In India, jewellery is not just an ornament. It is often tied with emotions about one’s beliefs and culture. This is why you would find many brides wearing all types of jewellery on their wedding day.
The jewellery also differs based on the region and culture. For instance, in Punjab, you will find brides wearing kaleeras and choodas on the wedding day while brides in South wear gold jewellery. This article is all about the latter.
Below is a list of different types of South Indian Bridal Jewellery and everything you need to know about them. Let’s begin!
- Head Chain
The head chains in South Indian bridal jewellery are known as Nethichutti. This is a highly elaborate maang tikka that covers the entire forehead. Nethichutti is made of kundan with diamonds and gemstones embedded in different designs. You can buy layered or beaded head chain as per your choice. South Indian brides also wear Suryapirai and Chandrapirai (sun and moon-shaped hair brooches) on their hair. These represent the blessing of divine beings over the bride.
- Earrings
When it comes to earrings, Jhumki is the popular option among South Indian bridal jewellery. These jhumkis come in a variety of designs. The gold jewellery designs of jhumkis in South India are usually traditional temple styled. However, brides can choose to wear any traditional style based on their attire.
- Nose Rings
A nose ring is a unique jewellery piece that can change the entire look of a bride. In South Indian culture, brides adorn ‘mukuthi’ or ‘mukkhutti. These are light-weight nose pins designed like a lotus or swan and are famous in Kerala and Karnataka. Apart from this, some brides also wear double nose studs on both nostrils on their wedding day.
- Necklaces
There is a wide variety of gold necklaces that you will find in South India. One of the most popular necklaces is Manga Malai or mango necklace. It is worn both at weddings and other occasions. The name comes from the design as the necklace looks like mango shapes. It looks grand when paired with Kanjeevaram sarees. Other than Manga malai, you can also find Kasu mala. It is an ancient necklace style that means means “Gold Coin Necklace’ where little gold coins with Lakshmi insignia are chorded together so that they overlap. They are quite famous in Kerala.
- Bangles
There is no way one can forget bangles in wedding jewellery. For South Indian brides too, bangles hold great significance. They mostly adorn heavy kadas studded with floral, animal motifs which are carved upon chunky layers of gold, studded with sapphires, rubies, kemp, diamonds and other precious stones.
- Waist Chains
Vaddanam or waist chains are also famous in South India. They are often made of gold and silver with precious stones embedded in them. One popular waist chain is Oddiyanam. It is designed in a symmetrical belt that is heavily embellished with carvings underlined by jewels. You can find temple style waist chains as well with designs of peacocks, deities, and birds.
The list does not end here. Some other famous South Indian bridal jewellery pieces are:
- Hair Accessory: You would have seen South Indian brides adorning elaborate hair accessories along with flowers. Those are called Jadanagam or hair serpent that has intricate design and is attached to the long plait.
- Anklets: Anklets are also crucial to the whole bridal attire. They are available in silver as well as gold.
- Rings: Brides also wear rings. However, these can be of any style. You can also wear a ring for girls on the wedding day.
Arm Band: Also known as baju bandh, arm bands are absolutely necessary ornament for a South Indian bride. These are also made of gold. A popular arm band in South Indian culture is Vanki that has an inverted V shape.
