Oddiyanam
The South Indian waist belt, rigid and heavily worked, worn over a saree at the hips.
An oddiyanam is built in linked panels so it flexes around the body while staying structurally stiff.
It is among the heaviest pieces in a South Indian bridal set, frequently in temple style with a central Lakshmi panel.
Vaddanam is the Telugu name for the same ornament.
When you are buying
Weight and waist size both matter, and neither is adjustable by much. This is the piece most often rented rather than bought outright.
Waist ornaments
A few from the collection, from ₹1,200.
The Moonrise Ring
Lustrous Gold Finish Pendant Accentuated With 7mm Oval White Pearl
Twirled Knot Pendant Accentuated With 7mm Oval White Pearl & CZ
Rich Red Faux-leather & White Pearl Bracelet
Bright Sky-Blue Faux-leather & Peach Pearl Bracelet
Fun Orange Faux-leather & White Pearl Bracelet
Stylish pearl pendant and earrings set 1
Stretchable Light Grey Button Pearls Bracelet
Kamarbandh
A jewelled waist belt worn over a saree or lehenga. Vaddanam is the South Indian form.
Vanki
A South Indian armlet in an inverted V, worn on the upper arm with the point facing down.
Temple Jewellery
South Indian jewellery in a deity and motif vocabulary, originally made to adorn temple idols and now worn by dancers and brides.
Bridal Set
A matched group of pieces worn together for a wedding: typically a necklace, earrings, and often a maang tikka.