What is temple jewellery ?

Temple jewellery is among the most artful of all jewellery types, and plays

an essential role in the cultural heritage of the southern states in India.
Embossed with depictions of gods and goddesses from the temples in south
India, these simple-yet-artful pieces of work are sculpted from gold and
silver, and have been making a comeback to the fashion mise en scène.
Available as necklaces, bangles, earrings, rings, chokers and kamarbandhs,
the contemporary update to this jewellery style now includes gemstones,
diamonds and filigree work as well to accentuate individual pieces and
make them look heavier.

History of Temple Jewellery

Coming through time and history, Indian jewellery in general, has evolved into an
art. And, not only in design but also in workmanship. Artwork of Indian jewellery is
at times categorized into three categories – Spiritual Indian Jewellery, Bridal Indian
Jewellery, and Temple Indian Jewellery. Temple jewellery is used to describe a type
which is used to adorn idols of deities in temples, hence the name.

It is known to have been pervasive during famous periods in South India. Beginning
with Chola dynasty, then Pandya dynasty and also Krishnadevaraya’s rule i.e. 9th
century to the 16th century. For the chola rulers (or all rulers for that matter), jewels
were a statement to declare their power and prestige in those times. They considered
cultural development incredibly important and encouraged the making of Temple
Jewellery a lot. Most of the temple jewellery today is distinctly similar in designs, to
the designs on South India temple walls

Jewellery pieces of the same kind were presented to temples back in the time, by
famous royal figures, talented goldsmiths and rich devotees as offerings to the god
and goddesses. That’s precisely how this jewellery got the name of Temple jewellery.
It was made out of fine gold and embedded with rare and precious gems. There was a
time when they were donated just for assurity of preservation of their beauty in the
temples.

As temple jewellery was believed to bring fortuity and prosperity to the person,
women of Southern India started wearing them on their special occasions. It was
considered lucky, and out of respect to the Gods, women wore them on occasions of
worship of Gods. Soon after, temple jewellery got associated with dancers. Which is
why, even today, dancers of Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi wear temple jewellery
while their performances.

Temple Jewellery is believed to have its roots in the 9th century AD – during the rule
of the Chola and Pandya dynasties. Historically speaking, Temple Jewellery was
handcrafted out of donations of gold and other precious metals and gems that were
offered to the temples located in South India. The jewellery was then made for
adorning temple deities and members of royal families. It is also believed that in order
to protect their jewellery, kings offered it at their temples for adorning the deities.
The Chola, Pandya, and the Krishna Deva Raya dynasties that ruled South India were
connoisseurs of Temple Jewellery who encouraged skilled craftsmen and supported
jewellery workshops alongside the temples.

Despite the influence of the Mughals and the succeeding British rule – Temple
Jewellery retained its original form and continues to do so even today. For women in
South India, a trip to the temple might be about prayer, but it is also about catching a
glimpse of the deity covered in beautiful gold jewellery. These pieces have long held
the fascination of the people. But as time passed, performers and cultural artists at
the temple with their renditions of devotional pieces began to wear imitations of the
jewellery style adopted for the idols. As Bharatanatyam, the dance form became
popular, temple jewellery became an accessible style and soon made its way into
world of trousseau and heirloom pieces. One can still see exquisite specimens of
Temple Jewellery adorning the figures of gods and goddesses at various temples –
especially during festive occasions.
In the ancient time, the Temple Jewellery was created only for deities and royals. The motifs of the gods
and goddesses on this jewellery are the emblems of the idols of the temples of South India. Thus the name
of the jewellery was coined by the royals. 

Motifs are often inspired by deities and each element has a meaning. Goddess
Lakshmi signifies wealth, the ‘annapakshi’ or the divine swan is said to attract
positive energy, the lion is a symbol of courage, and the lotus stands for purity and
self-regeneration. The beauty of temple jewellery lies in its religious meaning, says
Bharathy.

Evolution - Temple Jewellery, As Seen Today

A majority of real temple jewellery is crafted in a city in Tamil Nadu, called
Nagercoil. Because it is so intricate and unique and requires a certain finesse in its
making, it may take up to a year sometimes to complete and deliver. As it is
incredibly expensive and considered a valuable investment, it has a lot of significance
in the lifestyles of women in South India.

