Gold in India has long been revered, and its reverence cannot be overstated. Not only is the love for gold widely acknowledged, but the details and art that go into making Indian jewelry, especially Kerala Jewelry. This jewellery is also considered as the most famous south Indian Jewellery. Traditional Kerala jewellery designs have long been an example of such dedication. Many brides often choose multiple traditional ornaments during their wedding celebrations to reflect that heritage.

Although gold is still really popular for modern brides’ collections, other options like white gold, platinum, pearls and diamonds are also becoming more common. Christian brides may opt for diamond necklaces to pair with their white wedding sarees, while gold may be kept back until after her reception change into her “Mantrakodi”, an intricately embroidered sari gifted by their grooms.

Here is a guide on traditional Kerala jewellery designs along with names. Also, here you will find inspiration for new Kerala jewellery models.

Here Are 15 Top Kerala Jewellery Designs

Lakshmi Mala or Kasu Mala: 

lakshmi mala, commonly known as kasu (coins) mala, is one of the must-have South Indian jewellery or Kerala bridal jewelry sets. This necklace is threaded with coins bearing images of goddess lakshmi, which represents wealth and prosperity according to hindu religious beliefs. Some lakshmi mala chains also come with an adjustable backlink chain and it is suitable for weddings, events and festivals – as well as being suitable for traditional or cultural occasions. There are different varieties of lakshmi mala designs and collections available, which you will definitely love to have in your jewellery box, also considered as kerala saree jewellery

Mulla Mottu Mala: 

In Malayalam MullaMottu mala means Jasmine buds, this classic Kerala necklace makes a symbol of love and culture. Thich mala comprises several small gold petals and some mala designs also studded with stones, this piece should not be missing from your jewelry box! For any fan of Kerala jewellery designs alike, the Mulla Mottu Mala necklace should not be missed!

Manga Mala: 

Manga Mala is one of the well-known traditional Kerala saree jewellery items. As its name implies, its inspiration stems from mango’s shape and love of this fruit. Crafted with intricate golden pendants strung together into an eye-catching necklace form, Manga Mala remains one of the most loved ornaments from this state.

Keral Jimki: 

Jimkis (commonly known as jhumkas in North India) are loved by people across India. No matter your style or taste, no one can go wrong with a classic or trendy traditional jimki available in different sizes and designs. Their popularity in Kerala can be seen through movie songs such as ‘Jimiki Kammal’ as well as in various forms; adding one to your bridal look simply enhances it and completes it.

Vala – Bangles: 

Bangles are an essential component of bridal jewelry. In Kerala, brides often sport wrist-to-elbow bangles during wedding ceremonies. Kerala brides can choose between wearing Palakka Vala, Navratna Valas, Palakka Manga Valas and Thadavala Ottavalas for her big day as part of her bridal attire. Amazon provides an impressive collection of gold plated vala. If you prefer pure kerala jewellery designs or gold pieces, Kalyan Jewellers, Mirraw or Jos Alukkas offer them among many others online jewellers.

Suggested to Read: Top 10 Famous And Luxury Matching Jewellery For Saree

Elakkathali: 

As its name implies, Elakkathali is a collar necklace designed to move with movement. Numerous thin leaflets suspended from it reflect light beautifully to create the appearance of sparkle – perfect as an ornament when performing Mohiniyattam – Kerala’s classical dance form. Elakkathali necklaces come in 22 carat gold or gold-plated versions to meet everyone’s preferences and offer flexibility of purchase. 

Pichimottu Mala: 

Pichi, a variant of Jasmine, is an iconic plant found throughout Kerala and inspired the design of Pichimottu mala necklace – made from its flower buds arranged into an array for Pichi mottu mala design – popular traditional Kerala saree jewellery.

Palakka mala: 

Palakka mala is one of the most beloved traditional jewellery designs from Kerala. Traditionally they were only created in green to represent its lush environment; but with modern fashion’s influence came multiple hues like violet, red, blue and pink hues as well. Palakka designs come in the form of chokers, long harams, pendants, bracelets, earrings and chokers with leaf-shaped glass or crystal designs rendered as chokers or choker-long harams as chokers while other variants include manga (mango), pulinakham (tiger-claw), fusions etc.

Kazhuthila: 

Kazhuthila necklaces are simple choker necklaces inspired by leaves. An arrangement of gold leaf trinkets dangling from its clasp form an elegant Kazhuthila necklace, not as popular among Kerala women as palakka or Kasu mala but they do add beauty.

Nagapadam mala: 

Keralites revere snakes as part of their religious practices, and Nagapadam Mala symbolizes its head as part of traditional Indian jewelry designs. Similar to Palakka Mala inlay techniques were traditionally set with gold. Nagapadam Mala and its variant Nagapada Thalli remain highly prized Kerala saree jewellery designs today. An ottakal Nagapadam Mala with a single stone set into a gold pendant and chain is often favored.

Chandraminni: 

Slim crescent moon shapes crafted in gold are assembled on a necklace setting with a centerpiece to form chandraminni necklaces, one of the rare traditional Kerala jewellery designs found only in Kerala.

Kashali mala: 

Kashali mala is an alternative version of kasu mala featuring Laksmi motifs on each coin, differing from regular kasu mala by having non-overlapping coins made with rare mold and hard work; making each necklace piece rare itself and boasting skill and effort in their intricate work. Now more popular than ever this traditional necklace.

Thalikoottam: 

Thalikoottam or Cheruthali necklace is one of the signature designs worn by Namboothiri women in Kerala. An antharjanam would traditionally wear this beautiful piece during festivals and functions; now brides in Kerala cherish and wear these timeless treasures in celebration.

Moonizhamani mala: 

Moonizhamani mala necklaces are among the many exquisite traditional pieces found in Kerala’s traditional jewellery treasure trove. Married namboothiri women wore this three-layer piece proudly; married women would often feature its pendant containing a bodhi leaf on its longest layer as well as its inlay with ruby stones for maximum aesthetic effect.

Pathakkam: 

Pathakkam necklaces, often called pathakkams, are must-have pieces in the malayali brides’ jewellery arsenal and best kerala saree jewellery. Available either plain gold studded with stones or with an intricate palakka setting design, pathakkams make great eye-catchers when worn alone and are sure to garner plenty of compliments from guests.