Indian Jewellery Names A to Z: Passa, Hathphool, Nath, Kalire, Sheeshphool, Bugdi and More

Indian jewellery has hundreds of names, and the spelling changes by region and language. This glossary explains the names people search for most: Indian jewellery (also written Indian jewelry), bridal set, necklace set, earrings, passa, hathphool, nath and more. Availability: we sell the pieces we link to below. We do not currently list thushi, saaj, Kolhapuri saaj, chinchpeti, bugdi, bichu, kalire, moissanite or gadi sets online; those entries are explanations only. If you are looking for one of them, WhatsApp us on +91 98705 89560 and we will tell you honestly whether we can help. Our pieces are fashion jewellery: brass or alloy with gold, antique gold or silver plating, not solid gold. Browse all Indian jewellery.

Bridal set and necklace set

A bridal set is a matched group for the wedding: a necklace (often a choker with a longer haram), earrings and a maang tikka, sometimes with a passa, hathphool, bangles and nath. A necklace set is a necklace with matching earrings. See bridal jewellery sets, necklace sets, traditional jewellery sets, choker sets and the bridal jewellery checklist.

Earrings (earings) and cuff earrings

Earrings, also misspelt earings, include jhumka, chandbali, studs and tops. Cuff earrings wrap the outer ear and need no upper piercing. See earrings and jhumka earrings.

Passa (jhoomar) and matha patti

A passa is a side head ornament worn on one side of the parting, common in Pakistani and Gujarati bridal looks and sometimes called jhoomar. A matha patti is a chain band across the forehead. See passa, matha patti and sheeshphool.

Sheeshphool

Also written sheesh phool: a round or flower-shaped ornament worn on the top of the head by brides. It is included in passa, matha patti and sheeshphool.

Tika or maang tikka

A pendant at the centre parting. Spelled tika, tikka or teeka. See maang tikka.

Hathphool and hathpan

A hand ornament linking a ring to a bracelet; also spelled haathphool, hathpan or hathpaan. See hathphool and the hathphool guide.

Nath, nathiya and nose ring

A nath is a large bridal nose ornament; nathiya and nathni are other names, and a nose ring is a small hoop. The Maharashtrian nath is oval or crescent shaped. See nath and nose rings and the nose pin vs nose ring vs nath guide.

Waist belt, kamarband, kandora and mekhala

A decorative belt for a saree or lehenga. Kandora is the Marathi name; mekhala is another old name for a waist girdle. See waist belts and kamarband.

Kalgi

A plume-shaped groom's ornament pinned to the safa or sherwani. See kalgi and brooches.

Kalire (kaleere, kaleera, kalira)

Decorative dangling ornaments tied to a bride's bangles in Punjabi weddings. We do not list kalire online.

Long set, haram and rani haar

Long, often layered necklaces that hang below the chest. See long sets, haram and rani haar.

Mala and moti mala

A long string of pearls or beads; moti means pearl. See malas and pearl sets and moti jewellery.

Mangalsutra

A black-bead necklace worn by married women. See mangalsutra and the mangalsutra designs guide.

Thushi, saaj, Kolhapuri saaj, chinchpeti, tanmani, pohe haar, bugdi and bichu

These are traditional Maharashtrian pieces: thushi and chinchpeti are close-fitting necklaces, saaj and Kolhapuri saaj are pendant-charm necklaces, tanmani and pohe haar are traditional bead necklace styles, bugdi (also bugadi, and press bugadi for the clip-on kind) is an upper-ear ornament, and bichu (bichave, jodvi) are toe rings. We do not list these online. Read our Maharashtrian jewellery guide.

Temple jewellery

South Indian jewellery with deity motifs in gold plating. Read what is temple jewellery.

Meenakari

Enamel work in bright colours on metal. Read what is meenakari jewellery.

Kundan and polki

Kundan sets stones in a gold-toned frame; polki uses uncut diamonds. See kundan jewellery and kundan vs polki vs American diamond.

Moissanite

A lab-created gemstone that resembles a diamond. We do not list moissanite jewellery. Read American diamond vs cubic zirconia vs moissanite.

Lakshmi coin set, gadi set and indo-western set

A Lakshmi coin set is a necklace of coin pendants with the goddess Lakshmi. An indo-western set mixes traditional pieces with western outfits, and a traditional set is a classic bridal or festive set; see traditional jewellery sets. Regional names such as gadi set vary by community, and we do not list a Lakshmi coin set, gadi set or indo-western set online.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Indian, Pakistani and Asian jewellery?

Many pieces, such as kundan sets, tikka, passa, jhumka and nath, are worn across India and Pakistan, and Asian jewellery is a term used mainly in the UK for South Asian bridal and festive jewellery. Saloni is a Mumbai brand and ships across India.

Does Saloni sell thushi, kalire or bugdi?

No, not online at present. We sell nath, passa, hathphool, maang tikka, mangalsutra, long sets, choker sets and more. WhatsApp us if you are looking for a specific piece.

What is a passa?

A side head ornament worn on one side of the parting, sometimes called jhoomar.

What is the difference between hathphool and hathpan?

Nothing: they are different spellings for the same hand ornament.

What is a kandora?

The Marathi name for a waist belt or kamarband.

Is this real gold jewellery?

No. It is fashion jewellery: brass or alloy with gold, antique gold or silver plating, not solid gold.