By Nandini Iyengar for Femina

India’s cultural diversity shines through its bridal jewellery, where every piece tells a story of tradition, symbolism, and regional pride. From Kashmir’s sacred dejhoor to Tamil Nadu’s temple gold Jewellers, these adornments transcend fashion, celebrating the bride’s journey with every shimmer.

Far more than mere adornments, these jewels carry heirloom value, cultural identity, and even blessings for the bride’s new journey. Let’s explore iconic bridal jewellery styles from across India and their deeper meanings.

Kashmiri brides wear the dejhoor, a bell-shaped pendant hanging from the ears, evoking temple bells. The bride’s family gifts it tied with a sacred thread, later adorned with gold chains from the groom’s family. Often crafted with polki or kundan, this jewellery mirrors Kashmir’s intricate temple architecture and ceremonial elegance.

2. Punjabi Chooda&Kalire

Punjabi brides don the iconic red-and-white bangles (chooda), symbolizing matrimony. The kalire—umbrella-shaped charms dangling from the bangles—resemble tiny bells. Modern brides personalize them with charms representing love and aspirations. Post-wedding, the bride shakes the kalire over unmarried women; if one falls, legend says they’ll wed soon!

3. Tamil Temple Jewellery

4. Telugu Kasulaperu&Vaddanam

In Andhra and Telangana, the kasulaperu (a gold coin necklace) symbolizes prosperity, while the vaddanam (waist belt) echoes royal grandeur. GRT Jewels’ Telugu collections (grtjewels.com) showcase heirloom-worthy harams, vaddanams, and kasulaperu, blending heritage craftsmanship with timeless appeal.

5. Bengali Shakha-Pola & Gold Shakha

Bengali Hindu brides wear shakha-pola—red-and-white bangles made of conch shells—alongside delicate gold shakha bangles. The design nods to Bengal’s rivers (shakha resembling bamboo) and maritime heritage (pola from shells), embodying minimalism rooted in nature.

The Marathi thushi, a tightly beaded gold choker, resembles a seed garland, while the pearl-studded nath (nose ring) mirrors the crescent moon. Together, they reflect Maharashtra’s understated elegance.

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