What It IS

• Real gold electroplated over a brass base
• Thick coating — typically 20–22 microns of gold
• Same visual appearance as solid gold jewellery
• South Temple Jewellery: 1-year written warranty
• Safe for sensitive skin (no nickel in base)

What It Is NOT

• Not solid gold (not 22k or 24k through)
• Not "gold filled" (thinner than gold filled)
• Not permanent if mishandled (avoid water/perfume)
• Not the same as cheap gold tone plating (which is a few microns)

Temple Long Necklace Set (Haar / Laksmi Haar)

The long necklace is the centrepiece of any temple jewellery set. Typically 22–28 inches in length, it features a large central pendant with a deity motif — most commonly Goddess Laxmi seated on a lotus, flanked by elephants — surrounded by kemp stones (red and green). The chain itself is a series of intricate gold links, often with smaller deity medallions interspersed.

Best worn with: Kanjivaram silk sarees, Banarasi sarees, bridal lehengas. The long necklace typically comes as a set with matching jhumka earrings.

→ Shop Long Temple Necklace Sets at South Temple Jewellery

Short Temple Necklace (Choker / Addigai)

The temple choker (Addigai in Tamil) sits close to the throat, typically 14–16 inches. It is a broad, flat piece featuring multiple rows of deity motifs, kemp stones, and intricate scroll work. In traditional bridal sets, the choker is worn simultaneously with the long necklace — a layered look that is iconic in South Indian weddings.

Best worn with: Any saree or salwar; pairs well with boat-neck or round-neck blouses. For modern styling, the choker alone works with deep-neck western tops.

→ Shop Temple Chokers at South Temple Jewellery

Temple Combo Necklace Set

A combo set includes both a long necklace and a short necklace (choker), sold together as a matched pair. This is the smart buy for brides and dancers — both pieces use the same design language, same stones, and same deity motif, ensuring a perfectly cohesive look when layered together. South Temple Jewellery's combo sets (like design K-629 featuring the Laxmi seated on a flower with elephant face) are among the most popular bridal choices.

→ Shop Temple Jewellery Combo Sets

Temple Jhumka Earrings (Jimikki)

The jhumka (called Jimikki in Malayalam — made famous by the song "Jimikki Kammal") is the most recognisable temple jewellery earring. It has a flat gold top piece (the kakka) set with deity motifs or geometric patterns, dropping down to a bell-shaped dome (the jhumka) encrusted with stones, from which tiny gold chains and small bells often dangle. The movement and chime of a well-made jhumka is a sensory experience.

Variants: Small jhumka (daily wear), medium jhumka (festivals), large chandelier jhumka (bridal).

Maang Tikka (Nethi Chutti)

The maang tikka — called Nethi Chutti in South India — is a forehead ornament that clips into the hair parting (maang) and cascades a pendant onto the centre of the forehead. In temple jewellery, the central pendant almost always features Goddess Laxmi. Some styles have additional chains that frame the entire forehead in a Jadau style.

Significance: The forehead is considered the seat of the third eye (ajna chakra) — adorning it with a deity is considered an act of sacred protection.

Temple Bangles (Valayal)

Temple bangles feature the same deity and scroll-work motifs as necklaces, crafted as rigid bangles (kadas) rather than the glass bangles familiar from North India. They are typically sold in pairs, with intricate surface carving and kemp stone accents. South Temple Jewellery's bangle sets (like V-864 and V-1245) feature detailed textures with alternating pink and green gemstone accents.

→ Browse Temple Jewellery Collection

Kamarpatta (Waist Belt / Odyanam)

The kamarpatta (waist chain or waist belt) is one of the most striking temple jewellery pieces — a broad, articulated belt worn around the waist, typically 32–36 inches in circumference. It is a defining piece of bridal temple jewellery and also worn by classical dancers. South Temple Jewellery crafts kamarpatta designs including K-378 (with colourful gemstones) and V-1919 (with Laxmi design) and V-1921 (floral motifs).

Significance: In ancient times, the waist belt was a marker of a married woman's status and was gifted by the husband's family during the wedding.

Temple Hair Accessories (Jadai Accessories / Hair Brooch)

Temple hair accessories include hair brooches (pins), jadai (braid ornaments), and tikka chains that adorn the hair. South Temple Jewellery's hair brooch T-53 — a Goddess Laxmi design with jhumka dangles — is a popular choice for brides who wear their hair in a traditional South Indian braid (jadai). Hair accessories complete the head-to-toe temple jewellery look for both brides and classical dancers.

