Traditional Jewellery Guide for the Telugu Bride

Based across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Telugu brides can be broadly categorized into either a Nizami Bride, Reddy Bride, or a Vysya bride. Each one has distinctive wedding ceremonies influenced by regional traditions that have stood the test of time. The same holds true for their jewellery designs. So if you’re a Telugu bride who wants a traditional look on your big day, check out this handy cheat sheet below.

Photo Courtesy: Picture Perfect India

Reddy Bride
Traditionally, the Reddy bride favors ornate gold temple jewelry that echoes the zari work on her heavy silk saree. But, there are also hints of gemstones like rubies, diamonds, and emeralds that are incorporated into separate items. Known for flaunting heavy jewelry with astonishing ease, here’s a list of the must-have pieces in a Reddy bride’s wedding jewellery set:

Papidi Billa:
An intricate piece of jewellery that is similar to the maang tikka, the Papidi Billa donned by the Reddy Bride has a gem-encrusted chain and gold/pearl beads that brush her forehead.

Photo Courtesy: Chetan’s Capture World and Ugotrendy

Poola Jada:
A hair accessory comprising fresh flowers like jasmine and rose petals with a gold ornament nestled in between, the Poola Jada is worn by the bride on her braid. Apart from the conventional designs, new-age brides have also adapted this classic floral hair accessory into a contemporary netted version.

Photo Courtesy: Jewellery Designs Hub and Pelli Poola Jada

Sutralu Golusu:
An essential part of the marriage ceremony, the Sutralu Golusu is given to the bride by the groom. Much like a mangalsutra, this simple gold chain can include a dual coin pendant and red beads.

Photo Courtesy: Maaya Prakash and Geru G Vaheesan

Gundla Haram:
Crafted from golden beads, this timeless and elegant necklace has multiple beaded layers with a pendant on one or both sides combining them together. Traditionally worn by women of the royal family, Gundla Harams are treasured by modern Reddy brides too.

Photo Courtesy: Navin Varma Photography (Right)

Lakshmi Kadiyam:
A staple in the bridal jewelry set, the Lakshmi Kadiyam is a bracelet whose design, as the name suggests, consists of Goddess Lakshmi motifs surrounded by small floral patterns or studded with precious stones. Representing wealth and prosperity, this divine ornament is not just worn by brides, but also worn by women during festivals.

Photo Courtesy: Aadyaa and South Jewellery

Vadanam:
A waist belt or chain worn to hold up the saree, the Vadanam is a symmetrical gold belt that has traditional motifs like peacocks, birds or deities. A statement piece, this gold belt not only ensures the bride stays comfortable in her heavy silk saree but also accentuates her hips.

Photo Courtesy: SVTM Jewels and Malabar Gold and Diamonds

Vysya Bride
Taking a step away from the heavy traditional jewelry, the Vysya bride flaunts simpler wedding jewellery compared to the Nizami or Reddy brides. During their seven-day marriage celebrations, Vysya brides are usually seen wearing subtle sarees and fairly simple jewellery designs. Here’s a list of the must-have pieces in her bridal jewelry set:

Papidi Billa:
The Vysya bride too dons the distinctive papidi billa on her forehead but prefers a lighter and subtle gold version of it.

Photo Courtesy: Picture Perfect India

Sutralu Golusu:
An essential part of the marriage ceremony, the Sutralu Golusu is akin to a North Indian mangalsutra, and is one of the most important pieces of jewellery at a Telugu wedding. The groom ties it around the neck of the bride during the wedding ceremony. This single strand necklace typically includes pendants with religious motifs and red beads.

Photo Courtesy: Jewelry Stunner and Dilipan Photography

Nakshi Haram:
Carving Nakshi (carved) jewelry is an ancient art that involves sculpting sheets of gold into gods, goddesses, fairies and mythical creatures. Sculpted by the finest artisans, this nakshi haram from Tara Sri by Tibarumal Gems & Jewels features delicate and intricate gold carvings that are further enhanced by precious stones and gold pearls. Heavier than all her other necklaces, the Vysya bride prefers to layer this bold necklace with other lighter neckpieces.

