Which are the Kerala's traditional wedding jewelries?

Kerala is not only famous for its scenic beauty, but also for the gorgeous bridal jewelry. Most women in Kerala wear gold ornaments today irrespective of religion or caste. In fact, gold is an indispensable part of religious and social occasions like weddings. Purity and untold craftsmanship is what you will find in traditional Kerala jewelry designs. One can find the essence of Tradition, diversity and elegance in different Kerala jewelry patterns.

Some of the Kerala jeweled masterpieces include Payyannur Pavithra Mothiram (ring), gold necklaces namely Manonmani, Ilakkathali, Poothali and others. Ear studs such as Jimikki, Kannuneerthulli, Thoda etc. and Bangles like Kappu, stones, pearl and enamel painted bracelets are a part of traditional Kerala Wedding jewelry designs.

The traditional Kerala Wedding jewelries are as follows:

• Manga Mala Necklace

The Manga Necklace is the most common jewelry design of Kerala that stands out for its traditional heritage combined with trendy and eye catching looks.

• Mulla Mottu Necklace

“Jasmine buds” necklace or the Mulla Mottu necklace has a series of jasmine buds running across the necklace creating a visual treat to the eyes. This traditional jewelry design comes in two different combinations:  plain gold and the ones with studded gemstones.

• Palakka Mala

This ‘leaf’ necklace with mango shaped emeralds is typically green in color. A combination of emerald and ruby further makes Palakka Mala a mesmerizing piece of Kerala jewelry.

• Lakshmi Mala

This traditional Kerala pattern ornament has a number of coins strung together with Goddess Lakshmi, the symbol of wealth and prosperity, encrypted on each coin.

• Poothali

Intricate flowers and leaves are filled in the Poothali necklace making it attractive. The small thaalis that dangle from each piece add a glorious touch to the bride wearing the jewelry.

• Nagapada Thaali

This Kerala pattern ornaments is similar to Palakka Mala. The only difference lies in the shape of the pendants. Nagapada Thaali has small sized pendants when compared to Palalla Mala. 

• Pathakam

A pendant in chain form, Pathakam is yet another fantastic rendition of Kerala jewelry. This consists of a thin, simple golden necklace, at the centre of which is a gorgeous pendant that stands alone in all its glory. This is usually the very first necklace in the bride’s jewelry that sits closest to her neck.

• Karimani Maala

Karimani mala is usually one of the longer pieces of Kerala wedding jewellery. It consists of black beads which are interspersed with golden beads of the same size. There are some small pendants too that are often attached mid-way. It remains one of the most popular and gorgeous pieces of jewellery that you could own.

• Kolusu

Typicallly called Anklet, a ‘Kolusu’ is a Payal worn by girls and women on weddings and festive occasions. A kolusu makes a pleasant sound when the girl or the bride moves around. Traditionally, it is made of silver but it is also available in gold.

• Jhimkis

The bell-shaped designer earrings worn by the bride in Kerala is usually seen as a part of temple jewelry. The two designs of jhimiki include ear studs in palakka (leaf), another type of jhimki is a gold-plated earring that has small dangling bells.