What Is a Thushi Necklace? Maharashtrian Gold Choker Explained
by Jihaan Savla on Sep 21, 2026
A thushi is a traditional Maharashtrian necklace that sits snug around the base of the neck. It is also spelt thusi or thushi haar, and it is one of the pieces most closely linked with a Maharashtrian bride's look. This guide explains what it is, how it differs from a modern choker, and how to get a similar close-to-the-neck look. Availability: Saloni Fashion Jewellery does not list thushi necklaces 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. For the wider set of names, see our Maharashtrian jewellery guide and the Indian jewellery names A to Z.
What is a thushi necklace?
A thushi is a close-fitting necklace made of small beads strung closely together and worn high at the base of the neck. Traditionally it is made in gold and worn by Maharashtrian brides, and in many families it is worn again for weddings and festive occasions. Because it sits so close to the throat, it is best thought of as the Maharashtrian counterpart of a choker rather than a long haar. There is no single standard design. The size of the beads and the number of strands vary by family and by jeweller, so it helps to show a picture when you ask for one.
How is a thushi different from a choker set?
Both sit high on the neck, and a choker is usually 12 to 14 inches long, so the placement is similar. The difference is in the design and the way it is worn. A modern choker set is usually built around a pattern, pendant or row of stones and is sold with matching earrings, while a thushi is usually described as a beaded band worn as one part of a wider traditional look, together with pieces such as a nath and a mangalsutra. Our choker set vs necklace set guide explains how chokers work with different necklines, and the necklace length guide shows where each length falls on the body.
What do you wear with a thushi?
Traditionally it goes with the nauvari (nine-yard) saree or a Paithani saree, alongside a nath, a mangalsutra, green glass bangles and a waist belt. A snug necklace shows best with open or boat necklines and can disappear under a high or round neck. Wearing your hair in a bun or a side plait keeps the neck area clear so the necklace is seen, and a gold-toned piece stands out well against saree colours such as green, maroon and deep purple. If you are also wearing a mangalsutra or a longer haar, keep the two clearly different in length and let only one piece be heavy; the layering guide explains the balance. Our Maharashtrian bride jewellery checklist lists the other pieces of the look and says which of them we list online.
Does Saloni Fashion Jewellery sell a thushi necklace?
No. Saloni Fashion Jewellery does not list thushi necklaces online right now, and we would rather say so than let a similar-looking product be mistaken for one. If you would like to know whether we can help with something close, message us on WhatsApp at +91 98705 89560 and we will tell you honestly. Our pieces are fashion jewellery in gold-plated brass or alloy, so they are not a substitute for a gold thushi bought as an heirloom or a wedding gift.
What can I wear instead of a thushi?
For the same close-to-the-neck effect, look at our choker sets or kundan choker sets, which sit at the base of the neck and come with matching earrings. For a softer look with a Maharashtrian saree, pearl sets and moti jewellery work well, and our pearl styling guide explains how to pair them. Add a mangalsutra for the married look and a nath if the outfit calls for one. These are different designs from a thushi, so treat them as alternatives, not equivalents. Fit matters more with a snug necklace. Measure the base of your neck with a soft tape, check that you can slide a finger between the necklace and your neck, and choose an adjustable back cord if you are between sizes.
In short: a thushi is a snug, traditionally gold, beaded Maharashtrian necklace, and we do not list it online right now. Choker sets, pearl sets and a mangalsutra 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.