Temple Pendant Set

A temple pendant set is the most versatile category — a deity pendant on a simple gold chain, paired with matching earrings. It is the entry-point for temple jewellery first-timers, the go-to for daily wear, and the perfect gift. The pendant typically features Laxmi, Ganesha, or Murugan within a decorative archway, designed to wear close to the heart.

→ Shop Temple Pendant Sets at South Temple Jewellery

🏛 Tamil Nadu

Nagercoil, Kumbakonam, Chennai

The heartland of temple jewellery. Tamil Nadu pieces are characterised by bold deity motifs (always Laxmi, Murugan, or Ganesha), red kemp stones, strong gold borders, and architectural gopuram-inspired frame shapes. Nagercoil is considered the GI-tagged epicentre. Temple Necklace Set featuring Laxmi with elephant flanking is the Tamil Nadu signature.

Key motifs: Seated Laxmi, Ganesha seated, peacock

🌿 Kerala

Thrissur, Ernakulam, Palakkad

Kerala temple jewellery has two distinct traditions: the Palakka style (using green unakku stone, now reproduced in green emerald-cut glass) and the Kashumala (coconut-shaped gold coin necklace). Both are worn with traditional Kerala kasavu sarees. Kerala jhumkas (called Jimikki) are lighter and more elongated than Tamil Nadu versions.

Key motifs: Kashu (coin) shapes, Palakka (green stone), lotus

🌸 Karnataka

Mysore, Bangalore, Hubli

Mysore-style temple jewellery is known for its distinctive matte gold finish (achieved through specific plating processes), intricate filigree work, and the use of deep red rubies alongside kemp stones. Mysore pieces tend toward subtler, more geometric patterns compared to Tamil Nadu's bold deity depictions. The Mysore Paada (a broad anklet) is a Karnataka speciality.

Key motifs: Floral scrollwork, geometric borders, parrot

🌊 Andhra Pradesh & Telangana

Tirupati, Hyderabad, Vijayawada

Andhra temple jewellery is heavily influenced by Tirupati — Lord Venkateswara motifs are prominent. The Kaasulu necklace (made of gold coins) and Addabadam (layered necklace) are Andhra signatures. Hyderabad's proximity has introduced Nawabi influences — lighter filigree work and pearl combinations unique to this region.

Key motifs: Lord Venkateswara, gold coins, lotus

The Complete South Indian Bridal Temple Jewellery Checklist

Bharatanatyam

Full set: long necklace, choker, jhumkas, maang tikka, bangles, kamarpatta, and jadai accessories. The kamarpatta is essential — it frames the waist during performance.

Kuchipudi

Similar to Bharatanatyam but often includes Andhra-specific motifs. Kuchipudi dancers also wear a large forehead ornament and elaborate arm bands (vanki/bajubandh).

Mohiniyattam

Kerala style — Palakka (green stone) necklace and Kashumala (coin necklace) are signature pieces. Lighter, more delicate pieces suited to the graceful, flowing style of this dance.

Odissi

Though Odisha-based, Odissi dancers also wear temple jewellery with silver-tone alternatives common. The rahu (sun-moon crown) and long necklace are distinctive.

👰 Weddings & Sangeet

Full bridal set — combo necklace, jhumkas, maang tikka, kamarpatta. Pair with Kanjivaram silk or Banarasi saree in jewel tones (red, maroon, deep green). Let the jewellery be the visual statement — keep makeup classic.

🎭 Classical Dance Performances

Complete set as per dance form requirements — ensure all clasps are secure before performance. For rehearsals, wear the full set at least once to check for any weight imbalance or movement issues.

🪔 Festivals (Navratri, Diwali, Pongal)

A single temple necklace set with matching jhumkas is enough for festivals. Try a colourful ethnic kurta or cotton saree — the jewellery provides all the drama needed. No need to wear the full bridal stack.

📸 Fashion Editorial & Photoshoots

Temple jewellery is powerful in modern styling — a long Laxmi necklace against a crisp white linen shirt, or a temple choker with a solid-colour bodycon dress, creates a compelling cultural contrast. Many contemporary fashion photographers and influencers use temple jewellery for its visual depth.

