Welcome to the Motifs journal, where we celebrate the art of wearing heirlooms anew. Temple jewellery, with its deep roots in South Indian tradition, is no longer confined to festive silks and classical dance. It’s a narrative of artistry, waiting to be woven into your everyday story.
At Motifs, we believe in pieces that are both timeless and timely. If you possess the beautiful weight of a temple choker, the graceful length of layered necklaces, and the playful swing of jhumkas, you hold a versatile treasure trove. Let’s explore how to style them for a look that’s distinctly contemporary and uniquely you.
1. The Statement Choker: Beyond the Traditional Neckline
Your temple choker is a powerful focal point. Don’t save it just for your grandest occasions.
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The High Neck Contrast: Pair it with a crisp, plain white shirt or a sleek black turtleneck. The clash of a traditional, ornate choker against minimalist, modern fabric is nothing short of editorial. It elevates a simple workwear look into a conversation starter.
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The Deep V Drama: Let it anchor a deep V-neck dress or a plunging camisole. The choker fills the space with intricate detail, creating a balanced, bold silhouette that’s perfect for an evening out.
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The Bohemian Rhapsody: Layer it over a lightweight, printed maxi dress or a delicate lace top. This unexpected pairing softens the choker’s formality and adds a global, bohemian flair to your outfit.
Motifs Tip: Keep other jewellery minimal when wearing the choker. A single bangle or studs will let it reign supreme.
2. The Long Necklaces: Master the Art of Layering
Your two long necklaces are the perfect tools to create depth and personality.
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The Solo Statement: Wear one long necklace on its own over a clean-lined midi dress or a tailored blazer. Let it fall against a solid background, becoming a striking, vertical line of artistry.
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The Modern Cascade: Layer both long necklaces together, playing with their different lengths and textures. Add a delicate, modern pendant necklace from your collection in a different metal (mix gold with oxidised silver for a chic contrast) to bridge the traditional and the contemporary.
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The Collar Combo: Place one long necklace over your choker. Start with the choker close to the neck, and let the longer piece drop to create a tiered, regal effect. This works beautifully with plain kurtas, off-shoulder tops, or even a simple tee for a high-fashion twist.
3. The Jhumkas: Elevate the Everyday
Jhumkas are arguably the most adaptable piece of temple jewellery. Their movement and sound bring life to any ensemble.
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With Casual Cool: Slip them on with your favourite jeans, a basic tee, and a statement belt. The jhumkas add an instant touch of crafted elegance to a laid-back look.
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The Half-Up Hairstyle: Wear your hair in a loose half-up, half-down style to truly showcase the jhumkas. This draws attention to their beautiful silhouette and allows them to sway freely.
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The Monochrome Moment: Pair them with a solid-coloured ethnic outfit—a sage green silk saree blouse, a maroon kurta, or a beige linen set. The jhumkas will pop as the perfect traditional accent without competing with prints.
The Motifs Mantra: Styling Rules to Remember
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Balance is Key: If your neckline is heavy, keep your wrists and hands relatively bare. Conversely, stack up those bangles if you’re wearing just the jhumkas.
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Fabric Play: Temple jewellery shines against structured fabrics like cotton, linen, silk, and denim. It creates a beautiful textural dialogue.
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Confidence is Your Best Accessory: These pieces carry history. Wear them with the pride of someone who both honours tradition and defines modernity.
At Motifs, we craft each piece of temple jewellery not just as an accessory, but as a legacy meant to be lived in. It’s designed to move from your mother’s trunk to your wardrobe, acquiring new stories along the way.
So, open your box, play with these ideas, and rediscover your temple jewellery. We can’t wait to see the beautiful, contemporary narratives you create.
Explore our curated collection of temple jewellery, designed for the modern custodian of culture, at Motifs.
