter kadas. Larger cuff-like bangles or kadas are made with floral, animal motifs exquisitely carved upon chunky layers of gold, studded with kemp, sapphires, rubies, diamonds and other precious stones.

South Indian Hair Ornaments

6. Jadanagam

A unique feature of South Indian jewellery assortment, Jadanagam is the ‘hair serpent’ that women wear over their braided hair. The back of the head is styled with sun and moon shaped design, accompanied with fresh flowers worn over the hair, followed by the interlaced mish mash of diamonds, rubies, pearls, and other gemstones covering the length of the hair.
 
7. Nethichutti

A highly elaborate maang tikka, the Nethichutti has become quite trendy with modern brides of India. From thick bands that cover the entire forehead with kemp, Kundan crafting and diamond, gemstone embedded designs, to layered & beaded nethichutti are all the rage with brides.

8. Suryapirai and Chandrapirai

Sun and moon shaped hair brooches worn over the two sides of hair partition are special to South Indian bridal hair adornment. These represent the divine blessings of the eternal celestial objects.

South Indian Earrings

9. Jhimki

All across South India, Jhimkis are favoured as ear adornments. These are bell or chandelier shaped, medium to heavily embellished earrings that drop imposingly, accentuating the woman’s face. They are a symbol of femininity and balance.

Bottom Line

The range of designs and the depth & dexterity of craftsmanship found in Tanishq South Indian jewellery makes every woman swoon. If you haven’t already started a South inspired jewellery collection, we’re certain our guide will help you get motivated and started.

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