🏠 Daily Devotion & Temple Visits

A simple temple pendant set is perfect for daily wear to the temple or for personal puja. Keep it understated — the significance is in the motif, not the size. A small Laxmi pendant or Ganesha pendant on a simple chain is ideal.

🎓 Graduation & Saree Days

South Indian college girls wearing sarees for college functions and graduation ceremonies — a temple jewellery set is the perfect choice. It signals cultural pride and looks stunning in photographs. A short necklace (choker) with jhumkas is elegant without being too heavy for a long day.

✅ DO These Things

• Wipe with a soft dry cotton cloth after each wear
• Store in the box or pouch it came with (prevents scratching)
• Apply perfume and hairspray BEFORE wearing jewellery
• Put jewellery on LAST — after makeup, hair products, and clothing
• Store each piece separately to prevent tangling and scratching
• Use an anti-tarnish pouch or silica gel packet in the storage box

❌ NEVER Do These Things

• Never wear in the shower, swimming pool, or sea
• Never use ultrasonic cleaners or chemical jewellery dips
• Never rub with abrasive cloths or paper towels
• Never spray perfume or deodorant directly on the jewellery
• Never leave exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods
• Never pile pieces together in a drawer without protection

Q: What is temple jewellery made of?

Traditional temple jewellery was made of solid 22-karat gold with precious stones (rubies, emeralds, diamonds). Today's most popular temple jewellery uses a brass base electroplated with 1 gram of real gold — this is what South Temple Jewellery crafts. The base metal is typically hypoallergenic brass, with the gold layer deposited through electroplating. The stones used are kemp (a type of glass stone in red, green, and white), which are traditional to temple jewellery and give it the characteristic bold, colourful look.

Q: Can I wear temple jewellery daily?

Yes — temple pendant sets and small jhumkas are perfectly suited for daily wear when you follow basic care rules (remove before showering, avoid perfume directly on the piece, store properly). Full bridal sets or elaborate kamarpatta pieces are better reserved for special occasions to maximise longevity. South Temple Jewellery's 1-year warranty covers normal wear — daily use that follows care guidelines is considered normal wear.

Q: What is the difference between antique temple jewellery and regular temple jewellery?

Antique temple jewellery uses an oxidised gold finish — the surface is treated to create a deliberately aged, slightly darkened appearance that highlights the carvings and creates depth. Regular (bright) temple jewellery has a shiny, polished gold finish. Neither is inherently better — it is a matter of preference and outfit. Antique finish pairs beautifully with muted, earthy sarees and traditional cotton or linen outfits; bright gold finish is more striking for weddings and stage performances. South Temple Jewellery's collection includes both finishes — look for the antique finishing specification on each product page, such as design K-629 which features antique finishing.

Q: Is temple jewellery suitable for sensitive skin?

Most temple jewellery uses a brass base with gold plating, which is generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin. The gold plating acts as a barrier between the base metal and your skin. The key concern for sensitive skin is nickel — look for jewellery that explicitly states "nickel-free" or "hypoallergenic brass." If you have highly sensitive skin or a known metal allergy, start with a pendant (which has less skin contact than bangles or earrings) and test your reaction before investing in a full set.

Q: What is the significance of Laxmi in temple jewellery?

Goddess Laxmi is the most prevalent deity in temple jewellery because she is the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and beauty — the ideal deity to adorn a bride or any auspicious occasion. The traditional depiction shows her seated on a full-bloom lotus (symbolising purity), with four arms holding lotus flowers, a pot of coins (prosperity), and in the gesture of giving (varada mudra). Flanking elephants (Airavata) symbolise royal abundance. Wearing a Laxmi necklace is considered an invitation for Laxmi's blessings and presence in the wearer's home.

Q: How is temple jewellery different from Polki or Kundan jewellery?

Temple jewellery, Polki, and Kundan are three distinct jewellery traditions from different parts of India. Temple jewellery is specifically South Indian, uses deity motifs, and traditionally features kemp stones. Polki uses uncut rough diamonds set in gold foil — a Mughal-era North Indian tradition. Kundan uses refined gold foil work without stones (though stones can be added), also North Indian. For South Indian occasions, temple jewellery is the culturally appropriate choice; Polki and Kundan, while beautiful, are North Indian bridal traditions that may feel incongruous with a Kanjivaram silk saree and South Indian rituals.