Bugdi (Bugadi) Earrings: The Upper-Ear Maharashtrian Ornament
by Jihaan Savla on Sep 21, 2026
A bugdi, also spelt bugadi, is a small ornament worn on the upper part of the ear in Maharashtrian tradition. It is usually a small stud or cluster that sits above the earring worn in the lobe, and it is part of the traditional bridal look worn with a nauvari saree. This guide explains what it is, how it is worn and what to choose if you want an upper-ear look. Availability: Saloni Fashion Jewellery does not list bugdi or bugadi earrings online right now; message us on WhatsApp +91 98705 89560 to ask. We are a Mumbai fashion jewellery brand, and our pieces are gold-plated brass or alloy fashion jewellery, not solid gold. Other Maharashtrian names are explained in our Maharashtrian jewellery guide.
What is a bugdi?
A bugdi is an ear ornament worn on the upper part of the ear, higher than the lobe. It is often a small stud or a round cluster, and traditional ones are often set with pearls or small stones in gold. In Maharashtrian tradition it is worn together with the earrings in the lobe, not instead of them, and it belongs to the same family of traditional pieces as the nath, the thushi and the mangalsutra. Designs vary by family and jeweller, so a photograph helps when you are describing one. Because it sits on cartilage, a bugdi is small and light by design, and a heavy piece would pull on the ear.
Does a bugdi need an upper-ear piercing?
A traditional bugdi is worn in a pierced upper ear, which is a cartilage piercing. Cartilage piercings generally take longer to heal than lobe piercings, so ask a professional piercer about aftercare and wait until the piercing has fully healed before changing jewellery. A press bugadi is the clip-on version, and it needs no upper-ear piercing at all, which is why many people choose it for a wedding function or a single occasion. If you are unsure, the clip-on route is the simpler way to try the look.
How do you style a bugdi with other earrings?
Keep the lower earring simple, because the upper ornament already adds detail. A bugdi looks natural with small drops, studs or a light jhumka, while a very large earring can compete with it. Wear your hair up or tucked back so the upper ear is visible. Our earrings guide explains studs, jhumkas, chandbalis and cuff earrings, and the face shape earrings guide helps you pick the shape for the lower earring. In a full Maharashtrian bridal look the bugdi sits alongside the nath, the mangalsutra and the other pieces listed in our Maharashtrian bride jewellery checklist. For a daily or festive look one small upper-ear piece is plenty, and there is no need to match it exactly to the lower earring, as long as the metal tone and stone colour agree.
Does Saloni Fashion Jewellery sell bugdi earrings?
No. Saloni Fashion Jewellery does not list bugdi or bugadi earrings online right now, and we would rather say so than let another earring be mistaken for one. If you would like to ask about something close, message us on WhatsApp at +91 98705 89560 and we will tell you honestly whether we can help. Our pieces are fashion jewellery in gold-plated brass or alloy, so they are not a replacement for a gold bugdi bought as a wedding piece or heirloom.
What can I wear instead of a bugdi?
For an upper-ear look, browse our earrings. Cuff earrings wrap around the outer ear and need no upper piercing, and the earrings guide above explains how they sit. For the lobe, our jhumkas are the classic pairing with a Maharashtrian saree, and kundan jewellery gives a traditional gold-toned look. If you like the idea of jewellery that connects the ear to the chain, our kaan chain guide explains ear chains. None of these is a bugdi, so treat them as alternatives, and check the product page for how each one is worn before you order. Choose a light piece that does not pinch, move your head from side to side to test how it sits, and remember that plated fashion jewellery can react with some skin types, which our skin reaction guide explains. Take particular care with anything worn on a piercing that is still healing.
In short: a bugdi is a small upper-ear ornament from Maharashtrian tradition, and we do not list it online right now. Earrings, cuff styles and jhumkas are the closest options we do list. We ship free across India, with dispatch in 1 to 2 days and delivery in 4 to 15 days. Questions? Message Saloni Fashion Jewellery on WhatsApp at +91 98705 89560.