A guide to South India’s most stunning wedding jewellery traditions

If there’s one region in India that truly understands the power of adornment, it’s the South. A South Indian bride’s look is not just about opulence—it’s about identity, tradition, and storytelling, all woven together in gold and gemstones. Every necklace, earring, and headpiece carries a legacy, passed down through generations and often crafted by artisans who treat jewellery-making as sacred art.

Across the southern states—Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh—bridal jewellery is not just a display of craftsmanship but also of symbolism. Intricate temple motifs, goddess-inspired designs, and family heirlooms come alive on the wedding day. While modern brides are embracing lightweight versions and styling them in fresh, minimal ways, the essence of South Indian bridal jewellery remains proudly traditional—timeless, rooted, and radiant.

Let’s take a closer look at the signature adornments that define each state’s bridal beauty.

Tamil Nadu: The land of temple gold

Tamil Nadu’s bridal jewellery is deeply tied to the grandeur of temple art. The most iconic piece, temple jewellery, dates back to the Chola dynasty, when temple dancers wore gold ornaments depicting gods and goddesses. Today, brides continue this legacy, adorning themselves with elaborate necklaces, bangles, and waist belts (oddiyanam) inspired by divine motifs like Lakshmi, peacocks, and lotuses.

The mangalsutra equivalent, called the thaali or thirumangalyam, is perhaps the most significant ornament—a gold pendant strung on a yellow thread or chain that symbolises marital unity. Brides also adorn their hair with jadai nagam (serpent hair ornaments) and rows of jasmine flowers, completing the traditional look.

Kerala: Where minimalism meets majesty

Kerala brides are known for their unmistakable glow—and a big part of it comes from their layers of Kasavu gold jewellery. In God’s Own Country, gold is considered auspicious, and it’s not uncommon for a bride to wear multiple strands of necklaces, from short chokers to the long mulla mottu mala, inspired by jasmine buds.

The Palakka mala, with its signature green enamelled leaf-shaped pendants, and the Elakkathali choker are Kerala classics. Traditional earrings like jimikkis (bell-shaped studs) and gold bangles complete the look, while the mangalsutra is called the minnu—a heart-shaped pendant tied around the neck with a yellow thread.

Karnataka: The legacy of intricate craftsmanship

Karnataka’s bridal jewellery tells stories of royal opulence. This is the land that gave India Mysore gold and antique jewellery styles—pieces that are heavy in detail yet rich in refinement.

The most famous ornament here is the Mysore Lakshmi haram, featuring goddess motifs and red or green kemp stones, often worn with layers of Kasina Sara (coin necklaces). The maang tikka—known locally as netti chutti—graces the forehead, while the traditional vanki (armlet) adds a regal touch to the upper arm.

Brides from Coorg often have their own unique style too—they wear the peechood, a distinctive head ornament, along with traditional Coorg-style gold necklaces that are often family heirlooms.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: The sparkle of tradition and modernity

In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, bridal jewellery reflects a mix of tradition, innovation, and regional pride. Gold still reigns supreme, but brides here also love to experiment with diamond-studded pieces, nakshi work, and Polki jewellery—especially for grand wedding ceremonies.

The mangalsutra here is known as the mangalasutram, often featuring two gold discs symbolising the couple’s union. Popular adornments include the addigai (short necklace), kasulaperu (coin chain), and satlada haar (seven-layer pearl necklace)—a Mughal-inspired piece often seen in Hyderabadi weddings.

Telangana’s influence adds an extra sparkle—brides frequently pair their traditional gold with kundan chokers and jadau earrings, creating a fusion that feels both local and luxurious.

The allure of South Indian adornment

What makes South Indian bridal jewellery so timeless is that it’s never just about the metal or the stone—it’s about sentiment. Every piece tells a story of lineage, blessings, and the divine feminine energy. These jewels are investments not just in wealth, but in identity and memory.

Whether it’s a temple-inspired necklace from Tamil Nadu, a Palakka mala from Kerala, or a Satlada Haar from Hyderabad, each ornament is a shimmering promise—a reminder that beauty, when rooted in tradition, never goes out of style.

Lead image: @sobhitad/Instagram

Inside images: @keerthysureshofficial/Instagram, @chancheyyy/Instagram, @pradeesh_thambalackadan_/Instagram, @sobhitad/Instagram

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