The hip chain that was once the exclusive ornament acessory worn by Gujarati women, has hit the fashion limelight with the Malayaly women too.This beautiful and intricate piece of jewelry worn as a dangling around the hip comes in a variety of patterns and designs that have been making waves in the fashion stores of late, with teenagers and middle – aged women going for it on occasions like parties, weddings and receptions.They have been crafted in N.India and are available in minakari work embedded with kundan stones and in silver and chromium plated versions.

The Gujju brides used to receive these ornaments from their mothers-in-law complete with the bunch of keys to the house as they set foot into the household as the new homemaker.It is as a bridal ornament that this piece of jewelry has become popular.The hip chain has become a must especially for the muslim brides of Kerala.The young girls also use it as a “nettichutti” usually worn on the forehead or as a decorative piece for their hair.

The hip chain generally is worn alongwith the traditional sari but nowadays, it is seen to be increasingly popular with lacha and ghaghra sets as well.They come in assorted gold varieties with sequins,gems and stones and are priced at Rs.1000 and above.The costlier versions also include intricate motifs and filigree work, with layers of dangling chains spreading around the hips and waist. A simple designer variety made of black metal embellished with small stones is priced at Rs.75. Going by its craze among the kerala fashion circles, no doubt, today's malayaly maidens seem to have indigenised this gujju ornament to suit their style and taste!