Pure Pearls Glossary
Temple Jewellery
South Indian jewellery in a deity and motif vocabulary, originally made to adorn temple idols and now worn by dancers and brides.
Temple jewellery began as ornament for idols and passed into use by Bharatanatyam dancers, then into bridal wear.
The vocabulary is specific: Lakshmi coins, peacocks, mango and lotus motifs, granulated borders, and a matte antique finish rather than a bright polish.
Pearls appear as fringes and drops along the edges of the metalwork, softening what is otherwise a heavy style.
When you are buying
The antique finish is a plating, and it wears at the high points first. Ask whether a piece can be re-finished before you buy, because temple pieces are usually kept for decades.
Temple and vintage pieces
53 pieces in the collection right now, 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
Pearl necklace set in temple styled zircon pendant
Beautiful Traditional Pearl Necklace in Rubies
Read next
Rani Haar
A long, elaborate necklace worn below a choker, reaching the chest or stomach. The centrepiece of a bridal set.
Jhumka
A bell or dome-shaped earring, usually fringed with pearls or beads around the rim. The most recognisable Indian earring form.
Kundan
A setting technique where highly refined gold foil is pressed around stones to hold them, with no prongs or claws.
Bridal Set
A matched group of pieces worn together for a wedding — typically necklace, earrings, and often a maang tikka.
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