Vanki
A South Indian armlet in an inverted V, worn on the upper arm with the point facing down.
The vanki's angled form is designed to follow the curve of the upper arm rather than sit as a flat band.
The point usually carries a deity motif, most often a peacock, a Lakshmi or a serpent head.
It is a Bharatanatyam and bridal piece, worn on one arm or both.
When you are buying
Corded vankis adjust and rigid ones do not. For a piece that will be worn once at a wedding, a cord is the safer purchase.
Armlets and accessories
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
Bajuband
An armlet worn on the upper arm, tied or clasped. Called vanki in South India.
Temple Jewellery
South Indian jewellery in a deity and motif vocabulary, originally made to adorn temple idols and now worn by dancers and brides.
Bridal Set
A matched group of pieces worn together for a wedding: typically a necklace, earrings, and often a maang tikka.
Oddiyanam
The South Indian waist belt, rigid and heavily worked, worn over a saree at the hips.