Are you a traditional jewelry enthusiast or collector who is currently obsessed with
Tamil bridal ornaments? Would you like to quickly brush through the unique
Tamil bridal jewellery trends of Tamil brides before you start collecting?
After an elaborate discussion with the celebrity wedding photographers of Tamil
Nadu, we have listed out the top 10 bridal ornaments of Southern origin that are quite
dear to the brides of the present era! Join us for an exciting virtual treat with lots of
cute Tamil bridal portraits and classic vanity clicks. Make sure to have extended
research on the modified designs if you get hooked on any of these precious
ornamental pieces!
1) Chandrapirai & Suryapirai (Hair jewels)
Suryapirai (a sun-shaped round ornament) and Chandrapirai (a crescent-shaped moon
ornament) are jewels for styling Tamil bridal hair looks. As we can see, these mini
jewels are crafted with precious gems and stones that are multicolored.
Red, blue, green and pink are the common colors we find in these.
Also, Rubies, Pearls, Emeralds and kemp stones are used for achieving this look. To
point out, these hair brooches are carefully pinned to both sides of the central hair
partition. Certainly, these are one of the most ancient hair ornaments of Tamil
brides.
2) Nettichutti/Netri Pattai
Netri Pattai or Nettichutti is made of a central ‘Maangtikka’ combined with 2 long
belts or bands that beautifully sculpt the bride’s forehead. Apparently, this statement
piece is likely to highlight the kohl-rimmed eyes of a traditional Tamil bride. To
simplify, it is a unique ‘Mathapatti’ that has a great cultural significance in traditional
Tamil bridal jewels. Just like Chadrapirai and Suryapirai, the Netri Pattai is also crafted with similar colors
and decorative elements. Currently, we have been spotting a lot of redesigned and
modified versions of this typical hair jewel. In the design, we often see a lovely blend
of rubies and pearl danglers.
3) Jadai Billai
Jadai Billai is a hair adornment that is worn on the long braided hairdo of traditional
Tamil brides. To highlight, the braided hair with Jadai Billai is often secured using a
Kunjalam or Parandi which is a decorative accessory worn at the end of a braid.
Definitely, there are a variety of designs spotted in its accessory variants that often
appear to be gold-plated and rich with multicolored stones. And, kemp stones and
imitation stones are used to give a surreal glow. Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam
dancers wear this particular accessory as a part of their traditional dancewear details.
It is popularly known as ‘Choti’ in several other parts of the country.
4) Mukkuthi
Mukkuthi as you may already is a famous South Indian bridal jewel. From
single-stone monotone looks to multi-colored complex designs, there are quite a few
models that are popular since the 80s. Most importantly, it is something without
which we can say a Tamil bridal look feels ‘incomplete’.
And, the nose ring variety of this ornament has won the hearts of new brides-to-be
with its intricate Kemp stone studding and mini pearl hangings. Added to this, a
septum ring is also worn that has similar stone studding and finish to that of the nose
pin.
5) Jimikki
Jimikki is a bell-shaped earring that is adorned with floral designs and little gold bead
danglers at the bottom. Clearly, the danglers sway beautifully and help in achieving
that dressy, ‘ready for the wedding’ look. At times, it comes with stones, pearls and
gems on the dome shaped bottom half.
As per today’s trending jewels of Tamil Brides, we see Jimikkis finished with
enamel paint, one or more metallic mixes and multiple motifs originating from
different parts of India. And, brides sometimes like to sync their Jimikki, Nettichutti
and Mukkuthi designs with uniform color mixing and patterns that belong to the
traditional jewelry designs of South Indian brides.
6) Kemp Attigai
This statement neckpiece is made to fit right around the neck just like a choker.
And, the design has a heavy pendant design studded with glimmering Ruby stones. Precisely,
the locket piece is supposed to come right between the collarbones of the
bride. Similar to the ‘Netri Pattai’, the neckpiece is carefully crafted with stones like
Ruby to give that royal look.
If paired with the above-discussed set of ornaments, Kemp Attigai will perfectly sync,
with uniform colour blends and stone works. Together as a set, these jewels will create
a well-put-together look, especially for traditional Tamil Brahmin Bridal
looks.
7) Kasu Malai
Often spotted in Kerala and Tamil bridal looks of traditional origin, Kasu Malai is
made of multiple coins. To point out, the coins are crafted with symbols of deities, the
common one being Goddess Lakshmi. Coated in gold, the Kasu Malai gives a rich
luxe feel and would comprise around 100 coins in most of the necklaces.
A simpler version of this neckpiece is commonly found in Kerala traditional bridal
ornaments. Also, Kasu Malai is one of the simple bridal ornaments of Tamil
brides as the other temple jewels seem to be much more detailed and heavy.
At times, Kasu Malai is placed as the bottom layer of the neckpiece stack to get that polished
look.
8) Vanki
Appears in an ‘inverted V-shape’ Vanki is an armlet jewel that looks perfect with
traditional Tamil Brahmin bridal sarees. From minimal designs to extensive
statement pieces with carvings of Gods and Goddesses, Vanki is quite trending in the
bridal jewelry trends of South India.
Worn on both arms above the blouse, Vanki could be selected in match with your
overall outfit aesthetics. Definitely, you can create a neat uniform look by selecting a
style comprising of Kemp stones, Emeralds and Rubies to pair with your Natri Pattai, Jimikki etc.
To highlight, this unique ornament has seen several generations over the
past centuries.
9) Oddiyanam
The hip belt called ‘Oddiyanam’ is one of the most celebrated ornaments of this
wedding season. Not only does it cinch the bridal saree but also adds shape to the
bride’s hips and waist. Intricate carvings of deities are spotted on this statement piece.
At times, delicate chains are layered and hung at the bottom of the belt to add more
grandeur and definition.
Definitely, the bridal Kanjeevaram silks will appear even more luxe if paired with a
beautiful Oddiyanam. Also, diamonds, precious stones, gems etc are added to that
design for that shine. Either made of gold or silver, the outer coating is often preferred
to be a gleaming gold finish by most brides.
10) Metti
Metti is a silver toe ring that is gifted by the groom’s side to the bride. In traditional
Tamil weddings, there is a toe ring ceremony where the groom places the toe rings on
the bride. Clearly, these silver toe rings are commonly worn by married Tamil women
which symbolizes marital status.
Traditionally, these are worn on the second toe, as it is commonly identified as the
longest one that is comfy for this jewel. In ancient times, the Metti was also worn by
grooms for signifying their marital status just like the women of present generations.
Worn as a pair, toe rings have multiple health benefits as well.
We hope you had a great time skimming through the interesting Tamil bridal
ornaments that are trending in the 2022 wedding season. We made sure to handpick
the most unique Tamil bridal ornaments which have been receiving a lot of love
from the brides this season.
Evidently, there are lots of details and history behind each of these pieces. Added to
that, most of these ornaments supply great health benefits as said by the women of
traditional households. We hope you are sorted with all the essential information you
must have before your bridal jewelry hunt!
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