Traditional Jewellery Guide for the Maharashtrian Bride

Maharashtra, known for its brave warriors, rich history, and lush regions, has a distinctive vibrant and festive culture. The state’s love of color and craftsmanship can be seen in the luxurious Paithani sarees. And like the rest of India, Maharashtra too has an enduring love affair with gold, and Marathi brides are often seen wearing exquisite pieces of jewelry crafted out of this metal.

So, if you’re a bride from Maharashtra looking to flaunt a traditional look on your big day, here’s a quick jewelry guide to help you make the best choices.

Brahmani Nath:
One of the most standout pieces of Maharashtrian jewelry, the Brahmani Nath is crafted out of gold, pearls and beads and donned by women on auspicious or festive occasions.

Photo Courtesy: Girish Katkar Photography and Reflexion by Nischay Shinde

Mohan Mala:
Crafted out of gold beads, the elegant and versatile Mohan Mala is worn by Maharashtrian women on special occasions and is also paired with matching earrings.

Photo Courtesy: Sneha Gaikwad and Shades

Thushi:
A choker necklace crafted out of gold beads in varying sizes, the Thushi is adjustable thanks to a soft thread that can be adjusted according to the wearer’s convenience.

Photo Courtesy: Hayagi and Anuradha Art Jewellery

Kolhapuri Saaj:
Originating from the Kolhapur region in Maharashtra, the stunning Kolhapuri Saaj Necklace is usually gifted by the groom’s family to the bride, and contains 21 leaves/pendants, out of which ten depict the different forms of Lord Vishnu.

Photo Courtesy: Shades and Anuradha Art Jewellery

Ambada:
The iconic Maharashtrian bun pin, the Ambada is a crescent-shaped jewel made of solid gold. It is also adorned with richly-hued glass enamel that adds a pop of color.

Photo Courtesy: Makeup Artist Nikita Kale and The Virendra Photographs

Mangalsutra:
An absolute essential in the bridal jewelry box, the mangalsutra is a sacred necklace crafted out of black and gold beads with an intricate locket made of gold or studded with gems.

Kudya:
Stunning in its simplicity, the Kudya are versatile ornaments that are loved by Marathi women. These statement pearl and gold earrings pair well with sarees and are worn on festive occasions too.

Photo Courtesy: MagnaMags and PN Gadgil

Kaan:
An ornate ear cuff typically made from gold and adorned with kundan or colorful enamel pieces, the Kaan is a striking piece of jewellery donned by Maharashtrian women during festivals too.

Photo Courtesy: Nachiket Sonawane Photography

Raani Haar:
One of the most glamorous pieces in the Maharashtrian bride’s collection, the Rani Haar is an ornate necklace with three layers of pearl strings and a gem-encrusted pendant.

Photo Courtesy: Patil Brothers Photography

Vaaki:
A delicate gold, gem-encrusted armband which can be adjusted to suit the bride’s comfort, the Vaaki is worn only on special occasions and favored by many brides on their big day.

Photo Courtesy: Priyanka Sachan and Anuradha Art Jewellery

Bugadi:
Worn on the top part of the ear where Maharashtrian women are known to get piercings, the Bugadi is a pair of delicate earrings that are encrusted with vibrant gemstones and pearls.

Photo Courtesy: Anuradha Art Jewellery

Chooda/Pichodi:
The signature rich green glass bangles worn by married Maharashtrian woman, the chooda is essential for every bride. However, on the big day, these glass bangles are paired with heavy gold bangles for a festive look.

Photo Courtesy: Tanishq and The Wedding Salad

Jodvi:
A pair of silver toe rings that are worn on the middle toe, this accessory is gifted to the bride by the mother of the groom, and symbolizes her entry into a new family.

Photo Courtesy: Wedding Mojito and Vaibhav Raul Photography

Mundavlya:
This signature Maharashtrian wedding ornament is sported on the forehead by both the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony. Mundavlyas are typically made with dainty pearls and golden beads, and feature two strands to symbolize togetherness between a bride and groom.

Photo Courtesy: WhatKnot

Tanmani:
A choker necklace created with pearls and a statement gem-encrusted locket in the center, the Tanmani epitomizes grandeur.

Photo Courtesy: BrideMeUp

Tode:
A must-have for a Maharashtrian woman, the tode is a pair of heavy gold bangles that feature intricate designs that go all around the bangle.

Photo Courtesy: Waman Hari Pethe Sons and Renuka Halarnkar

Putli Haar:
A necklace crafted out of a silk braided patwa chord and multiple gold lockets that have the image of Goddess Lakshmi embossed on them, the Putli Haar has a special place in the Maharashtrian bride’s jewelry box.

Photo Courtesy: Reflexion by Nischay Shinde and AGG

Here’s a list of stores where you can find Maharashtrian jewelry to suit your tastes:
Waman Hari Pethe Sons
Candere (owned by Kalyan)
PNG
Senco
Sonchafa
Chintamanis

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