Traditional Jewellery Guide for the Kannadiga Bride

When it comes to jewellery, it’s always big and bold for a Bride hailing from the state of Karnataka. However, there is no one standard design template originating from the state as a potpourri of cultures has led to jewellery trends evolving over the decades.

So, if you’re a bride from Karnataka, here’s a quick jewellery guide to help you make the best choices.

The Mangalore Bunt Bride
A Mangalore Bunt bride cherishes ornate gold jewellery that typically consists of several necklaces and ‘balais’ (bangles). The designs of these items take inspiration from nature and contain auspicious symbols that are symbolic of blessings for the bride as she begins a new journey in life. Here’s a list of the must-have pieces in her bridal jewelry set:

Mundale:
A combination of various precious stones, a ‘mundale’ is similar to a maang tikka that rests on the bride’s forehead and highlights her eyes.

Photo Courtesy: Madebymona

Jhimki:
These heavy gold earrings are worn by almost every Mangalorean Bunt woman, but for a bride, the designs are even more intricate as they feature gold beads dangling from its ends.

Photos Courtesy: Tanishq and South Jewellery

Havalakki Sara:
A long and heavy gold chain, the ‘Havalakki Sara’s is one of the many necklaces that a Bunt bride wears at her wedding. More often than not, it’s studded with precious gemstones that look striking when contrasted with a gold and red ensemble.

Photo Courtesy: Tanishq

Lakshmi Balai:
Embossed with the likeness of Goddess Lakshmi who symbolizes wealth and prosperity, the ‘Lakshmi Balai’ is flaunted proudly by Bunt brides, on their wrists.

Photo Courtesy: Tanishq

Kempina Balai:
Crafted out of delicately wrought gold designs, the ‘Kempina Balai’ represents wealth and prosperity with its gem-encrusted surfaces.

Photo Courtesy: Tanishq and Photonimage

Muthine Balai:
Created with gold and pearls, this creation is a versatile piece of jewellery that can be worn on several occasions, but is especially favored by the Bunt bride.

Photo Courtesy: Kushals and South India Jewels

Dollar Sara:
A long gold chain accentuated with a coin locket, the ‘Dollar Sara’ is crafted out of emeralds or corals, and is one of the many stunning necklaces sported by fashion savvy brides.

Photo Courtesy: Malabar Gold & Diamonds and Griiham

Giliola Sarai:
Another stunning necklace, this piece bears a bird design that makes it unique and distinctive compared to the other necklaces donned by the Bunt Bride.

Photo Courtesy: Passion trends

Tholu Bandhi:
An armband with uncommon shape, the ‘tholu bandhi’ flaunts a nakshi design with its intricate patterns that include peacocks, flowers, and leaves, all of which, is molded in perfect symmetry.

Photo Courtesy: Roma Ganesh Photography

The Coorgi Bride
The Coorgi bride has her own unique style, be it how she drapes her saree or combines her jewellery. From stunning headgear to multiple light gold necklaces, the distinctive style of this bride makes her stand out. Here’s a list of the must-have pieces in her bridal jewellery set:

Netti Bottu:
An extremely auspicious ornament, the ‘Netti Bottu’ is a maang tikka that adorns the forehead of the bride at all times, and features intricate carvings of Lord Shiv, Ganesh, and Parvati on it.

Photo Courtesy: Theko Jewellery Shop and Pinkporcupineblog

Jadaenagara:
Crafted out of three black strings that keep the headgear in place, this piece consists of design elements like a Suryamukhi, Chandramukhi and Kutchu which adds to its auspicious essence.

Muthina Vole Jhimiki:
Fringed with pearls and embellished with precious stones, this versatile pair of ‘jhumkas’ (dangling ethnic earrings) is not only worn by a Coorgi bride not just on her big day but also on other special occasions.

Photo Courtesy: South India jewels

Karthamani Pathak:
The traditional Coorgi mangalsutra, is divided into two parts – the ‘karthmani’ which is a chain crafted out of small black beads, and the ‘pathak’ which is the pendant that comes in the form of a large gold coin embossed with the image of Goddess Lakshmi.

Photo Courtesy: Odi Kathi and Dhanalakshmi jewellers

Kokke Thathi:
A gold necklace with a crescent gold pendant that has intricate gold carvings, the ‘kokke thathi’ is a standout piece of jewellery in the Coorgi bride’s collection.

Photo Courtesy: Kokkethathi and South India Jewels

The Kannadiga Bride
The Kannadiga bride revels in her love for gold temple jewellery. From heavy bangles to an array of layered necklaces, this bride is drawn to complex designs that reflect her rich culture. Here’s a list of the must-have pieces in her bridal jewelry set:

Manvika Adigai:
Similar to the manga mala loved so ardently in Kerala, the Manvika Adigai necklace comprises of mango-shaped motifs that are studded with red or green stones.

Photo Courtesy: South Jewellery

Lakshmi Sara:
Crafted out of gold coins that have the image of Goddess Lakshmi engraved on them, this necklace is a popular favorite amongst brides for its versatility and auspicious touch.

Photo Courtesy: House On The Clouds

Navilu Daabu:
A waistband that accentuates the bride’s waist and keeps the saree in place, the ‘Navilu Daabu’ has complex carvings of various deities and is often encrusted with precious gems.

Photo Courtesy: Vidya Pradeep

Guruvina Kada:
A heavy gold ‘kada’ (bracelet) studded with red stones, this item is always a showstopper with its antique temple-based designs.

Photo Courtesy: Tanishq

Kasina Bale:
Similar to the Lakshmi Sara, the ‘Kasina Bale’ is a bangle whose design includes auspicious elements. Crafted out of coins embossed with Goddess Lakshmi’s image, these bangles are also studded with red or pink gemstones to enhance their beauty.

Photo Courtesy: South India jewels and South Jewellery

Here’s a list of stores that are known for their unique jewellery designs perfect for the Kannadiga bride:
Kalyan Jewellers
Malabar Gold and Diamonds
Navrathan Jewellers
C. Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers
Praveen Jewels
Kushal’s Fashion Jewellery
Ganjam
Abaran
Kirtilals
Bhima Jewellers

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