Onam, the vibrant festival of Kerala, is a time of immense celebration, marked by delicious feasts, traditional art forms, and, of course, stunning attire. The quintessential Kasavu saree, with its beautiful off-white and gold weave, is the star of any Onam ensemble. While the saree itself is a masterpiece, the right gold jewellery elevates the look from beautiful to breathtaking. 

Choosing the perfect pieces—from a statement necklace to a simple hair accessory—can truly complete your festive glow. This Onam, fashion experts will help you accessorise your Onam outfit. From exploring the differences between traditional temple jewellery and classic gold pieces, to offering tips on how to layer necklaces or select the perfect waist belt to cinch your saree and enhance your silhouette. 

Temple jewellery versus classic gold
Abhishek Soni, managing director, The House of MBj, explains that while both types of jewellery are alluring, they have significant marked differences in aesthetic, design and history. “Temple jewellery is regarded as vintage 'South Indian' cultural wear. The designs contain symbolism from nature, such as petals on jasmine buds, mango leaves, or nagapadam (shapes of serpents), or figures of gods or goddesses. These pieces often feature vibrant stone embellishments in red, green, and white, with an antique finish that gives them a vintage and regal feel. Each piece of temple jewellery tells a story," says Soni.