History

History of the Kandyan Bridal Jewelry Set

In Sri Lanka, brides who wear the Osariya (Kandyan wedding saree) on their wedding day decorate themselves with a unique and exquisite variety of jewelry made up of over 20 pieces. The jewelry originated in South India and became popular among women belonging to the royal families during the period of the Kandyan Kingdom. The last Queen of Sri Lanka to have beautified herself with the jewelry was said to have been King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha’s wife.

Each piece of jewelry was designed using the finest gold, silver and brass and embedded with stunning jewels, such as red and pink rubies, sapphires, emeralds and pearls. Many people who were not royalty but who had immense wealth yearned to possess these magnificent pieces of jewelry and would hire skilled craftsmen to create them.

As time passed by, it became one of the main accessories to be worn with the Kandyan bridal wear and was given the name Udaratha Magul Aberana Katteleya. Today, it has become the most sought-after jewelry by brides who wear the Osariya on their wedding day.