Jewelry

Tamil Nadu abounds in cultural splendor that is manifested in its efflorescent art and culture. The state has reached the zenith of cultural excellence and is noted for its traditional stone-encrusted jewelry that consists of earrings, nose drops, neckpieces, waist belts as well as anklets and bracelets.

No woman’s trousseau is complete without a dash of sparkling jewelry. In ancient Tamil Nadu, diamonds and other precious stones were a man and woman’s best friend alike. The people firmly believed in the magical wonders of the navaratnas or the nine gems that supposedly warded of the evil and magnified the favorable aspect of the planetary positions.

The women’s haute couture is accessorized by exquisite jewelry ranging from the oddiyaanam (gold waist belt), vanki (armlet) and jimiki (eardrop) created by the diligence of skillful craftsmen. The earrings glitter by the sparking of the pristine whit pearls or are encrusted with the lotus shaped kammal of diamonds or rubies.

The maattal of gold or pearls attached to the kaamal is a wonderful piece that adorns the women’s hair and produces a dazzling effect. The varieties of necklaces include the traditional adigai set in cabochon rubies or the maangaamaalai, brilliant combination of stone-studded gold mangoes and peacocks and the popular gold-coin kaasumaalai.

The women wear charming silver anklets known as golusu that tinkle merrily as they walk gracefully. There are several varieties of anklets like Puduchcheri golusu and Gajja golusu that are popular among the tourists.

Tamil Nadu, with its exquisite collection of traditional as well as contemporary jewelry is a haven for the womenfolk who love splurge on jewelry.

Last Updated on 1/17/2011