Kamarbandh
A jewelled waist belt worn over a saree or lehenga. Vaddanam is the South Indian form.
A kamarbandh sits at the waist and holds the drape in place as well as decorating it.
The South Indian vaddanam is heavier and more rigid, usually gold temple work, and is a major bridal piece in Tamil and Telugu weddings.
Pearl versions use strung rows to keep the weight down over a long event.
When you are buying
Weight is the deciding factor, because this is worn for hours at the waist. Ask for the gram weight before falling for a design.
Waist ornaments
A few from the collection, from ₹1,200.
The Moonrise Ring
Lustrous Gold Finish Pendant Accentuated With 7mm Oval White Pearl
Twirled Knot Pendant Accentuated With 7mm Oval White Pearl & CZ
Rich Red Faux-leather & White Pearl Bracelet
Bright Sky-Blue Faux-leather & Peach Pearl Bracelet
Fun Orange Faux-leather & White Pearl Bracelet
Stylish pearl pendant and earrings set 1
Stretchable Light Grey Button Pearls Bracelet
Oddiyanam
The South Indian waist belt, rigid and heavily worked, worn over a saree at the hips.
Bajuband
An armlet worn on the upper arm, tied or clasped. Called vanki in South India.
Bridal Set
A matched group of pieces worn together for a wedding: typically a necklace, earrings, and often a maang tikka.
Temple Jewellery
South Indian jewellery in a deity and motif vocabulary, originally made to adorn temple idols and now worn by dancers and brides.