Traditional Indian Jewellery Names: A Guide to Traditional Kerala Jewellery
by Francis Alukkas | 21 September 2021 | INDIAN WEDDING JEWELLERY
They say that there’s a piece of jewellery for every woman, every occasion and every single day! And they are right. Indians love jewellery and the yellow metal so much that we have designed ornaments that are elegant, sophisticated, artful, trendy and sometimes fun. Learning traditional Indian jewellery names can be fun and informative. So, the next time an aunty asks if you liked the Bride’s Lakshmi Maala or Palaikka Maala more, you won’t have the bewildered look on your face.
The love affair between Kerala and gold is something different from the rest of the world. Keralites adore traditional jewellery a tad more than their northern counterparts and for good reason. The intricate designs, craftsmanship and These designs have stood the test of time and are still swooned over by teenagers and octogenarians alike.
Jewellery that has earned the love of Malayali women has something peculiar about them. Almost all of those designs hold something or the other that reminds them of Kerala. From the mango shaped designs in the Manga Maala to the greenish stones of the Palaikka Maala and South Indian jewellery earrings, there always is something to hold dear.
We have, throughout the decades, been able to distinguish the jewellery designs into two; daily wears for men and women and special bijouterie for weddings, parties and other fanfares. This blog will introduce to you some of the famous and loved traditional Kerala jewellery and help you learn the traditional Indian jewellery names.
Jhimkis
Or Jhumkas are bell-shaped earrings that come in a variety of designs and sizes. Their popularity is so huge that there is a viral song “Jhimikki Kammal” (translated as Jhimki Earrings). While a few brides favour the latest design of gold earrings over Jhimkis, the love for Jhimkis has never faded.
Manga Mala
A Manga mala necklace is a necklace that is inspired by Kerala’s love for mangoes. It consists of paisley shaped gold trinkets that mirror mangoes. It is one of the most recognised and adored jewellery and is part of the rich traditional ornaments of Kerala.
Mulla Motu Mala
Or the Jasmine Buds Necklace has a design that resembles that of jasmine buds stringed together to form a necklace. There are two kinds of popular Mulla Motu Mala. While one is made with pure gold, the other is a combination of gold and coloured gemstones. Since these can be paired with a variety of traditional wear, every Kerala woman ought to have this in her set.
You can also check out South Indian Marriage Jewellery
Pulinakham Mala
Pulinakham Mala has fans in millions. The design of the chain has intricately crafted stones in the shape of the nails of a Tiger. These ‘nails’ are strung together on a gold chain to give birth to a beautiful piece of art.
Elakkathali
Even the slightest breeze or the lightest movement can shimmer and shine this ornament. A gold choker, Elakkathali has thin, highly polished pieces of gold that glimmer as the wearer moves. This ornament has an intricate design and demands impeccable craftsmanship.
Palakka Mala
How can we ever exclude the very gorgeous and grand Palakka Mala from this list? Adored by Kerala women, this jewellery is more than a piece of ornament to many. With their signature green colour, the Palakka Mala is a necklace embellished with emeralds or green stones.
Nagapada Thali
Revered as one of the oldest among the Kerala jewellery, the jewellery resembles the hood of a snake and hence called Nagapada Thali. Like the Palakka Mala, Nagapada Thali also has green-coloured stones or emeralds strung to the chain but can be easily differentiated.
There are numerous other ornaments that deserve a space here like the heavy gold mangalsutra or the Khadaka bangles or the ever-lovable Mookkuthi that everyone adores. You can find them and more at our showroom awaiting you to try them out and take them home.
Previous Blog Next Blog (2) (2).jpg)
