A Timeless Sparkle
Thanks to its exclusiveness and antique finish, temple jewellery has a timeless quality to it that makes the wearer want to flaunt it at every occasion possible
Published in: The Times of India
Date: 16/05/2018
Written by: Divya Menon
************
For those looking to make heads turn at the next traditional event, temple jewellery is your best bet. Whether it is a family function, a friend’s wedding or a classical dance performance, picking the right kind of temple jewellery for your outfit will make all the difference.
For those looking to make heads turn at the next traditional event, temple jewellery is your best bet. Whether it is a family function, a friend’s wedding or a classical dance performance, picking the right kind of temple jewellery for your outfit will make all the difference.
Temple jewellery brings back the timeless images from the temples of South India. The jewellery is usually gilded and polished with dull or bright gold and then embedded with coloured stones. The grandeur of temple jewellery is what brides-to- be have caught-on to," shares jewellery designer Harsha Manek. “Polkis and diamonds have been around for a while; hence brides want something disparate which can unify with other accessories like anklets, armlets and waistbands. Temple jewellery is good at that; it can definitely create a story. In many pieces, motifs of Goddess Lakshmi are used along with other motifs like peacock, camels and flowers,” adds Manek.
Classic designs
Generally, temple jewellery is worn in layers, starting with a choker, moving to a few chain-necklaces and ending with a long and striking bead necklace or a chunky gold chain. Earlier, layered jewellery was only popular with South Indian brides, but this look is now a huge rage during festive seasons like Diwali because of its sheer beauty and grace.
"The layered jewellery looks classy and each piece has its own individuality and character. Some of my clients have converted their maang tikka in to a pendant to increase the usability," explains jewellery designer Vaibhav Somnath. What makes temple jewellery a hit with brides, it's they are timeless pieces of jewellery that contribute to a vintage look and feel. "Antique pieces are considered to be eternal; they don't follow trends and you can never go wrong with antique jewellery," says Somnath.
Changing trends
Those who love precious stones and the antiqueness of temple jewellery can combine the two to create a different look. "We use motifs from the temple jewellery knotted with rubies and emeralds in to a necklace; this creates a trendier look for experimental brides," says jewellery designer Maya KrishnaKumar. Orbs of pearls and other clouded stones are also used as danglers for the motifs of temple jewellery.
"Temple jewellery is usually preferred for festive seasons and special traditional occasions. Designed with intricate filigree work and beautiful detailing, temple jewellery today reflects royalty and excellence of craftsmanship. Pieces comprising of traditional necklace sets and layered hoop gold earrings speak of the richness of the Indian heritage," shares Neha Parwani, a jeweller.
Continuing the legacy
Owning temple jewellery is like being a part of heritage as it adds value to your assets. "I have had brides coming to me to re-polish their grandmother's jewellery that they would wear on their wedding day. That's the legacy of temple jewellery," adds Parwani.
Also, since these pieces are usually made of precious metals like gold, they also become an asset and an investment for the future.
*******************
