Telugu Bridal Jewellery: A Complete Guide
A Telugu wedding is known for its rich gold jewellery. Many pieces carry meaning and are passed down for generations. Here are the pieces most families plan for, from head to toe.
Necklaces
- Choker or necklace: a short piece that sits close to the neck, often with stones or polki.
- Haaram: a long necklace that falls to the waist, the centrepiece of most bridal sets.
- Kasu mala (kasula peru): a long chain of gold coins, often with images of Goddess Lakshmi.
- Mango mala: a necklace with mango-shaped motifs, a classic South Indian design.
Head and face
- Papidi billa (maang tikka): worn on the forehead along the hair parting.
- Jhumkas: bell-shaped earrings, often paired with ear chains (matilu).
- Mukku pudaka (nose ring): a nose stud or ring, sometimes with a chain.
- Jada billalu: gold ornaments worn along the braid.
Arms and waist
- Vanki (armlet): a V-shaped band worn on the upper arm.
- Gajulu (bangles): gold bangles, often mixed with glass bangles.
- Vaddanam (waist belt): a broad gold belt worn over the saree, one of the most important bridal pieces.
Pieces with special meaning
- Mangalsutram: tied by the groom during the ceremony.
- Nallapusalu: a black bead chain with gold, worn by married women.
- Mettelu (toe rings) and pattilu (anklets): traditionally made in silver.
How to plan your bridal budget
- Decide your total budget first, then split it across the must-have pieces: necklace, haaram, earrings, bangles and vaddanam.
- Choose 22K for traditional pieces you want to keep for generations.
- Use polki, kundan or 18K diamond pieces for the reception look.
- Use old family gold through exchange or SDG Gold Re:New to reduce the amount you spend.
- Book the gold rate early if prices are rising.
At Sri Darshan Gold we make bridal sets to your budget. See custom jewellery.
Questions people ask
What is a vaddanam?
A vaddanam is a broad gold waist belt worn over the saree, an important part of Telugu bridal jewellery.
What is the difference between a haaram and a necklace?
A necklace sits close to the neck, while a haaram is a long necklace that falls towards the waist.
Which purity is best for bridal jewellery?
Most families choose 22K (916) gold for traditional bridal pieces, and 18K for diamond jewellery.
Visit Sri Darshan Gold, Somajiguda
Vista Grand Tower, 4th Floor, Somajiguda, Hyderabad. Open every day, 10:30 am to 7:30 pm. Our team explains purity, weight and every charge line by line before you buy.
Ask us on WhatsApp See today’s gold rateTurn your old gold into something new.
Give your old gold today. After 6 months, redeem it for new jewellery.
*Conditions apply
Pay 11 months. Get jewellery with no making charges.
Every monthly payment turns into gold at that day’s rate. In the 12th month, take your jewellery with zero making charges and zero wastage.
Your budget, our jewellery.
Tell us how much you want to spend and what you have in mind. We design a piece that fits your budget, in 22K, 18K, 14K or 9K gold.