Temple Jewellery- On a Revivalist Spree Among Millennials
A type of jewellery that signifies India, Temple jewellery uses the images of gods and goddesses and borrows from temple motifs and religious symbols.
The southern part of India is home to different temples dedicated to several deities. The idols here wear ornate jewellery crafted using pure gold and emblazoned with a host of precious gems. This is the original temple jewellery. Temple jewellery is still relevant to the ethos of Southern India, despite the passage of time, and the love for this type of jewellery is spreading far and wide.
The Millennials are Loving It
Today, traditional Temple jewellery is no longer confined to the deities or temples. This form of jewellery is in vogue among young people for its intricate design and delicate, detailed craftsmanship that represents the fusion of Indian tradition with modern forms of kaarigari.
Millennials love wearing this classic jewellery style to add a touch of glamour and traditional style to their modern look, despite its association with temples and religion.
Most women wore This jewellery pieces with only traditional attire like the saree for a long time, but this is changing.
Things have changed over the past 15-20 years and South Indian Temple jewellery has become a fashion statement today.
Common Temple Jewellery Design Motifs
Bell-shaped designs are the most loved designs for Temple jewellery earrings. So are hanging bells fastened to bangles… The gold Temple necklaces are in gold and carry strings adorned with Hindu deities and motifs of coins, flowers, small paisleys and rudraksha stones. The figurines of goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth are also very popular.
This type of jewellery carries a lot of religious sentiments and has many religious motifs emblazoned on it. The designs consist mainly of themes based on gods and goddesses like Lakshmi, Narasimha, Rama, Krishna, Ganesh, apsaras, etc. The elements of nature like animals, birds, flowers, fruits, trees, etc. are also extensively used. Peacocks, elephants, mangoes, flowers, vines and leaves are especially common.
A number of temple jewellery pieces carry the image of goddess Lakshmi sitting on a lotus flower it.
What sets this type of jewellery apart is its intricate craft. Temple jewellery, which is currently crafted in 22-carat gold, is all about detail and intricacy. The carvings on the temple walls and figurines of gods and goddesses are religiously crafted in gold by families working as kaarigars for ages.
Most women wear this type of jewellery during traditional family events including festivals, poojas, weddings or other such important events. Mothers and grandmothers pass down Temple heirlooms passed down from one generation to another with a great deal of love and care
Giving a Modern Twist to Temple Jewellery
Earrings, chains, bangles, bracelets, necklaces, chokers, toe- rings, and rings are the most common types of temple-inspired jewellery types in fashion. Women also adorn their long hair with temple hair accessories. Waist belts carrying temple motifs and adorned with bells are extremely common among brides.
Young women love to sport Temple jewellery with western dresses to give an Indian twist that is uniquely theirs.
We can see this type of jewellery in modern forms of jewellery items like chokers, rings and earrings as mentioned earlier. Another change is the addition of precious stones, coloured beads, pearls and diamonds for a vibrant, modern feel. Temple jewellery pieces are also available in silver, making them more mass-based and affordable.
A Hit Among Brides
This jewellery has always been a South-Indian bridal favourite. Despite this, the trend of Temple jewellery is spreading far and wide. Present-day brides are experimenting with this type of jewellery with an ornate look and feel.
A large number of savvy women are adding this type of jewellery to their trousseau for variety. They are also experimenting with different ways to wear jewellery pieces.
Layering necklaces is an exciting way to experiment with temple jewellery, for example. What you can do as a bride is to wear an ornate choker with longer necklaces and matching earpieces with Lakshmi or Lord Ganesha engravings.
This jewellery is also remodelled as standalone statement pieces that you can mix- and- match or wear individually. Keep an eye on this trend, if you are a bride-in-waiting.
You can weave an exciting wedding look by using a standalone Temple heirloom piece as a fulcrum. You can also personalise your entire bridal look to add that extra to your persona on your ‘D’ day.
Temple jewellery is a fine example of Indian heritage, craftsmanship and culture- an art form that is timeless and versatile. It tells the timeless tale of India’s divine and regal spiritual heritage effortlessly.
It is also an attractive investment as it is classic and timeless- and something that will never go out of style.
So, go for it, and add that bit extra to your look!
