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Traditional Jewellery Guide for the Punjabi Bride

Traditional Jewellery Guide for the Punjabi Bride

From red bangles to regal chokers, the jewellery trousseau of a Punjabi bride includes striking pieces inspired by her unique culture.

Bold fun-loving, and fierce, the Punjabi bride holds nothing back when it comes to her big day, be it the vibrant red chooda adorning her forearms, or the striking mathapatti that adorns her forehead. Brides hailing from this state are known for their unique, royal designs that are inspired by the predominant Sikh culture that flourishes in the region. In her jewelry box, one can find a beguiling mix of new and old designs that echo Punjab’s rich Sikh heritage while expressing the bride’s modern outlook. So, if you’re a bride from Punjab looking to go for an authentic traditional look for your big day, here’s a quick jewelry guide to help you make the best choices.

So, if you’re a bride from Punjab looking to go for an authentic traditional look for your big day, here’s a quick jewellery guide to help you make the best choices.

Mathapatti:
Encrusted with gems and crafted out of gold, the mathapatti is an amped-up version of the maang tikka, and is nowadays sported by brides across India.

Photos Courtesy: Safarsaga Films by Naina Nanda (left); Razz Films and Photography (right)

Pajeb:
Shimmering anklets with bells at the ends that tinkle with every step, the pajeb typically goes unseen under a Punjabi bride’s lehenga. However, it remains a much-loved accessory that Punjabi brides see as essential for their bridal getup.

Photos Courtesy: Beginnings for you (left); James Thomas Long Photography(right)

Choker:

Sophisticated and bold, the Punjabi bride’s choker necklace is an absolute essential. Studded with gems like rubies, kundan, and emeralds, the choker necklace is usually paired with a longer neckpiece.

Photos Courtesy: Gautam Khullar Photography (left); Sutej Pannu (right)

Haathphool:

An accessory that is popular across the South Asian continent, the haathphool is crafted out of thin gold chains and rings that boast floral designs. However, for smaller functions like haldi or mehndi, the bride sports haathphool created out of real colorful flowers.

Photos Courtesy: Melissa Gayle (left); Sunny Dhiman Photography (right)

Chooda:

The chooda is a set of iconic bright red and ivory white bangles that are donned by Punjabi brides on their wedding day. A new bride is expected to wear it for 40 days after her wedding. The red color of the chooda is deemed lucky for a couple.

Photos Courtesy: Lifeoftasa (left); Sunny Dhiman Photography (right)

Kaleerein:

A Punjabi bridal look just isn’t complete without kaleerein. A domed ornament that is suspended from the bride’s chooda, these accessories have evolved over the years and today, are also crafted out of pure gold.

Chooda Photo Courtesy: Cupcake Productions

Anghooti:

Anghootis are gem-encrusted finger rings that range from ornate to delicate, and glimmer beautifully on a bride’s fingers.

Photos Courtesy: Journeys of Euphoria (left); happydproductions (right)

Bali:

One of the most versatile pieces of jewellery that is worn by Punjabi brides as well as women across India, this crescent or round shaped earring is elegant yet bold with its intricate designs and drop stones that comprise of pearls or precious stones.

Photos Courtesy: Movie’ing Moments (left); Drishti by Tania Chatterjee (right)

Latkan Nath:
The latkan nath stands out from the rest with its unique embellishment that includes a floral motif that is attached to the chain of the nath.

Photos Courtesy: Dhanika Choksi Photography (left); The Brides of Punjab (right)

Laung:

Donned by women on festive occasions as well, the laung is a gold nose stud that is embossed with intricate designs. However, in some cases, brides sport a more ornate design for their big day.

Photos Courtesy: Punjabi Traditional Jewellery

Shikarpuri nath:

A hooped gold nose ring sans any embellishments apart from the chain that attaches itself to the hair, the shikarpuri nath may look delicate but is surprisingly sturdy.

Photos Courtesy: Hitched & Clicked (left); Ushna Khan Photography (right)

Saggi Phul:

A central gold head stud that supports the phulkari dupatta, the Saggi phul is also embossed with floral motifs, and sometimes, even called different names based on its design.

Photos Courtesy: Harry Brar (left); nehaaz (right)

Jhumar:

A ceremonial head ornament that is worn with or without the maang tikka, the jhumar is crafted out of pearls and colored gems, and is placed at the side of the bride’s forehead.

Photos Courtesy: Amrit Photography (left); White Valley (right)

Jugni:

Crafted out of gold and adjustable silken threads, the jugni consists of a heavy gold pendant that has small bells suspended from its end.

Photos Courtesy: Amazel Designs (left); Muteyaar (right)

Gold Kada:

The kada (thick bangle) is universally worn by Punjabis and, keeping the grandeur of a wedding in mind, a kada crafted out of gold is worn by the bride on her big day.