desired effect.

They let the earlobes stretch like that first and then wear that earring (thandatti or pampadam).. they do that stretching thing (it is a big process) when the girl is in her teens.. it is an indication that she is getting ready for her marriage..

they are indeed heavy. the outer structure is gold but inside it is filled with something else.. it also helps to reduce the weight as well as helping the husbands in the cost of that ear ring.. lol.