Traditional Kerala Ornaments

Available at www.vadaamalar.com/Kerala Designs

Kerala design ornaments mirror image of the states right heritage and land. The jewelry  patterns having its origin in Kerala's flora and fauna. Kerala’s love for gold dates back to ancient times when Kerala, a rich, thriving land full of spices was frequented by traders from all over the world.

Kerala’s love for gold dates back to ancient times when Kerala, a rich, thriving land full of spices was frequented by traders from all over the world. - See more at: http://blogs.keralatravelcentre.com/2013/all-that-glitters-is-gold-in-kerala/#sthash.QjPe3QYP.dpuf

Floral design pathakam (pendant)

Manga (mango) maala, Kasu (Coin) mala, palaka mala, mulla (Jamine bud) mottu mala, palaka bangles, ealaka (Elachi) mala are some of the distinctive desings of Kerela region.

Mulla mottu mala (Jasmine bud necklace)

The designs of traditional Malayali ornaments have got a huge influence in the modern designs in ornaments worn by Kerala women. Mala is a short chain worn around the neck. Haaram is a longer version of the same design. Jhumki is ear hanging and mattal is ear to hair extensions.

 Available at www.vadaamalar.com/Kerala Designs

Initially these South Indian ornaments were made of pure gold studded with precious gems. The traditional goldsmiths (called Thattans in Malayalam), handcraft the ornaments. Now days advanced machinery and jewellery making technique help produce the same finish. Micro gold plated jewellery with similar finess and designs are available.

Pepper design necklace

Kasu mala  (Coin necklace)

 Kolusu is worn at the ankle. Aranjanam is tied around the waist. Different types of pathakkams are worn on chains. Karimanimala is a combination of gold and black beads.

Kerala style Oosi mala necklace

Available at www.vadaamalar.com/Kerala Designs
 
Bangles called Vala are also worn by most Keralite women. Be it wedding or festival they love to adorn themselves with kada bangles or vala's. These  traditional South Indian bangles are studded with stones or have intricate carved works on them. Enamel design are also in vogue.

Lakshmi vala

bangles or vala

Kappu valaa

 

Waist belts of India - Kamarband or Oddiyanam

 Hip belt or waist chain is worn to hold the clothing and provides a slimmer waist appearance and larger hips. The tight belt around the waist further accentuated the hips of the wearer as in South Indian culture large hips were a sign of prosperity of the women's clan.

The hip chain or waist belt is know in different names in different parts of India. This
shows the importance given to it in all the culture. Kamarband or Oddiyanam or Vaddanam
come in latest design and antique models.

Available at www.vadaamalar.com/Waist-belts

Indian craftsman create innumerable variety of ornaments in gold of a high degree of brilliance and workmanship. One of the master pieces is the waist belt.Peacocks, flowers, buds and leaves, images of gods and goddess are  intermingle in riotous profusion, but in perfect symmetry.

Available at www.vadaamalar.com/Waist-belts

The Kamarband was originally worn by royalty, noble waist of elite baroness in India as well as in South Asia. This waist ornaments was made up of gold with precious stones are bejeweled in it. Only the very skilled craftsman could design and create a waist belt.

Gradually waist belt or Vaddanam is an integral part of South Indian bride. Now days it is made in made in different kinds of metal, plated with gold or silver. It is worn both as a style statement and display of wealth.

Available at www.vadaamalar.com/Waist-belts


Classical dancers of Bharatnatyam, Kuchupudi and Kathak include it as part of their dance jewellery.
The Kamarband or waist belt holds the dancers attire in place. It is worn tightly around the hip and tied with a string. While dancing it helps the dancers costume to be held in place.