Though time and exotic modern jewellery may have over-shadowed Ornate Jewellery and restrained its adoption by majority, its survival is a tribute to the spirit of its practitioners, who are determined to preserve the age-old custom. Away from the pomp of modern creations, ornamental jewellery bespeaks the beliefs and skills of its patrons, proud of their hoary Treasure Trove, but never shy of flaunting it for admiration and recognition.

This Photo Exhibition Ornate Jewellery-Treasure Trove by lensman K. Venkatesh, portrays the hidden wealth of an India where simple and rustic folks strive to retain their identity and legacy amid the onslaught of their urbanisation and modernization.

Being showcased for the first time, the series of snapshots captures in natural setting the various facets of the jewellery, which includes colorful hair-pins, trinkets, jhumkis, ear-rings, coins, chains & golden Paambadam, cast in wax mould.

While the jewellery worn by the migrant Lambanis are a treat to the eyes of connoisseurs alike, the glittering Paambadam, dangling from the elongated ears of ageing women transports you into a different world.

Designed in the shape of a snakehood, with two balls, two knobs, a square piece and a tongue pieced together, the gold coated ear rings weight about 50gms. each. The purity and quantity of gold content in a Paambadam can be measured by dipping the ornament in water.

The Sheer Weight of a Paambadam, which in Tamil means the hood of the snake(paambin padam) enlarges the ear lobe, which has to be pierced with a special knife for gradual expression to hold the glittering yellow ring.

Thje long silver earrings of Lambanis are distinct, as they form a part of their headgear, decked with cowrie(conch) shells, representing Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.

While the Lambanis make their own jewerry, Paambadam is still crafted by a fading generation of goldsmiths.