Addigai
A close-fitting South Indian choker, densely stone-set and curved to follow the base of the neck.
An addigai sits directly on the collarbone, shaped as a rigid or semi-rigid arc rather than a flexible strand.
It is traditionally set with rubies and emeralds in a gold ground, often with a row of pearl drops along the lower edge.
In a full bridal set it is worn above a longer haram, giving the layered front that South Indian bridal jewellery is built on.
When you are buying
Because it is shaped rather than strung, an addigai either fits or it does not. Try it on before buying, and check the pearl drops swing freely along the whole edge.
Chokers and temple sets
A few from the collection, from ₹2,800.
Elegant Semi-Round White Pearls Necklace With Lakshmi Kaasu & SP Emerald Beads
Lovely Semi-Round White Pearls Necklace With Lakshmi Kaasu & SP Ruby Beads
Elegant 4.5mm Round White Pearls Necklace With Raam Darbar Kaasu Pendant
Radiant 4mm Round White Pearls Necklace With Lakshmi Kaasu & SP Ruby Beads
Subtle White 8.5mm Button Pearls Choker With Blue CZ Crystals
Pretty White 8.5mm Button Pearls Choker With Pink CZ Crystals
Evergreen White Button Pearls Choker With Pink & Green CZ Crystals
Classy White 8.5mm Button Pearls Choker With Maroon CZ Crystals
Choker
A necklace that sits high and close around the neck. Both a length and, in Indian jewellery, a distinct style.
Temple Jewellery
South Indian jewellery in a deity and motif vocabulary, originally made to adorn temple idols and now worn by dancers and brides.
Rani Haar
A long, elaborate necklace worn below a choker, reaching the chest or stomach. The centrepiece of a bridal set.
Bridal Set
A matched group of pieces worn together for a wedding: typically a necklace, earrings, and often a maang tikka.