Aduku Earrings: Chettinad Elegance, Reimagined by Vai Ra

In the world of fine jewelry, few designs carry the layered grace and cultural depth of Aduku — the classic Chettinad-style flower earring. Inspired by mogra blooms and handcrafted heritage, Aduku (also known as Aruku) earrings are beloved for their intricate layering, solid gold weight, and timeless beauty.

At Vai Ra, we honor this tradition while elevating it with modern precision. Whether you’re customizing your own piece or exploring our ready-made styles, here are the fundamentals you should know.

 What Is Aduku?

“Aduku” refers to a layered floral design — typically three concentric flower-like tiers — that form the base of Chettinad-style earrings. These pieces are traditionally handcrafted, meaning no two are ever exactly alike. Slight asymmetries, uneven petal spacing, and organic charm are part of their soul.

In traditional jewelry shops, Aduku earrings are made entirely by hand — beautiful, yes, but sometimes inconsistent in polish or proportion.

Our Approach at Vai Ra

• CAD-First Design: Every Aduku piece begins with a digital model. You get to see the design, approve it, and know exactly what to expect.
•  Precision Casting: Instead of freehand carving, we cast the design. This ensures even layering, perfect polish, and consistent proportions.
• Custom Variants: From open settings to closed, from heavy gold to diamond-forward sparkle — we tailor each piece to your preferences.

Understanding the Setting Styles

Here’s a breakdown of the Aduku variations we’ve crafted:

• Closed Setting (Traditional): These pieces have no open backing under the stones. They carry more metal inland, giving them a rich, substantial feel. One of our recent designs had 7–8 grams of gold per earring — a true heirloom piece.
• Open Setting (Modern): Known as Nakshatra on our website, this style uses less metal and more spacing between stones. It’s lighter, more spread out, and ideal for those who want sparkle without weight.

 

• Two-Way Adaptable Design: In one standout project, we created a detachable third layer — a jacket-style addition that transforms a simple Aduku into a dramatic statement piece. The open setting made this innovation possible, and the client loved the versatility.

What Makes Aduku Special?

• Unique Stone Setting: Each stone is supported by a single prong that mimics a petal tip, surrounded by a concave bezel that amplifies the shimmer.
• Solid Gold Weight: These aren’t hollow or surface-layered. The gold is used inland, giving each piece a luxurious density.
• Handcrafted Soul, Modern Finish: Even with CAD and casting, we preserve the charm of handcrafted jewelry — every piece feels personal, intentional, and emotionally resonant.

📞 Ready to Collaborate?

If you’re considering Aduku earrings, explore the options — closed vs. open setting, heavy gold vs. diamond sparkle, single vs. layered. Each variation tells a different story.

So, what’s your favorite Aduku style? Let us know — and let’s co-create a piece that’s layered with meaning, just like the mogra it’s inspired by.

You can consult with us directly on WhatsApp, schedule an online design session via Calendly, or visit us in person at our Hyderabad studio. We’d love to bring your vision to life.

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions