Nethichutti
The Tamil head ornament worn along the hair parting, usually with sun and moon discs at the sides.
A nethichutti runs down the parting to a pendant at the hairline, in the same position as a North Indian maang tikka.
The distinguishing feature is the pair that flanks it: a sun disc on one side and a crescent moon on the other, called suryan and chandran.
It is standard in Bharatanatyam costume and in Tamil bridal dress.
When you are buying
The side discs pin separately from the central chain, so check all three fixings. A chutti with only one working pin will not sit straight.
Head 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
Maang Tikka
A head ornament worn along the hair parting, with a pendant resting on the forehead.
Temple Jewellery
South Indian jewellery in a deity and motif vocabulary, originally made to adorn temple idols and now worn by dancers and brides.
Passa
A fan-shaped head ornament worn at the side of the head, above the ear. Also called a jhoomar.
Bridal Set
A matched group of pieces worn together for a wedding: typically a necklace, earrings, and often a maang tikka.