Photo Courtesy: Pixelena Studio

Nakshi Vadanam:
Inspired by Nakshi designs, this intricate gold waist belt keeps a Vysya bride’s saree together and accentuates her hips at the same time.

Photo Courtesy: SVTM Jewels

Aravanki:
With its unique curved V-shape, the Aravanki is a traditional upper arm ornament that has been adapted throughout generations. This piece comes in all varieties, from delicate gold (for the Vysya Bride) to the more elaborate ones that are studded with diamonds and rubies.

Photo Courtesy: Picture Perfect India

Nizami Bride
A Nizami bride embodies the splendor of Nawabi culture, and the royal heritage is visible in her choice of bridal cuit with a khada dupatta, or a lancha-style (long blouse and skirt with minimal flare) lehenga. The regal touch is also showcased in her choice of jewellery which features pearls and precious stones. Here’s a list of the must-have pieces in a Nizami bride’s wedding jewellery set:

Tikka and Passa:
Usually worn in a pair, the tikka and passa adorn the forehead and are usually accentuated with a string of pearls and multicolored gemstones.

Photo Courtesy: Tamanna MakeUp Studio and Sunny Dhiman Photography

Satlada:
As the name suggests, the Saatlada necklace comprises seven strands of pearls with each having a pendant crafted with gold and precious stones. Generally paired with the Jada Huwa Laccha (choker), this stunning necklace is usually gifted to the bride from the groom’s side.

Photo Courtesy: Coolbluez Photography and Fotowalle – The Story Folks

Chandbali:
This crescent moon shaped earring is a favorite amongst many celebrities and brides for its sheer versatility. Adorned with floral motifs and pearl drops, these earrings vary in size and can be worn with a variety of outfits.

Photo Courtesy: Sabyasachi and Gautam Khullar Photography

Karan Phool:
Dominated by a prominent floral design that covers the entire ear lobe, Karan Phool earrings add a touch of old-world elegance to any look. Equipped with a strand of pearls that can be tied back and pinned in your hair, it also doubles up as a hair accessory while shifting the weight from the lobes to ensure maximum comfort for the bride.

Photo Courtesy: Gramho and Aadaab

Jada Huwa Lachcha:
The magnificent Nizami choker is one of the most sought after pieces of jewellery by Nizami brides. Created out of gold and uncut diamonds, with emeralds or rubies as dropstones, the Jada Huwa Lachcha is often the most ornate and striking jewellery creation in a trousseau.

Photo Courtesy: Deccan Jewellers

Nizami Jugni:
A necklace crafted out of multiple pearl strands with an eye-catching kundan pendant studded with precious stones, the Nizami Jugni is one of the lighter accessories that can be flaunted by brides for the smaller functions during their wedding celebrations.

Photo Courtesy: Pernia Qureshi and Deccan Jewellers

Nizami Nath:
Elegant and traditional, the Nizami Nath comprises a simple gold hoop with two pearls and a bead. It adds a striking and regal nuance to a traditional bride’s wedding look.

Photo Courtesy: Rawayat

Tirmani:
Consisting of three different gemstones, the Tirmani is an aristocratic Nizami necklace with a pendant encrusted with three different gemstones held in place with multiple pearl strands reflecting the classic Nawabi design.

Photo Courtesy: AdaaJewels and Nizamuddin Jewellers

Here’s a list of stores that are known for their unique jewellery designs perfect for the Telugu bride:

PMJ Jewels
Lalithaa Jewelry
Musaddilal Jewellers
Mangatrai
Kirtilals
P. Satyanarayan & Sons
Joyalukas
Ganjam
Prince Jewellery
Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers
Tara Sri by Tibarumal Gems and Jewels

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