Kemp Stone Jewellery

4 products

Kemp stones are the deep red and green stones of South Indian temple jewellery. They are usually cut as smooth, slightly domed cabochons rather than faceted, and they sit in a raised gold-tone setting so the colour stands proud of the metal. The style comes from temple and Bharatanatyam jewellery, which is why kemp pieces look heavier and more ceremonial than the Kundan work of North India.

What is kemp stone made of?

Traditional kemp stones were natural gemstones, and descriptions of what they were vary. Most kemp stones in temple-style jewellery today are synthetic or imitation stones made to give the same red and green colour. At Sirini, kemp stones are imitation stones set on gold-plated brass or copper. This is fashion and imitation jewellery, not real gold and not natural gemstone.

Is kemp stone the same as ruby or emerald?

No. A kemp stone gives the colour of a ruby or an emerald, but in today's temple-style jewellery it is a synthetic or imitation stone, not a precious gem. That is what keeps kemp jewellery affordable enough to wear for a wedding, a dance performance or a festival.

What Sirini has in kemp

The range is small and handcrafted in our own workshop in Mumbai, founded in 2017. It includes two Kemp Stone Sparkling Kada designs (a single openable cuff with red and green stones at Rs 1,600, and a wide cuff with a green kemp medallion at Rs 2,240), the Emerald Kemp Stone Elephant Heritage Kada (Rs 2,520), and a traditional kemp stone ear chain (kaanchain) when it is in stock. For the wider South Indian look, see Temple Jewellery and antique gold finish jewellery.

How to care for kemp jewellery

Put it on after perfume and hairspray, keep it away from water, wipe it with a soft dry cloth after wearing, and store each piece in its own pouch so the stones and plating do not rub against other jewellery.

Shipping and exchange

Shipping is Rs 200 anywhere in India and free on orders of Rs 2,999 and above, with Cash on Delivery on eligible orders (a Rs 50 COD fee applies), and Sirini also ships to 28 countries abroad for a flat Rs 1,400. Defective, damaged or wrong items can be exchanged within 7 days; change-of-mind returns are not offered.

To see how to wear temple and kemp pieces with a saree, read the temple and kemp jewellery guide.

About Kemp

What is Kemp jewellery?

Kemp is a South Indian style that uses red and sometimes green stones in temple-inspired gold-toned designs. It is worn with silk sarees for weddings, festivals and dance performances.

How many Kemp pieces does Sirini have?

There are 4 Kemp designs at the moment. The Temple collection has pieces in a similar traditional style.

Is Sirini jewellery real gold?

No. Every piece is 18–22K gold plating over a brass or copper base — fashion and imitation jewellery, not solid gold, diamond, or natural gemstones. We say this plainly on every product page because the look is meant to stand in for fine jewellery, not to be mistaken for it.

Where is it made?

In our own workshop in Santacruz West, Mumbai. Sirini Jewellery was founded in 2017 by Nishit Savla and manufactures its own pieces — stones are hand-set and each piece is checked before dispatch. You can also visit the Mumbai showroom in person.

How long does the gold plating last?

With regular wear and reasonable care, typically 1–3 years, and considerably longer for pieces worn only occasionally. Plating is a surface layer, so lifespan depends on wear: perfume, sweat, water and friction all wear it faster. Put jewellery on last, take it off first, and store pieces dry and separately.

Is this jewellery suitable for weddings and daily wear?

Both, with a caveat. Our heavier bridal designs are built for occasion wear — weddings, sangeet, mehendi, receptions and festivals. Lighter pieces from Daily Wear are the ones we'd recommend for everyday use, since constant contact wears any plated finish faster than occasional wear does.

Does Sirini deliver across India and internationally?

Yes — we ship anywhere in India for ₹200, and free on orders of ₹2,999 and above, typically arriving in 5–7 business days, with Cash on Delivery available on eligible orders (a ₹50 COD fee is added at checkout). We also ship to 28 countries, including the UAE, UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Singapore, for a flat ₹1,400 per order shown at checkout. Defective pieces are covered by a 7-day exchange.

Can I return or exchange a piece?

We do not accept returns for a change of mind. If a piece arrives defective, damaged or wrong, contact us within 7 days of delivery with your order number and photos and we will exchange it free, replacement shipping included. The item has to be unused, unworn and in its original packaging with tags attached. Cash on Delivery orders refused at the doorstep are not eligible for a refund of shipping charges. Full terms are on the refund & exchange policy.