Temple, Deity and Classical Dance Jewellery Glossary

A close-fitting choker necklace. It is the first/topmost layer in a bridal or dance jewellery set. Golden Collections designs Addigais with flexible links to ensure they sit comfortably on the neck.

A specialized matte, reddish-gold plating finish that gives jewellery a vintage, heirloom appearance. This finish is preferred for deity alankaram and classical dance as it reduces glare under bright lights while retaining a regal look.

An inverted V-shaped armlet worn on the upper arm. The unique shape allows it to fit securely without sliding down during vigorous dance movements. Often features Lakshmi or peacock designs.

A complete Bharatanatyam jewellery set typically consists of 12-15 coordinated pieces, including nethi chutti, Chandra-Surya, jimikki, rakodi, oddiyanam, kasumalai, arm vanki, and ghungroo. Golden Collections specialises in full sets in 92.5 silver with gold plating and traditional kemp stone settings.

A traditional nose ornament that hangs from the septum (center of the nose). Often worn alongside side nose pins (mookuthi) for a complete classical look.

Meaning "Moon and Sun," these are two separate hair ornaments worn on the left (Moon) and right (Sun) of the parting. They symbolize the cosmic balance of masculine and feminine energies and are a staple in deity and dance decoration.

Side forehead ornaments that can be paired with the main Nethi Chutti. They outline the hairline, adding grandeur to the dancer's face, often used in Kuchipudi bridal styles.

Jewellery set with Cubic Zirconia stones, which mimic the brilliance of diamonds. In temple jewellery, CZ is often combined with kemp stones to create a dazzling effect for receptions and modern dance productions.

A supportive cloth or elastic belt worn under the costume. It provides a base to pin the Oddiyanam securely, preventing it from slipping during jumps and bends.

Specialized jewellery crafted specifically for idols (Vigrahas). Unlike human jewellery, these pieces are sized for specific statue heights and often feature open backs or tying strings for easy adornment during Pooja.

Musical anklets made of small metallic bells strung together. They accentuate the rhythmic footwork (Talam) of the dancer. We offer cotton-padded, leather, and velvet-backed ghungroos for comfort.

A classic Andhra design meaning "bunches of pearls." It features clusters of small pearls hanging from a gold frame set with rubies or emeralds. It has seen a massive resurgence in modern bridal trends.

Ornaments shaped like hands (palms) to cover the deity's hands. They often display specific Mudras like 'Abhaya Hastham' (blessing) or hold symbols like the lotus. Essential for Varalakshmi Vratam.

Individual decorative round pieces arranged along the length of a long braid (Jada). A standard dance set requires 9 to 11 graduated bills, decreasing in size towards the bottom.

A gold chain that runs along the sides of the braid, or connects the Jada Billas together, securing them in place over the hair.

A comprehensive set containing the Rakodi (top), Jada Billas (middle), and Kunjalam (end). Golden Collections offers matched sets to ensure stone colors and gold finish are uniform.

The iconic bell-shaped earrings of South India. A dancer's jimikki must be balanced-heavy enough to swing gracefully, but light enough not to drag on the earlobe. Golden Collections has perfected this balance over 60 years.

A general term for waist chains or belts. While Oddiyanam refers to the stiff, broad temple belt, Kamarbandh can also refer to flexible, chain-style waist jewellery used in semi-classical dance.

Literally "Coin Garland." A necklace made of overlapping coins, usually stamped with the image of Goddess Lakshmi. It is a symbol of wealth and auspiciousness, mandatory for temple weddings and deity decoration.

Kemp stones are the signature ruby-red and emerald-green glass stones used in authentic South Indian temple jewellery. The foil-backed setting technique used by Golden Collections enhances their glow under stage lights, preserving a tradition that dates back centuries.

The crown of the deity. Golden Collections crafts Kiritams in various sizes, often featuring the serpent hood (Naga) or temple towers (Gopuram) at the peak.

The decorative tassel attached to the very end of the braid. It adds length and sways beautifully with the dancer's movement. In deity decoration, three kunjalams represent the Triveni Sangam.

A long necklace (Haaram) where the primary motif is Goddess Lakshmi, often seated on a lotus. It is considered deeply spiritual and is a favorite for Varalakshmi Vratam and bridal wear.

Refers to the smaller, stick-on or pin-on items used to define the face, such as decorative Bindis and crystal stickers used around the eyes for stage performances.

A heritage necklace featuring mango-shaped (paisley) pendants. The mango represents fertility and love in Indian culture. Our Manga Malais replicate designs found in 19th-century royal collections.

Decorative chains that connect the earring (jimikki) to the hair above the ear. They serve a dual purpose: supporting the weight of the earring and beautifying the side profile of the dancer or deity.

A non-reflective, subdued gold polish that has gained popularity in contemporary bridal and fusion temple jewellery. Unlike the glossy antique finish, matte finish offers a softer, modern aesthetic.

A simple, elegant necklace made primarily of pearls (Muthu), often with a central gold or kemp pendant. Used frequently for Lord Krishna or Vishnu alankarams.

The central forehead ornament (Maang Tikka) worn along the hair parting. For Bharatanatyam, it is essential for framing the face. Golden Collections offers single-line, double-line, and triple-line nethi chuttis suited for various forehead sizes.

The waist belt. In Bharatanatyam, it helps maintain the "Araimandi" posture by supporting the back. For deities, it cinches the silk draping. Golden Collections offers adjustable Vaddanams to fit various waist sizes.

High-quality jewellery where a layer of gold (equivalent to one gram in thickness/weight proportion) is plated over a copper or silver alloy base. It offers the visual richness of solid gold temple jewellery at a fraction of the cost.

Foot coverings for the deity. Worshipping the lotus feet (Pada Pooja) is a central part of Hindu ritual, making Patham a highly sacred ornament.

A large, circular hair ornament worn at the back of the head, usually at the top of the braid. In deity alankaram, it represents the halo or divine aura. Golden Collections creates intricate Rakodis featuring Lakshmi, peacock, or floral motifs.

Traditional false hair extension used to create the long, thick braid required for Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, providing a base for the heavy jewellery.

Temple jewellery refers to the traditional South Indian antique gold-plated jewellery style originally created for adorning Hindu temple deities and later adapted for Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi classical dancers. Characterised by intricate deity motifs, kemp stones and antique gold finish, this jewellery style is part of the South Indian tradition Golden Collections serves today. Golden Collections is rooted in a family jewellery tradition since 1961. The Golden Collections store was established by Anil Tunk in 2012 in Secunderabad/Hyderabad.

The top part of the earring that sits on the earlobe, to which the jimikki bell is attached. In temple jewellery, these often feature oversized floral or swan designs.

A simplified term for the forehead pendant. While Nethi Chutti refers to the full headpiece, a Tikka is often just the pendant and chain, popular for lighter party wear or simple deity decoration.

A large, garland-like structure made of metal/gold/stones that hangs from the deity's shoulders down to the feet. It mimics fresh flower garlands but is permanent and reusable.

A pre-assembled kit containing all essentials for the Varalakshmi Pooja face/idol: Face mask, Crown, Nethi Chutti, Earring, Nosepin, and Necklaces.