Pondicherry Jewelry

Pondicherry Jewelry are largely influenced by those from Tamil Nadu due to the proximity of these states. The women of Pondicherry like brightly colored ornaments that might be of gold, silver, other metals or even made of terracotta. The traditional jeweleries include those that are heavily encrusted with stones. Multi colored stones are often used to make them bright and dazzling. Navaratnas or the nine auspicious gem stones are highly regarded among the people and the colorful gems find easy use in jewelries to ward of evils gain benefit from the planets.

The most commonly used jewelries of Pondicherry people are Oddiyaanam which refers to a traditional waist belt made of gold, silver anklets called Golusu, armlets known as Vanki and pearl shaped ear drops called Jimiki. The Golusus of Pondicherry are highly regarded. Heavy anklets with tinkling bells, known as Gajja Golusu are well adorned.

Nowadays, sometimes, Pondicherry jewelry is also made of semi precious stones to reduce the cost. Neck jeweleries are usually heavy in look and make. They are often made into layers and are very eye - catching. Adigai is traditionally worn as neck piece and are made of the glittering cabochon rubies. The married women would invariably wear a Thaali or Mangalsutra as a symbol of her marriage. Maangaamaalai is a neck jewelry made of gold mangoes while the Kaasumaalai is made of gold coins.

Silver ornaments, especially those that are chunky, are loved by the people of Pondicherry. This apart silver jewelries are also manufactured that cater to international taste as the buyers of light jewelry are mostly foreigners. Porous clay, dried and cut into various shapes and sizes, is used to make Terracotta jewelry of Pondicherry. They are beaded additionally to give an attractive as well as rural look.