Kasu Malai
A necklace strung with rows of coins, usually stamped with Lakshmi. Kasu means coin in Tamil.
Overlapping coin discs are linked so they lie flat like scales, most bearing an image of Lakshmi.
It is a staple of Tamil and Telugu bridal jewellery and of Bharatanatyam costume, where it catches stage light as the dancer moves.
The North Indian putli haar is the same idea with figures or coins on a longer chain.
When you are buying
Coin necklaces are heavy for their size because the discs overlap. Ask for the gram weight, and check the coins are individually linked rather than fused, since fused rows do not drape.
Temple and coin pieces
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
Elegant White Pearls Necklace With Timeless AD Pendant
Beautiful White Pearls Necklace With Traditional AD Pendant
Beautiful Traditional Pearl Necklace in Rubies
Simple and Traditional Pearl Set in Stylish Pendant
Temple Jewellery
South Indian jewellery in a deity and motif vocabulary, originally made to adorn temple idols and now worn by dancers and brides.
Manga Malai
A South Indian necklace of mango-shaped motifs, the paisley form that recurs throughout Indian design.
Addigai
A close-fitting South Indian choker, densely stone-set and curved to follow the base of the neck.
Rani Haar
A long, elaborate necklace worn below a choker, reaching the chest or stomach. The centrepiece of a bridal set.