If you grew up in a South Indian home, you probably remember the jewelry before you remember its name. The red stones on your grandmother's necklace. The tiny gods carved into a pendant. The jingle of something at your mom's waist during a wedding.
Here's a little glossary to put names to those memories.
Kempu
Kempu means red in Kannada and Telugu, and in jewelry it refers to the deep red stones used in South Indian temple designs. Kempu pieces feel bold, devotional, and instantly festive.
Where you'll see it: jhumkas, studs, maangtikkas, and statement necklaces.
Nakashi
Nakashi is the art of carving or embossing detailed motifs into metal, often deities, peacocks, elephants, and florals. It's what gives temple jewelry that sculpted, three-dimensional look.
Where you'll see it: haarams, short necklaces, kadas, and jhumkas.
Temple jewelry
Temple jewelry gets its name from the ornaments once made for deities and later for classical dancers. Think goddess motifs, temple gopurams, and rich gold finishes. We wrote more about it in our temple jewelry story.
Mathapati
A mathapati is a head ornament that frames the hairline, often with a center piece resting on the forehead. It's a bridal favorite and a showstopper at any traditional event.
Maangtikka
A maangtikka sits right at the center of your hair parting, with a pendant on your forehead. It's simpler than a mathapati and works for both brides and guests.
Haaram and mala
A haaram is a long necklace, often worn layered with a shorter one. Malas are strung necklaces, like the classic mango mala, with paisley-shaped motifs.
Vaddanam
A vaddanam is a waist belt, usually in gold or gold-plated silver, worn over a saree. It's bridal, regal, and makes any drape look instantly finished.
Bottu
Bottu means a dot. In jewelry, you'll see it in round motifs and studs, like little drops of color.
Bajubandh (vanki)
An armlet worn on the upper arm. Some designs can double as chokers, which is our kind of smart.
How to wear South Indian jewelry today
You don't need a silk saree and a wedding to wear these pieces. Try kempu studs with a black dress, a nakashi kada with a linen shirt, or temple jhumkas with a kurta and sneakers. Heirloom design, your rules.
Our Neema collection
Our Neema collection is our love letter to South Indian heirlooms, with pieces like the Neema Kempu Bottu Jhumkas, Neema Nakashi Jhumkas, and Neema Vartulah Mathapati, all in gold plated 925 sterling silver.
