South Indian Jewellery Trends that are Here to Stay

Bridal jewellery rarely undergoes dramatic changes come wedding season. Here are some of the trends for 2017:

Diamonds

Maharashtrian bridal jewellery designs. | Waman Hari Pethe Sons

Diamonds are truly a bride’s best friend. Diamond jewellery has been a staple at most Indian weddings as it lends charm and character to the bridal outfit. A bride in bling-bling diamond jewellery is sure to impress the guests in attendance. Diamond jewellery matches any kind of bridal attire and adds more extravagance to the memorable day.

Mango Mala

Mango Mala, or also referred to as Managa Malai, is a traditional South Indian necklace that has come back into trend. The elaborate traditional Mango Mala is studded with precious stones and is among the popular South Indian jewellery. The mala adds completes the bride’s overall look. This is in stark contrast to the simplicity of Maharashtrian bridal jewellery designs.

Temple Jewellery and Nakshi

The temple jewellery and Nakshi gives the South Indian bride a unique look, apt for a special day. The antique finish with chains of gold balls, Nakshi work and coloured beads enhances the bride’s overall look. The Goddess pendants, which has precious gem stones, uncut diamonds, nakshi balls or south sea pearls studded in them is currently trending as it completes the bride’s look. This apart, vaddanams, or nakshi waist belts, are also popular bridal jewellery. For pendants, the favourite design is that of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.

Antique jewellery

Jewellery in an antique finish is now a popular trend. Antique jewellery comes in a number of forms, including meenakari, kundan work, among others. The dull polished antique jewellery with Bikaner jewellery helps camouflage the heavy bridal attire. The simplicity of the Maharashtrian bridal jewellery designs do not compare to their South Indian counterparts. 

Decoding Maharashtrian Jewellery

Mumbai has quite a few things to offer – Bollywood, glamour, fashion, vada pav and local train. No matter the modern strides made by the city, the Maharashtrian bride and her jewellery stands as the eternal symbol of tradition. Here are some of the Maharashtrian traditional jewellery that have stood the test of time:

Waman Hari Pethe Sons | Nath | Traditional Jewellery

Nath
This is worn by the woman during the puja ceremony. Woven with pearls, a nath comprises of a white or pink stone in the middle. This nose ornament is unique of traditional Maharashtrian jewellery. It is quite different from other nose pins that most other Indian brides wear. A nath comes in different styles. This is among the most popular traditional Maharashtrian jewellery.





Thushi

Waman Hari Pethe Sons | Thushi | Traditional Jewellery

This is a 22-carat gold neckpiece that originated in Kolhapur. The neckpiece comes with gold beads and an adjustable dori. The jowar gold seeds that dot the piece of jewellery is symbolic of the bride’s new home that will always have food. For those who have trouble remembering the name, just rhyme it with ‘khushi’. After all, it is an important traditional Maharashtrian jewellery.






Vaaki

Waman Hari Pethe Sons | Vaaki | Bajuband |Traditional Jewellery

Chattai Vaki is another important component of Maharashtrian jewellery. It is an armband that is crafted from 23-carat gold wire and dotted with stones. The gold band is not put through soldering, except in the middle where the ruby-set floral motif is positioned. While the ruby is symbolic of the sun, the colour red is auspicious for Maharashtrian brides.

Waman Hari Pethe Sons | Ambada Veni Phool |Traditional Jewellery

Ambada Veni Phool
This hair ornament is made of 22-carat and worn in the hair of a Marathi bride. There are a number of motifs that make up this ornament. However, it is the sunflower with jowar beads that stands out. Lac and ruby is what is used to make the veni phool. The die used to make the ornament is about 150 years old.