To any bride, jewellery is such a di rigeur part of her big day and more so when those adornments carry special meaning in in the way of being sacred. Temple jewellery makes for those ornate pieces—from chokers to long necklaces, nethi chuttis and maang tikkas, naths, headpieces, earrings, kamar bandhs and more.
They have special motifs such as deity figures, architectural arches and other shapes, kassas (coins) and nakshi patterns—all of which speak of heritage and tradition and make for like the perfect foil to Indian Benarasi saris, brocade lehengas and other garments in the wedding trousseau.
Once made by artisans who created them by melting the offerings made to deities, temple jewellery embodies prayer and of devotion that meets intricate design and tell their own story. Today, they’ve become an unmissable part of the modern wedding, with Gen Z taking to it as well.
Want to know how best to wear it? Look no further than a number of celebrities who have opted for a curation of this style of jewellery for their big day, from Sobhita Dhulipala who was a maximalist bride in gorgeous South Indian temple jewellery from her mango mala choke to a matha patti with polki diamonds, a bullaki ring, traditional gold vaddanam (waist belt) and a vanki (armlet), along with gold jhumkas and ear chains. Or Deepika Padukone’s thick temple-inspired choker and rani haar that she wore at her wedding in Lake Como (she even chose this aesthetic for her first anniversary) and even Sonam Kapoor who made a similar stunning statement in her choice of temple from a vintage matha patti to the traditional Guttapusalu necklace (the South Indian necklace with a fringe of pearls).
It’s not just brides, others have also flaunted the trend, from Janhvi Kapoor who often teams classic South Indian temple jewellery with her kanjeevaram saree or even Tamannnaah Bhatia who embraces the look in intricate chokers, gold harams and pretty jhumkas. One thing’s clear: here’s a jewellery trend that embodies art, design and heritage and to the modern ride it’s a legacy worth celebrating. If you are planning to tie the knot and sifting through jewellery concepts, there’s every reason to make temple jewellery part of the ensemble.
Whether it's for the bride or bridesmaid or even if you want to go premium with curated temple jewellery collections or lightweight in 18K gold, there's a huge variety to choose from. We spotted these beautiful pieces that you can earmark if you are planning to get married.
Vriksham
One of the most popular places to buy temple jewellery, we caught our eye on this Lakshmi coin neckpiece, crafted with timeless beautiful temple-inspired detailing. They also have intricately-crafted Lakshmi chokers, jada billai (hair ornaments), and multi-layered sets.
Ram Prakash Jewellers
Pair this dainty elegant pair of earrings inspired by Laxmi, the Goddess of Prosperity. Made in gold, with red motifs, the jewellery can be worn with a charming South Indian weave.
Gehna Jewellers
We love these thick 22KT hallmarked square gold temple kadas that totally accentuate any look.
Mortantra
You have to earmark these stunning 18k gold-plated temple and jadau necklace sets, that are apt for the main wedding function.