Temple and Kemp Jewellery: What It Is and How to Wear It With a Saree

Temple jewellery is South Indian jewellery whose designs are modelled on temple architecture and deity imagery, and kemp jewellery is the version set with red or coloured kemp stones. This guide explains both, how they differ from Kundan, and how to wear them with a saree.

What is temple jewellery?

Temple jewellery takes its motifs from South Indian temples: carved deities, lotus petals, peacocks, domes and coin-like discs often called kasu. It is traditionally associated with Bharatanatyam dancers, with temple ornaments and, in many families, with South Indian bridal wear. The finish is usually a deep, matte or antique gold, so that the carved detail stands out instead of shining flat.

Sirini's temple collection reproduces these motifs in gold-plated imitation jewellery over a brass or copper base, handcrafted in our own Mumbai workshop. It is fashion jewellery, not solid gold. The matte look comes from the antique gold finish, which is also sometimes called a mehendi finish.

What are kemp stones?

Kemp stones are usually red, and sometimes green or white, cabochon-style stones set into temple-style pieces. In traditional jewellery they are often ruby-coloured; in imitation jewellery they are coloured stones set into gold-plated metal. The word kemp is commonly used for that deep red and for the style built around it. You can see the style in the kemp collection, which includes kadas, kaanchain-style chains and heritage pieces.

Pieces to look at

In the kemp range, the Emerald Kemp Stone Elephant Heritage Kada adds a green stone and an elephant motif, and the Kemp Stone Sparkling Kada is a simpler everyday option for a silk saree.

How is it different from Kundan?

Kundan is a Rajasthani and Mughal-influenced style in which faceted stones or glass are set in a flat, bright gold-look base, giving a light, glittery finish. Temple and kemp jewellery is heavier in feel, carved and sculptural, with a darker antique finish and rounded stones. As a rule of thumb, Kundan looks bright and delicate, while temple looks bold and traditional. Our Kundan guide covers that style in detail.

How to wear temple jewellery with a saree

Temple jewellery is most often worn with silk sarees, such as Kanjeevaram or other heavy silks in rich colours, because the weight of the fabric balances the weight of the jewellery. Practical tips:

• Pick one statement: a long haar or a choker-length necklace set, and keep the rest simpler.
• Match the set: earrings, and a maang tikka if you like, in the same finish so the look feels planned. See maang tikkas and earrings.
• Keep colours in the same family: red or green kemp stones sit well with contrast borders in many silks, and plain gold-antique with almost any colour.
• Avoid mixing too many finishes; one bright piece among antique ones can fight the rest of the look.

Choosing a piece

Look at the weight, the clasp and the back of the piece. Heavier temple sets can pull on thin necklines, so a long haar sits on the saree instead of the neck. If you wear it for hours at a wedding, choose earrings that are not oversized. Because the stones and finish are what make the piece, check the photos for close-ups of the setting and read the product description for the base metal.

Care

Gold-plated imitation jewellery lasts longer if you keep it away from water, perfume and sweat, wipe it with a soft dry cloth after wearing, and store each piece separately in a pouch. Our care guide has the full routine.

Common questions

Is temple jewellery real gold?

Traditional temple jewellery is often made in real gold or silver. Sirini's temple and kemp pieces are imitation jewellery: gold plating over a brass or copper base. They are not solid gold.

What are kemp stones?

Kemp stones are usually red, and sometimes green or white, stones set into temple-style pieces. In imitation jewellery they are coloured stones set into gold-plated metal.

Is temple jewellery the same as Kundan?

No. Kundan uses faceted stones in a bright, flat setting, while temple jewellery is carved and sculptural with an antique gold finish. The two are often worn separately, but some families combine them at weddings.

Can I wear temple jewellery with a lehenga?

You can. It is most often seen with silk sarees, but a dark or jewel-tone lehenga can also suit a temple set. Keep the rest of the jewellery simple.

How do I care for temple jewellery?

Keep it dry, wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing, and store it in a pouch away from perfume and moisture.

Do you ship across India, and can I pay on delivery?

Yes. Sirini ships across India for a flat Rs 150, and Cash on Delivery is available on eligible orders. Sirini also ships to 28 countries abroad for a flat Rs 1,800. Call +91 98331 14467 with questions.