Dance schools and costume suppliers buy Bharatanatyam temple jewellery sets in bulk before annual days, arangetrams and competitions. This checklist helps you buy the right sets once, in the right sizes. For background, read Bharatanatyam dance jewellery wholesale.
Pieces to include
- Nethi chutti with surya and chandra
- Rakodi (bun ornament) and jada billai (plait)
- Jhumkas with mattal ear chains
- Nose ornament (clip-on)
- Short necklace and long haaram
- Oddiyanam (waist belt)
- Vanki (armlets)
- Bangles
Size planning
| Group | Needs |
|---|---|
| Young children | Smaller, lighter sets; adjustable belts |
| Teenagers | Medium sizes |
| Adults and arangetram | Full-size, richer sets |
Children's sets need smaller waist belts (often about 20 to 26 inches), shorter necklaces and lighter pieces overall; adult and arangetram sets need larger belts and full-length necklaces. Adjustable chains and extension links let one design fit a range of students. Ask the school for a student list by size group, or the age range and approximate sizes, before ordering.
Durability checklist
- Strong clasps on waist belts and armlets
- Secure stone setting
- Light construction
- Adjustable fits
- Finish that survives stage lights and repeated wear
Replacement parts
Order extra ear chains, nose ornaments and hair pieces; these get lost most often.
Ordering in bulk
Send a reference set photo, sizes and quantities. We make dance sets at 200 pcs per design (400 for earrings and pendants), with size splits agreed at order. See temple jewellery wholesale.
Finish for the stage
Stage lights are bright, so many schools prefer a slightly brighter antique finish that reads clearly from the audience, with strong red and green kemp contrast, and nothing that rubs off onto costumes. Ask for a sample under stage-like lighting if possible, or view it on video with a strong light.
Timing orders with the school calendar
Most schools hold annual days and arangetrams at predictable times, many in the December season in Chennai. Place orders about three months ahead, leaving time for samples, size splits, production, fitting, transport and any replacement pieces. A distributor who delivers early becomes the school's regular supplier.
Packing for schools
Pack each student's set in a labelled pouch or box, grouped by size. This saves the school hours of sorting and reduces lost pieces.
Rental and costume suppliers
Costume and rental suppliers buy sturdier sets for repeated use. Tell your manufacturer when sets are for rental so clasps and settings can be made stronger.
A school's typical order
A dance school preparing for its annual performance may need, for example, twelve beginner sets and two or three complete arangetram sets, all in matching ruby-red kemp. Beginner sets often include the necklace, earrings, nethi chutti, surya and chandra, waist belt and bangles; arangetram sets add long and short necklaces, armlets, a full hair set and more. Confirm the exact pieces with the teacher, since traditions vary between schools.