8 Types Of Maharashtrian Jewellery That Are Must Wear For Your Big Day
Dressed in a beautiful Nauvari saree and adorned with jewels, a Maharashtrian bride is a sight to behold. But what makes this beautiful Maharashtrian jewellery worn by brides unique? Read on to find out.
One of the most beautiful parts of a Maharashtrian bride’s wedding attire is her jewellery. Each type of Maharashtrian jewellery carries a lot of meaning and depicts a story about the bride and her family. The jewellery is usually a family heirloom that is handed down for generations. A traditional Maharashtrian bride is covered from head to toe in the special jewellery paired with a Paithani or Nauvari saree.
The most famous element of the region's jewellery is the Maharashtrian Nath, but there is more to it than just that. Saaj jewellery as it is called is an incredibly important part of the Maharashtrian wedding. We’ve created a list of the different types of Maharashtrian jewellery and what makes each one of them unique.
1. Challa keyring
Image Courtesy: Anuradha Art Jewellery
The Challa keyring is a beautiful gold pendant that is hung at the waist of the bride’s saree. The keyring comes in various patterns and motifs and enhances the beauty of the saree. The Challa keyring usually comes in gold, silver or copper and is designed with various stones. The keyring is usually arranged in a similar double pattern, it can be in the shape of a leaf, a peacock or a flower.
2. Moti Kaan
Moti Kaan in English means big earrings which is exactly what this piece of Maharashtrian jewellery is. These earrings are a staple among many Maharashtrian brides and it enhances the bridal look. There are many different types of Moti Kaan. They can either come in plain gold or incorporate different pearls and stones to create a beautiful design. The Moti Kaan earrings can add a touch of elegance and grace to any traditional Maharashtrian bride.
3. Maniwati
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This is more commonly known as the Mangalsutra which is a long black and gold bead chain worn by married women. The black and gold beads used in the chain are called Maniwati beads. These beads are incredibly small and intricate and many Mangalsutras these days come in unique patterns and designs. The black and gold beads are held together with a beautiful pendant at the centre. This can include various motifs with different stones such as pearls, rubies or diamonds.
4. Bormaal
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The Bormaal is a long beaded chain that is a staple piece of Maharashtrian jewellery worn by many brides. The chain is gold plated and all the beads come in the same shape and size. If you are keeping your jewellery to a minimum you can wear a single string of Bormaal but if you are going for a grander look, the chain also comes with 5 to 6 strings of beads tied together. The Bormaal is quite long and goes right down to the waist.
5. Champakali Haar
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The Champakali Haar Maharashtrian jewellery is a beautiful statement choker that the bride wears. This necklace is usually floral themed and gold plated. The necklace is strung together with beads that are shaped like flower petals. This is the base of the design and it is enhanced with various motifs and colourful stones such as emeralds, rubies and pearls to mimic the colours of different flowers.
6. Chura
When we think of bangles, the bright red ones worn by Punjabi brides come to mind. However, as part of the Maharashtrian jewellery attire, the Chura bangles are green glass bangles. These bangles symbolise the fertility of the bride and they are worn in odd numbers on both hands. The bright green also adds a pop of colour to the bride’s Nauvari, which is a type of Maharashtrian saree. The green bangles are complemented with a few gold bangles in the middle.
7. Pichodi bangles
Image Courtesy: RK Jewellers
In addition to the green Chooda bangles, the bride also wears Pichodi bangles which are the gold bangles that are worn between the green ones to complement the colour. These bangles are made of gold and are decorated with various floral and animal designs. Many modern brides opt for white gold Pichodi bangles in place of the traditional gold ones.
8. Dholki
A Dholki is a beautiful necklace made from a string of pearls that come in white, red or yellow. Unlike a lot of chains that come in multiple layers of beads, the Dholki only comes in a single strand. This Maharashtrian jewellery is embellished with different coloured stones that give this necklace a festive look. Since the length is on the shorter side, it complements the longer neck jewellery and can be worn as a necklace with your beautiful Maharashtrian Paithani saree.
Maharashtrian jewellery is incredibly unique and synonymous with class and elegance. In other parts of India, the colour red is usually associated with the bridal wear but for Maharashtrian brides, a Paithani or Nauvari saree is worn in colours such as deep green or yellow. The different types of jewellery adorned by Maharashtrian brides complements this attire beautifully. Now that you know more about the different types of Maharashtrian jewellery and what makes each one unique, you can get started on your bridal jewellery shopping.
Looking for the perfect Maharashtrian jewellery? Get in touch with our bridal jewellery vendors today!