Although initially it was made of gold and silver, now there are economic
alternatives, where coated silver jewellery studded with average gems are now
considered in. In fact, Kundan and Polka stones embedded on Temple Jewellery is
gaining popularity in North India.

Initially, each piece of temple jewellery was crafted entirely by hand, from
the mould to the filing to the finishing. However, owing to the
advancements in the technology, modern jewellers have been opting to
have certain elements of the procedure, such as the finishing and polishing,
done by machines. This significantly reduces the time taken to craft temple
jewellery pieces.

Temple Jewellery has been and is being sold by ancient families or retired dancers,
and if you walk by a jewellery store in South India, you will most definitely see them
on display. And my god, they are expensive. And because it was being used by
classical dancers, it is also popularly known as Dance jewellery.
Earlier Temple Jewellery was handcrafted to perfection. Artisans would find inspiration from the many
temples in south India—the sculptures, illustrations and carvings were beautifully replicated in their work.
Today – the use of machines has reduced the time taken to craft these pieces.

While Temple Jewellery was traditionally crafted in gold; during modern times – it is also crafted in silver
with gold polish and embedded with semi-precious stones – making it affordable and accessible. The
North Indian influence can be seen in the use of polki and kundan work.

Flaunted by dancers, movie stars and fashionistas – popular Temple Jewellery designs are inspired by
deities, temple tops and divine figurines and include Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi themed pieces,
coin necklaces and waist belts, pieces that are crafted using swan, peacock, lotus flower, leaves and tree
motifs.

Types of temple jewellery

Any type of Temple Jewellery whether earrings or necklaces etc gives a regal and a
graceful look to the women wearing it. These days they are made available in many
different forms depending on the requirements of the users. Some of them want
simpler designs, some heavy, some can afford real gold jewellery and some cannot.
Hence, the jewellery manufacturers have made them available for the consumers
(women) in simpler form as well as low price (lower than Gold).

Some of the most commended designs in Temple Jewellery are waves, lines, birds,
statutes of Gods - Goddesses and Royal Figures. Amongst these figures, the most
common motif is Goddess Laxmi sitting on a Lotus.

Temple jewellery design is available from small nose rings to big chunky jewellery
including necklaces and chokers, pendants, armbands, waistbands, bracelets, toe
rings and rings etc. The speciality of Temple Jewellery is that they so intrinsically
crafted that when worn even with simple outfit it will give you a classy look

Majorly, there are two types of Temple Jewellery:

1. Traditional Function Jewellery: This type of jewellery is worn by women

in traditional functions like, baby shower, temple pilgrimages, weddings
and other such festivals. This includes heavy necklaces, chokers sets,
danglers earrings etc.
2. Occasional Temple Jewellery: This jewellery is mostly used by women
while dancing and this includes armlets, hair accessories, anklets, waist
belts etc.
Making :
Dyes and moulds are prepared for deities, flowers, and birds. “Gold and silver are
rolled into flat pieces and pressed into the moulds. The moulds are then filled with
gold foil or beaten metal,” explains Girish. Once the mould is set, the pieces ar the
pieces are soldered and polished to give them a lustre. “It is a team effort. An entire
chain is responsible for tasks like creating the moulds, soldering, adding gems and
stones and polishing,” Girish points out. The advent of computer-aided design
(CAD) has added speed to jewellery-making. Karthik Y R, proprietor of Pallavi
Jewellers, explains, “CAD is used to create 2D and 3D models of objects. This has
improved the design and manufacturing flow.” The finishing and polishing is done
by machines .

“The process of making gold temple jewellery with antique finish involves taking
the impression of the die on a gold sheet. This is followed by jaali work (carving
on gold). Then, the border (chowkattu in Kannada) is added and then comes
filigree wowork. After this, the stone-fitting work (both precious and semi-
precious stones) is done. To make it look antique, red or black-coloured dull polish
is done.” Women are involved only in the final step, while threading the gold
beads and making them and making them into strings. In some families, all men
get engaged in the work. The artisan community comprises pattars — local
artisans, Bengalis, and artisans from the coastal towns of the State. There are
artisans in the age group of 16 to 60 yea...

