Inspired by the gods: The temple jewellery edit

When the muse itself is divinity, the results are bound to be inimitable. Temple jewellery—which draws inspiration from deities, Gods and Goddesses—is subordinate to none in the bridal realm, where there’s no place for anything substandard. Perhaps that’s why it remains the prized possession it is. When it originated centuries ago during the Chola and Pandya dynasties, skilled artisans would typically sculpt gold and silver into ornate chokers, bangles, kamarbandhs, earrings, and more, embossed with intricate odes to divine entities.

The malleable metals soon (or sometimes over months) became handcrafted heirlooms, which, in their modern form, are also adorned with gemstones or diamonds. You can spot flora and fauna depicted as leaves, elephants, lotuses, mango malai, temple spires, coins, and more on temple jewellery, too.

For a bride, it’s the coveted star of her trousseau, with reasons beyond aesthetics. Motifs of Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, are believed to invite abundance, fertility, and good fortune into a bride’s marital life. Deepika Padukone wore it for her Konkani wedding, as did Rashmika Mandanna for her wedding to actor Vijay Deverakonda in Udaipur.

Their choice comes with good reason. Here, every emblem and element carries its own significance; peacocks denote beauty and grace, while lotuses symbolise purity. That antique-gold sheen effortlessly complements traditional Kanjeevarams, resulting in an ensemble drenched in regality. Trends may come and go, but temple jewellery is not subject to that temporary status, categorising it as a rite of passage for the Indian bride. These are the pieces we’re adding to our wishlist. 

Motisons Jewellers 

A quintessential pick, this solid set is not for the fashionably faint-hearted. You can spot the details from a mile away, and the tinge of mint green just makes sense. The more you look, the more there is to see, from the lined elephants to the pair of peacocks. Bride maxxing never looked this good.

Dillano Jewels 

You’re looking at no ordinary jhumkas. These come with a peacock-inspired motif perched above a temple-style dome, detailed with a seated Goddess and layers of pearl drops. Part of the brand’s Jhoom by Dillano – Tum Hi Toh Mehfil Ho collection, this pair combines the richness of 22KT gold with the finesse of contemporary design to deliver a true heirloom. 

Joyalukkas

Matte finish, yellow gold, and coloured stones. In short, all the makings of priceless, artisanal jewellery. This one keeps the antiquity intact, with intricate temple-inspired designs, leaf motifs, and deities in the epicentre of it all. A befitting ode to the storied legacy of temple jewellery, this one’s a scene-stealer by every norm. 

Kumar Jewels

An ode to the rich artistry of India’s bygone era, this brand’s latest collection, Gauri by Kumar Jewels, gently reminds us why traditional cuts will always be evergreen. Be it the emerald cascade choker or the ruby fringer necklace set, South India’s treasured pedigree continues to shine through these premium gold pieces. 

Jaipur Gems

For brides keen on a lighter piece, this chunky bangle works just fine. Crafted in 22KT gold, if you look closely, all the signs of trademark temple jewellery are there, from the minute florals to the paisley, deities, and more. And don’t worry about it gliding off your wrist, as the thickness is maintained the whole way round, instead of a tapering silhouette. Pretty with a touch of practicality, making this one a perfect pick. 

Ishhaara

Temple jewellery and pearls are a match made in marital heaven, and this exquisite set proves why. With its skin-friendly and hypoallergenic composition, it’s not just durable, but a premium pick for those long hours in your bridal trousseau. Pops of colour and pearls sit just right around the deities, framing every emblem and proffering a finished look. While it’s designed for layering too, styling it as a centrepiece warrants excellent sartorial results. 

Rimli

Donning the avatar of a gorgeous maang tikka, this take on temple jewellery stands out for its intricate embellishments, featuring a prominent Goddess motif, delicate florals, and hints of vibrant ruby-green stones. Don’t miss the cluster pearls, a dainty addition to the tikka’s overall regal appeal.  We might just be head over heels for this one. 

From intricate heirloom sets to statement-making accents, temple jewellery brings together artistry, heritage, and symbolism in a way few other adornments can. Whether you choose to go all out with a layered necklace or let a single piece take centre stage, these are heirlooms that transcend the wedding day. After all, some traditions are not meant to be reinvented, just worn with pride.

Lead image: Featured brands and Rashmika Mandanna /Instagram 

Also read: Soothing eye patches to add to your bridal beauty kit

Also read: Mirror work purses are here to elevate your mehendi photos