Temple Earrings

Temple jewellery or ‘nakshi jewellery’ has carved an everlasting niche in India’s iconic jewellery designs. Embodying history and tradition, the unique art form of temple earrings has mesmerised jewellery shoppers spanning generations. From studs to dangling earrings, every temple design earring tells a tale of devotion that goes back to the powerful Chola Dynasty. Temple Jewellery Origin can be traced to Rajaraja I, a Chola king, built the Brihadeeshwarar Temple in Tanjavur. In the 10th century AD, the Lord Shiva temple became an example of the best style of Dravidian architecture. Also known as Raja Rajeshvara temple, it boasted lavishly adorned pillars and richly sculpted walls with fine detailing. During this time, the temple idol was first adorned in gold jewellery made by artisans who took inspiration from the temple design. Since then, Gods, Goddesses, sculptures, illustrations and temple carvings have become a defining design characteristic of ‘temple jewellery’. Later, temple dancers known as Devadasis, who offered pooja and performed in front of various deities, began to wear ornaments inspired by temple carvings. As the years progressed, even royalty began to emulate the designs in their jewellery. As the Chola rulers valued cultural growth, their craftsmanship in temple architecture and jewellery spread through South India. Temple jewellery became a part of temple rituals, traditional Bharatanatyam dance costumes and bridal adornment. Later, various types of temple jewellery such as necklaces, earrings, bangles and anklets became an accessory for kings, queens, and other noblemen. In recent times, temple earrings have become a status symbol and a culture connect. Furthermore, according to the elders in South India, wearing temple earrings helps regulate a girl’s menstrual cycle, rids her of potential hysteria and contributes to her emotional balance. Temple earrings don’t just add aesthetic value, they bring good health and spiritual benefits to the wearer. Temple Jewellery Meaning now resonates with individuality and spirituality, making it a versatile accessory.

How to Style a Temple Earrings

Temple earrings are suitable for all occasions from formal to fun. It is just how you style them with different outfits that make a huge difference.

Temple earrings are worn at festivals like Diwali, Puthandu and Vishu. Indian festivals encompass social and spiritual learning. They also help to stay connected with one's heritage and tradition. Temple design ear studs are best paired with a temple design choker, while big dangling earrings can go well with ornate kadas. Temple earrings are the perfect accessory on a silk kanjivaram saree, a kasavu saree, or even a trendy salwar khameez.  

Beautiful motifs exemplify style. Intricate designs on temple earrings allow the wearer to express identity. This makes temple earrings the perfect choice for formal and auspicious occasions. Though temple earrings have a traditional appearance, they look classy with both, Western formals and Indian outfits. You can wear them at a formal office function or grand housewarming ceremony. Only remember when styling temple earrings for office gatherings or daily office wear, select smaller earrings without much bling. On the other hand, for auspicious occasions, focus more on large-sized earrings with intricate designs. A big, bold temple earring studded with diamonds and rubies can be a conversation starter!

Temple jewellery is overly popular at big fat Indian weddings. Be it the bride or guests at a South-Indian wedding, everyone loves wearing temple earrings. Temple earrings hold religious symbolism, spiritual significance and traditional values. So, whether donning a silk saree, a langa voni or modern lehenga, one can create a striking look by adding the Maattal earrings for extra traditional aesthetics. As weddings are all about over-the-top glam, don’t be shy to pair heavy temple earrings with haram long necklaces, kadas, vaddanams (waist belts), Nethi Chutti (Maang tikka) and vanki (the armlets) in similar motifs.

Today, temple earrings are not just for special occasions. They have become a day-to-day accessory. Daily wear fashion is all about fusion wear. Pair a temple earring with an off-shoulder western dress or traditional Indian wear. When styling temple earrings with day-to-day ensembles, pay attention to the weight, colour, stones and size of the earrings. As temple jewellery is already known for its opulence, avoid overdoing it. Create your own statement look to exude confidence and comfort – be it Boho, minimalist or casual-chic style!

Temple earrings also make a great travelling partner. From going on an overseas holiday to attending a destination wedding, temple jewellery earrings often become a perfect fashion companion. Traditionally, temple jewellery earrings were made from solid gold, but today they are available in a lighter version using 'electroforming' technique. They are also available in silver and other alloys that are much more affordable. Also, imitation temple jewellery earrings with gold plating, enamel or resin look as gorgeous as gold earrings, making them easy to carry around without insurance. Mix-n-match and move!

Temple jewellery earrings exude a captivating allure. Their unique designs, iconic motifs, cultural symbolism, intricate craftsmanship and timeless beauty make it a favourite acquisition and status symbol for many families in southern India. Every piece has a motif that narrates a story of royal opulence and artistic finesse passed down through generations. The designs set in gold and silver are unique, hand-made and decorated with precious and semi-precious jewels and pearls. Every temple earring is a masterpiece capturing the hearts of wearers around the world. Get one today!