Read more at: https://www.deccanherald.com/content/557291/land-temple-

jewellery.html

"Initially, chitrai, a chasing technique where metal is carved with a nail and
hammer was used mainly for mythological crafts. But, now this technique is
also used for decorative designs. The most popular carvings are of Lakshmi
and Lord Ganesha."

HOW TO WEAR TEMPLE JEWELLERY

When you think of Temple Jewellery, an image of a big necklace or a heavy earrings
comes into the mind which you can wear in wedding function or so. But that’s really
not the case. There are many temple jewellery designs available which are small and
can be worn in regular days also.

Hereunder, we have explained how to wear temple jewellery for enhancing different
looks.

Wedding Looks:

In a family wedding, wearing a simple saree without heavy border or embroidery

with a heavy looking Temple necklace will make your style statement. Make sure if
you wear it with some understated outfit because these pieces itself are heavy.

In your wedding, you may wear heavy necklace with a choker set and team it up
with maang tikka, earrings, arm belts, waist belts etc.

Western and Indo - Western Looks:

When you are wearing something western, does not necessarily mean you should
wear only western earrings or jewellery with it. You may team it up with light temple
earrings or small pendant with a chain. This will make your style statement.

Remember, when you are wearing a complete western outfit, it’s good to pair it with
a fashion jewellery having a hint of Temple designs. Make sure the you wear small
stuff like finger ring otherwise wearing a bigger one might spoil the whole look.

Wear a kurta with ankle length pants of any color and where any of these temple
earrings whether Jhumka Style or simple once. Make sure the earrings does not
have much of ruby stone studded as it gives a traditional look.

Temple Necklace also goes really well with indo western gowns. If you match a Black
Color Long Gown with a Gold Plated Necklace studded with Ruby Stone, which is a
cool combination and shall magnify your looks to the next level.

Temple Earrings can really go well with A Pant Style Saree. Wear a good color
matching or contrast color earrings with this saree and you are on to make a style
statement.

Formal Meet Up Looks:

You may pair a simple white color kurta or a dress with a small temple necklace or a
chain and you are set to make an impression.

Traditional Looks:
Temple Earrings, any kind, whether jhumka, or ruby stone, or no stone, it will go well
with any of the traditional outfit like, Long Anarkali Kurta, Sari, Lehenga or anything

How is Temple Jewelry different from Ordinary Jewelry?

Pure gold and silver and various other precious metals are used in creating temple jewelry to
increase its luster. Some of the rare gemstones and techniques which add shine to such
jewelry include kemp, pearls, rubies, emeralds, diamonds, kundan, polka and meenakari.
Precious and semi precious stones are used in both cut and uncut forms to endow a classic
look to the jewelry. Use of uncut precious stones gives a majestic touch to the outward show
of temple jewelry. Some of the most admired traditional designs include waves, lines, floral
shapes, birds and statuettes of royal figures.

How is Temple Jewelry different from Ordinary Jewelry?

Pure gold and silver and various other precious metals are used in creating temple jewelry to
increase its luster. Some of the rare gemstones and techniques which add shine to such
jewelry include kemp, pearls, rubies, emeralds, diamonds, kundan, polka and meenakari.
Precious and semi precious stones are used in both cut and uncut forms to endow a classic
look to the jewelry. Use of uncut precious stones gives a majestic touch to the outward show
of temple jewelry. Some of the most admired traditional designs include waves, lines, floral
shapes, birds and statuettes of royal figures.

How to style in temple jewellery ?

Wearing temple jewellery with a Kanjeevaram saree is all more divine

feeling. The golden sheen across the get up, makes it feels as if the goddess
of beauty has descended from heaven. This is why from centuries ago and
still today, temple jewellery has been a hot favourite amongst brides-to-be.

Since most classical dance forms are about god and goddesses, classical
dancers, as a ritual, wear temple jewellery to add more drama to their
costume. In modern times, celebs and fashion-conscious women mix and
match traditional jewellery with indo-western attires to make a statement
and in this pursuit, they have rounded off a whole new look with temple
jewellery. But yes, just keep in mind that your attire is subtle and simple to
allow the jewellery to pop up well.