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India is popular for its intricate artwork in its monuments, jewellery, and clothes. Popular jewellery art in India consists of temple, bridal, and spiritual jewellery. Traditional silver temple jewellery is famous in India.
What is Temple Jewellery?
Temple jewellery is the oldest form of jewellery in India. It is inspired by South India’s temple art and architecture. With time, it has now evolved to include different designs and styles.
It was originally made of the finest gold and embedded with precious gems. Silver temple jewellery is a traditional art of Indian craftsmen. It is deeply connected to our roots and heritage. In family cultures, it is passed down from grandmothers to their grand-daughters, and so on. It brings out the fond memory of our grandmothers.
Temple jewellery has a strong history.
Origin and History of Temple Jewellery
We can trace the origin in the 9th century, during the reign of Chola Dynasty. The exquisiteness and uniqueness of jewellery in this era was something unseen. It is valued to date. Temple jewellery was primarily made of gold or silver. At that time, idols of gods, deities, and goddesses were decorated using temple jewellery. Even now, we see the culture of decorating idols with the finest silver and gold jewellery.
The jewellery included intricate pieces of necklaces, earrings, bangles, and chains. With time, there has been an evolution in designs. Classical dancers started wearing temple jewellery. It was a perfect match for their art and culture. Slowly, it came to be known as Bharatanatyam jewellery too.
Women wear temple jewellery on auspicious occasions like marriages. The jewellery is a harbinger of good luck. Its divinity has made it popular in the modern fashion jewellery space too. It cleanses your aura and uplifts your energy.
Types and Usage of Temple Jewellery
Temple jewellery is available in many types and designs. It is also known as dance jewellery. It is mainly divided into – regular and occasional temple jewellery. Women wear the first type in traditional functions like pilgrimages, weddings, baby showers, etc. Some common jewellery types in this category include – earrings, chains, bangles, necklaces, rings, bracelets, chokers, and toe rings.
Occasional temple jewellery is for special occasions like classical dance performances and brides. Common jewellery types include armlets, anklets, hair accessories, waist belts, hip chains, and nose rings.
Amongst many jewellery types, some of the popular items of temple jewellery are:
- Gold and Silver traditional necklaces
Temple necklaces are one of the most popular pieces of temple jewellery. Their exquisiteness adds charm to a woman’s beauty. These necklaces are available in short and long length, according to requirement. Pearls, kemps, and rubies add to the lustre of silver temple necklaces. Hindu deity figure designs in silver necklace are also famous.
- Bracelets and Bangles
Bangles and bracelets are a must have in a bridal jewellery collection. Temple jewellery bangles add to the style quotient of a married woman. You can discover a wide range of ornaments in this range. Bracelets with hanging bells are in popular demand.
- Beautiful temple rings
Temple rings and toe rings add to the jewellery collection of a married woman. They are studded with precious gemstones, which enhances their charm and beauty. Toe rings generally use silver due to its health benefits and exquisite charm.
- Intricately designed Armlets
South Indian brides’ wedding jewellery collection always includes beautiful armlets. Wearing temple armlets is a status symbol in south. Some armlets are given the shape of temples to increase their traditional value. Goddess Laxmi design armlets are also popular among brides. It gives an exquisite look to the design of the armlet.
Evolution of the Temple Jewellery
Temple jewellery saw the intricate design of uncut and cut gems. It is purely handmade. Stone carvings of south Indian temples hugely inspired the marvellous art form.
Women started wearing temple jewellery in traditional functions as it was considered prosperous. Temple jewellery could either be crafted in 22 carats gold or 925 silver. Both the versions are a bit expensive as compared to other metals. Hence, we see imitation temple jewellery too in the market today.
Trends in Temple Jewellery
A large majority of temple jewellery is made in Tamil Nadu. The intricate and unique temple jewellery requires finesse in making. It may take almost a year to design a marvellous piece.
Initially, it was made of gold and silver. Now, we can see them in other metals too. Silver temple jewelleryis less expensive as compared to gold. Silver jewellery coated with cut and uncut gems is a good alternative.
In North India, Kundan and Polka stone embedded in silver temple jewellery is gaining huge popularity.
The modern usage doesn’t limit temple jewellery to certain occasions. Women wear such jewellery to boost their style statements on ordinary days too. Women who love bold and stylish fashion statements are always in awe of temple jewellery. It adds glamour and status symbol to one’s personality.
Everyone is mesmerized by the attractiveness of temple jewellery. Its trend will not be dying anytime soon. It takes us back to our heritage and roots. You can buy silver temple jewellery online through various sites. Browse from a wide range of silver rings, pendants, necklaces, bangles, etc.
