A Tale Of Tradition, Culture And Art – A Look Into The Types Of Temple Jewellery

The history of jewellery, especially in a country like India, is long and extensive. If you were to travel through the length and breadth of the country, you will find so many types of jewellery and there are several categories into which these are often classified. For instance, there is the division between the geographical locations of our country – jewellery from the south of the country is very distinct as compared to that from the north and so on.

And then there is the stunning world of temple jewellery – one that has a very specific kind of charm, which is not loud and not necessarily on point with the ever-changing trends. However, it does have this quiet confidence that exudes a charisma and somehow that is enough! 

What makes temple jewellery special isn’t just the designs or motifs; it’s the feeling attached to it. It reminds people of rituals, of silk sarees rustling while walking to the mandapam, of jasmine flowers pinned tightly in hair. And even if someone isn’t very traditional, there’s still something undeniably artistic and meaningful about these pieces.

The Stories Behind Temple Jewellery

If you look at typical South Indian jewellery, you will see a lot of similarities with what is identified as temple jewellery, but the most innate difference between the two is the fact that temple jewellery was originally meant for gods and goddesses. It was humans who borrowed the ideas and designs for themselves! 

Pay close attention to temple jewellery and you will see how some aspects are truly distinctive:

• The motifs that you see in temple jewellery are not random – when you see Goddess Lakshmi sitting on a lotus or peacocks facing each other or temple borders, they all mean something. These are what you will observe in books of mythology and temples. 

• In general, you will always see temple jewellery made with materials that exude a sense of warmth and connect to the earth. You will see muted gold tones, stones that have deep colours like red and green and even silver temple jewellery will have a matte finish. 

• Even if it is not completely handmade, it is designed to keep the look and feel handcrafted. The carvings, the placement of stones, the structure; it is all as if the work was done slowly and intentionally.

The Many Types Of Temple Jewellery

If you were under the misconception that the world of temple jewellery is very limited, you would want to think again. There are actually several types of temple jewellery and getting a basic understanding of these will allow you to make the right choices for your own collection. 

Antique finish temple jewellery

This is probably the most well-recognised type – the finish is aged, almost as if the piece sat inside a wooden box for decades. The gold tone isn’t bright, rather it’s deep, warm and slightly dull, but all in a good way. So, why do people love this style so much? For starters, it looks rich without being flashy. The antique patina softens everything, so even a big necklace feels elegant instead of overwhelming. And every motif stands out, because when the finish isn’t too shiny, the details become all the more obvious. 

Kemp stone temple jewellery

If temple jewellery had “festival mode,” this would be it. The deep red and green stones have been part of South Indian jewellery for centuries and are typical of this type of temple jewellery. If you have grown up seeing Navratri or weddings in South India, then the red and green stones will be immediately familiar and the colours will surely strike up some cultural memories from your childhood. More importantly, this type of jewellery photographs beautifully, because the stones against traditional silk sarees feel timeless! Imagine the kind of attention you would garner on social media when you pair a stunning temple jewellery necklace with a delicate Kanjivaram saree! 

Nakashi temple jewellery

If you like pieces that make everyone else stop and stare, then the Nakashi style is for you – this style is not about the stones, but about the details and the carving. Every curve, every border, every panel is carved, sometimes by hand, sometimes with light tools. The level of detailing is often bordering on unbelievable! But beware, Nakashi pieces aren’t light; neither physically or emotionally. These are the kind of pieces that families pass down through the generations, because they don’t really go out of style.

Temple coin jewellery

Almost every south Indian bride will have a few traditional pieces in her trousseau and the coin mala (known as kasimala, kasumala, kasulaperu, kasinara) has to be one of them. Coins in jewellery go back hundreds of years, and the most common design is Goddess Lakshmi stamped on tiny round coins, joined together to form necklaces or bangles. Now, here is why coin jewellery will never go out of style – Goddess Lakshmi stands for abundance, blessing and prosperity – themes that are perfect for weddings and all special occasions. And what makes it extra special is that it transcends generations – a young girl can wear it for a pooja at home and so can a bride on her wedding day! 

Temple jewellery with pearls

Like stones, pearls too made an appearance in temple jewellery and these were often used to soften the appearance. So, if the intent was to make the piece look a lot more delicate and romantic, pearls were used. Pearls would often be used as droplet accents in earrings and necklaces. The subtle movement of pearl endings in temple jewellery earrings would make it look immensely graceful, without actually putting much effort. Similarly, the pearls would help frame the design on chokers and long necklaces to make the piece feel complete, almost as if adding a border to a painting. 

Lightweight and modern temple jewellery

Let’s be honest – not everyone wants heavy pieces, and not every occasion demands them. This is perhaps why there was a need for modern interpretations of temple jewellery to rise. These pieces keep the motifs but lose the weight - literally and stylistically. One of the reasons why this style is gaining so much popularity today it that it fits everyday clothing. A tiny Lakshmi pendant or a small kemp stud can work with a kurta, linen saree, or even jeans. And in case anyone feels intimidated by an extensive temple jewellery collection, then picking something small would be a wonderful way to ease into it. 

Bridal temple jewellery

And then there is the full bridal temple jewellery set – a typical set would contain multiple pieces, including choker, long haram, jhumkas, netti chutti/maang teeka, bangles, arm bands, waist belt, nose ring, anklets and sometimes nose rings and hair ornaments too. The bridal sets go beyond just a tradition or beauty – it's about connecting to your culture and lineage and becoming part of a legacy. 

The Charm Of Silver Temple Jewellery

Temple jewellery has this quiet elegance to it. It reminds you of weddings you attended as a kid, family heirlooms wrapped in soft cloth, or the first time you wore jewellery that wasn’t just for “dress-up.” Silver temple jewellery, like what you can find at Unniyarcha, keeps all that sentiment, but makes it feel more wearable and real. What really makes silver special here is the mood it creates - earthy, rooted, and almost poetic. 

You can pair a bold silver temple necklace with a cotton saree or wear small temple-style earrings with jeans and a kurta and you still carry that hint of culture with you. No fuss. No rules. Just something beautiful sitting close to your skin. 

It’s the kind of jewellery that doesn’t scream for attention, but yet, everyone notices.

And then comes gold plated silver temple jewellery

There are times when you want subtle and then there are times when you want drama! Sometimes, you just want to feel like you have stepped out of a Bharatanatyam portrait or a the wedding album of your grandmother.

Enter gold plated silver temple jewellery!

It gives you all the richness and brightness of gold, but it feels lighter, easier, and definitely easier on the pocket. And yes, gold-plated silver temple jewellery photographs beautifully, so it is truly social media ready! 

Temple jewellery is not just about pieces you wear – these embody emotions, history, culture, beliefs and of course, aesthetics. One thing that is certain - temple jewellery isn’t a trend; it’s a legacy!