Traditional Kerala Jewellery ( 36 )

Kerala Jewellery, An Enchanting Saga!

The backwaters, the coconuts, the palm trees, the greenery, and some amazing handicraft specimens, are some of the idols that sum up this beautiful place called Kerala. Every piece of jewellery crafted here is an artwork that deserves to be flaunted. Kerala is one of the destinations that are obsessed with gold and gold jewellery. The more, the merrier. The designs of the jewellery are evidence of the creativity that people have in this region. Kerala Jewellery is a true reflection of the wonderful crafting processes and end-product which the jewellers have to offer to the people of their own land and the entire world.

These are some of the many jewellery designs worn traditionally by the women in Kerala as these will give you ample details of the rich ethnicity of this place:

1. Manga Mala Neckpiece - This is a type of necklace which has mango shaped tiny pendants placed all over the necklace. This is the most common kind of necklace worn by the females in Kerala.

2. Mulla Motu Necklace - Mulla or Jasmine buds, are the tiny pendants in gold that are placed all over the necklace. There are two most famous designs in this necklace. One is a complete gold necklace and the other one is a gold necklace with gemstones embedded in between the patterns.

3. Pulinakham Mala - The oh so beautiful Pulinakham Mala is made from glass stone. Pulinakham means the nails of a tiger, thus that is the shape of the pendants used all over this kind of necklace. Generally, this piece of jewellery is paired with the traditional dress for women of Kerala, which is a saree.

4. Karimani Mala - This is the Mangalsutra style stringed necklace. This is also made of black and gold beads and is worn by all the married women here.

5. Lakshmi Mala - This is also known as the Kasu Mala, wherein, Kasu means coins and Mala means necklace. A lot of gold coins with embossing of goddess Lakshmi over them are strung over a necklace string, therefore the name it has.

6. Palakka Mala - Palakka means leaf, which is the main shape of the pendants used on this necklace. Many pieces of leaves are engraved with either emerald stone or imitation green stone in order to imitate the look of many leaves placed together over a gold string. Ruby and pearls are also added into the final design.

7. Nagapada Thali - Imitating the shape of a Naag or a snake, this necklace has pendants shaped like the hoods of snakes. With gold chain as the base, emeralds and rubies are studded into the design. This is another very popular necklace style worn by women in Kerala.

8. Pathakam - A gold chain with a gigantic gold pendant makes a Pathakam. This traditional Kerala jewellery is made in pure gold and sometimes is decorated with colored stones, preferably green and red.

9. Kolusu - These are payal or anklets, again in gold with or without any embellishments. Women and girls of all ages wear these on different occasions.

Other than the above-mentioned ornaments which are famous from the region, women also wear jewellery like the Jhumkis or the earrings in Jhumka style, heavy bridal necklace known as Elakkathali, Poothali, Maatha Pattis, adornments for the hair, waistbands, and so on. So get at least one statement piece for yourself and enjoy wearing it on your special day.