Description

LIST OF JEWELS INCLUDED IN THIS SET:

Head Set with (Sun & Moon)
Necklace
Haaram / Long Chain
Rakodi
Maatal
Jimiki
Hip Belt / Ottiyanam
Nattu & Bullak

Explore Zaras’s whole jewellery collection, with plenty of unique designs blended with aesthetics and tradition.

Head Jewelry: The forehead jewellery, also known as the Nethi Chutti, features a long pendant and two brooches called Surya Birai and Chandra Birai, representing the sun and moon. These are placed on either side of the head.

Nose Adornment: Various nose ornaments such as Mooku Kuthi, Mooku Valayam, and Mooku Pillaku are worn on either side or in the centre of the nose, enhancing the dancer’s grace.

Earrings: Heavy earrings, often made of pearls with a medium-sized Maati, are commonly worn. Jhumkas are also popular, adding to the beauty of the dancer as well as the performance.

Neckpieces: The neckpieces consist of a short necklace and a long Malai, which are the focal points of the jewellery. The short necklace, known as Attikai, is worn just below the neck and is typically crafted with dark maroon and green stones. The long Malai is made of pearls and stones. It is believed to aid the dancer’s breathing during the performance.

Waist Chain: The Ottiyanam is a decorative waist chain worn by dancers. It is usually gold-plated or adorned with stonework. Sculptures of deities are often carved in its centre. This ornament emphasizes the dancer’s waist and hip movements.

Bangles and Armlet: Large, gold-plated bangles are commonly worn, although glass and metal bangles are also options. Armlets add a touch of stiffness to the arms, enhancing their movements.

Rings: Rings featuring various coloured stones, often matching the dancer’s costume, are worn to add elegance to the fingers.

Hair Accessories: Hair accessories include flowers, false hair, Kunjalam, Jadai Set, hair rings, and Rockodi. Jasmine and firecracker flowers are traditionally used, although artificial flowers are now more common. A hair ring is used to gather the hair at the top, and Rockodi
is placed above it. False hair is often worn by those with less natural hair, with a braid formed and the Kunjalam (a decoration shaped like three balls) tied at its end. The Jadai Set, typically made of stones or gold-plated materials, is placed along the length of the hair.

Ghungroo (Salangai): One of the most essential pieces of jewellery for classical dancers, Salangai is worn as an anklet. It consists of a bunch of bells stitched onto leather, producing melodic sounds as the dancer moves. The Salangai is an indispensable part of classical dance performances, even if other ornaments are not worn.