Indian Bridal Jewelry 101

Jewelry is a big part of South Asian Weddings. A huge sum of the wedding budget is spent on this, as it stays with the bride for her lifetime. The terminology for Indian Wedding Jewelry can get complex. We have put together a crash course or you may consider it a glossary for Indian Wedding Jewelry.

Polki: Uncut diamond, studded in gold along with precious or semi precious stones. Polki if often times enhanced by pearls and stone drops. The reverse side of Polki Jewelry is also decorated with meenakari work.

Kundan: Similar style to polki, but semi precious, as instead of uncut diamond, glass stone is used.

Meenakari: Is a traditional Rajasthani Art, where enameling is done over gold, polki, or kundan jewelry with vivid colors and designs.

Tourmaline: Semi Precious gemstones available in variety of colors. Often used to add color in diamond or polki jewelry.

Mangalsutra: Mangalsutra is an important bridal piece of jewelry. It is a necklace typically made with black beads, sometimes interspersed with gold beads and has a pendant made of gold or diamond.

Tagdi: Sari Belt or Precious bridal ornament that adorns the waist, made with gold, diamonds, or polki/kundan.

Jhumka: Jhumka or Jhumki are bell shaped hanging earrings featuring spherical dangles that suggest jingling bells.

Maang Teeka: This is a hair ornament, which has a string made of gold or pearls with a hanging jewel. The string sits in the center part of your hair, whereas the jewel rests on the top of your forehead.

Maatha Patti: Maatha Patti is a Maang teeka with beaded side strings, which cover teh forehead.

Pasa or Jhoomar: While teeka is worn in the center parting, Jhoomar or Pasa is a headpiece that is worn on the side.

Nath: Is bridal nose ring, often times having a small jewel. Nath has a side string made of pearls, polki jewels or gold, that goes behind the ear and is secured to the hair.

Pachlada or Satlada: Pachlada is a five string necklace, while Satlada is a seven string necklace. The strings of necklaces are usually made by pearls, with a polki or kundan pendant hanging in the center.

Kada: These are thicker bangles, and are typically ornamented with kundan, meenakari, diamonds, or crystals.

Haath Phool: These are ornaments that adorn the hands, where Haath means hands, and Phool means flowers. Typically these are made of kundan, or gold and are embellished with meenakari.

Bajubandh: Are armlets, which embellish the upper arm. South Indian Brides typically wear armlets made of gold, whereas North Indian Brides wear kundan or polka bajubandh.

Payal: These are anklets or bells that adorn the feet. Payal is made with silver and can have gold polish. Kundan, Pearls and Meenakari is often used as an embellishment for anklets.

Bichua or Chutki: Toe Rings are a great way to adorn Bride’s feet and are one of the signs of marital bliss.

Image Credit:

Art Karat