Frequently Asked Questions

Temple jewellery is a traditional form of South Indian jewellery originally crafted for adorning temple deities. Characterized by intricate gold-plated designs featuring divine motifs — gods, goddesses, lotus flowers, and peacocks — these pieces are hand-crafted by skilled artisans. Today, temple jewellery is widely worn for classical dance performances, bridal ceremonies, and festive occasions across Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Authentic antique jewellery can be identified by its weight, craftsmanship details, and patina. Genuine antique gold-polished pieces feel heavy for their size and show fine hand-engraving. Look for traditional motifs, irregular textures indicating hand-work, and an aged gold finish. At KALMAYA, every piece is personally curated and authenticated by founder Keerthana Chandran S before listing.

Clean temple jewellery gently using a soft, dry cloth after each use. Avoid water, perfume, and chemical cleaners as they damage the gold polish. For deep cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Store in an airtight velvet pouch away from humidity and direct sunlight. Never use ultrasonic cleaners on gold-polished temple jewellery.

No. Antique and gold-polished jewellery is not waterproof. Contact with water, sweat, perfumes, or lotions can accelerate tarnishing and damage the gold plating. Always remove your jewellery before bathing, swimming, or exercising. Store pieces in a dry environment to maintain their lustre and prolong their lifespan.

Gold-polished jewellery has a brass or copper base with a gold plating layer applied on top, making it affordable while maintaining a rich appearance. Solid gold is made entirely of gold (18K or 22K) and is investment-grade. Gold-polished pieces are ideal for festive and bridal wear. KALMAYA specializes in high-quality gold-polished antique temple jewellery.

Kanjivaram (Kanchipuram) silk sarees are the gold standard for Indian weddings, particularly in South India. Known for their heavy pure mulberry silk and real gold zari borders, they are regal and long-lasting. Banarasi silk sarees are preferred in North Indian weddings for their intricate brocade weaves. KALMAYA carries handpicked Kanjivaram and Banarasi sarees from heritage weavers.

Kanjivaram sarees from Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, are woven from pure mulberry silk with contrasting silk borders using real gold or silver zari. They are heavier, stiffer, and highly durable. Banarasi sarees from Varanasi feature intricate floral and Mughal motif brocade in fine silk. Kanjivaram suits South Indian brides; Banarasi is traditional for North Indian weddings.

Always dry-clean silk sarees to preserve zari and silk fibres. If hand-washing, use cold water and mild detergent — never wring or twist. Store wrapped in muslin cloth; avoid plastic covers that trap moisture. Refold along different lines periodically to prevent permanent creases. Keep camphor balls nearby to deter insects. Air the saree occasionally to prevent musty odours.

Kanjivaram sarees are unique for three reasons: pure mulberry silk for both warp and weft making them extremely durable; interlocked body and border weaving preventing border detachment; and real gold or silver zari in borders and pallus. A genuine Kanjivaram can last generations and often becomes a family heirloom passed from mother to daughter.

We offer free shipping on most products. Standard delivery takes 5-7 business days within India. Express shipping (2-3 days) is available at additional cost. Orders within Kerala are typically delivered in 2-4 business days.

Yes, we ship worldwide. International shipping costs and delivery times vary by location. Please contact us via WhatsApp or email for a quote and estimated delivery timeline to your country.

Once your order is shipped, you will receive a tracking number via email and SMS. You can also track your order from your account dashboard on the KALMAYA website.

Yes. Every piece at KALMAYA is personally curated and authenticated by founder Keerthana Chandran S before listing. We source directly from master artisans and heritage weavers across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, ensuring the highest quality and authenticity in every piece.

Yes, we offer customization for select jewellery designs. Contact us via WhatsApp at +91-9605255405 or email with your requirements. Custom orders typically take 7-15 business days and are priced based on design complexity.

We offer a 7-day return policy from the date of delivery. Products must be unused, in original condition with all packaging intact. Custom-made pieces and sale items are non-returnable. Contact us on WhatsApp or email to initiate a return.

Log in to your account, go to Order History, select the order, and click "Return Request". Alternatively, contact us on WhatsApp. Our team will contact you within 24 hours to arrange pickup at no extra charge.

We accept UPI (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm), Credit/Debit Cards, Net Banking, and Cash on Delivery for select locations across India. All payments are secured with SSL encryption through PCI-DSS compliant gateways.

Absolutely. KALMAYA uses industry-standard SSL encryption and PCI-DSS compliant payment gateways. We never store your card details on our servers. We are trusted by over 5,000 customers across India.