South Indian Bridal Jewellery Set

South Indian bridal jewellery is among the most elaborate and culturally rich jewellery traditions in the world. A traditional South Indian bride — particularly a Telugu or Kannada bride — wears up to sixteen pieces of jewellery, each with specific cultural and ritual significance. This guide walks you through the complete traditional bridal jewellery set.

The 16 Traditional Bridal Jewellery Pieces (Solah Shringar)

1. Necklace (Necklace Set / Haram)
The centrepiece of bridal jewellery. South Indian brides typically wear 2-3 necklaces layered — a Guttapusalu or Bottumala haram, a Kante or Jadau short necklace, and sometimes a Nakshi or CZ choker as a third layer.

2. Earrings (Jhumka / Chandbali / Champaswaralu)
Large Chandbali or Jhumka earrings, often with Champaswaralu ear chains for added traditional appeal.

3. Maangtika or Matha Patti
Hair jewellery worn along the centre parting. The Matha Patti (full headpiece) is worn at the main wedding ceremony; a smaller Maangtika is worn at other functions.

4. Nose Ring / Nath
A gold-finish nose ring or Nath, traditionally worn by brides as a symbol of marriage.

5. Bangles (Vaddanam)
Glass bangles, gold-finish bangles and Kundan bangles stacked from wrist to elbow on both arms. The number and type vary by community.

6. Vadannam (Waist Chain)
A decorative waist belt worn over the saree at the natural waist. An essential South Indian bridal accessory.

7. Vanki (Armlet)
A decorative arm ornament worn on the upper arm, traditionally on both arms.

8. Finger Rings
Multiple rings worn across both hands, typically including a Kundan cocktail ring and simpler band rings.

9. Toe Rings (Mettelu)
Silver toe rings worn on both feet, traditionally gifted by the groom or his family.

10. Anklets (Payal)
Silver or gold-finish anklets worn on both ankles.

11. Matillu (Hair Pins)
Decorative gold-finish Matillu pins arranged along the hair parting.

12. Jada Billalu (Hair Chain)
A decorative hair chain draped down the braid.

13. Black Beads Mala (Pusalu)
The sacred black bead necklace given by the groom's family, worn continuously by the bride.

14. Guttapusalu or Bottumala
The traditional South Indian gold-bead cluster necklace.

15. Champaswaralu
The traditional ear chain connecting earrings to a hair pin.

16. Kante
A broad collar necklace worn at the base of the neck.

How to Build Your Bridal Jewellery Set at Gehna For You

Gehna For You has everything you need for a complete South Indian bridal jewellery set — from Guttapusalu and Jadau necklaces to Vadannam, Vanki, Champaswaralu, Matillu and black bead malas. With 2,100+ designs and prices from Rs.200, you can put together a full bridal set without breaking the bank.

Same-day delivery in Hyderabad and free shipping above Rs.999. Video call shopping available for brides who want personalised guidance.

Start with our Jadau Kundan Necklaces or All Necklaces collection.