Sibiraj Murugesan
2024
Later on, kings and chieftains of the Ramanathapuram district purchased a set of gold ornaments studded with diamonds for an offering in a temple in Chettinad. The exquisite designs during those times laid the foundation for the tradition of temple jewellery. Over the centuries, this jewellery evolved from being exclusively for deities to becoming a cherished art form adorned by Bharatanatyam dancers and those with an appreciation for pieces reminiscent of the glorious Sangam period. As centuries passed, royalty commissioned artisans for personal use, gifting these jewels to Devadasis who danced in royal courts. Devadasis, also known as temple dancers, popularized the jewelry, referring to it as "Arakku" jewelry. This type, made of gold with ruby, emerald, and pearls, later evolved with the introduction of "Kemp Jewelry" in the 12th century. Using glass colored naturally and set with molten arakku, this technique made the jewelry more affordable. Traditionally gold, the base transitioned to silver coated with molten gold leaves. Vadasery, a tiny village on the outskirts of Nagercoil, has become renowned for its handmade temple jewellery. The village boasts over 200 jewellery units, employing more than 700 skilled artisans. The intricate process involves the use of silver, gold leaf, wax, and synthetic stones, all carefully sourced from Chennai and Tiruchengode. The meticulous craftsmanship begins with the design, drawn on paper, which is then translated into silver sheets. These sheets are intricately shaped and adorned with silver tape, creating the base for the jewellery. Beeswax, mixed with a locally available stone called kittakal, is heated and poured into cavities, forming the foundation for stone settings. The entire piece is electroplated in gold, providing a glittering finish. The stones are then carefully set in these cavities, showcasing the artistry and precision of the skilled artisans. This labor-intensive process, though tedious, results in pieces of
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