The art and soul of West India’s bridal adornments

The brides of West India have always known how to make tradition shimmer. Whether it is the green bangles of Maharashtra, the bold kundan of Gujarat, the royal kangans of Rajasthan, or the intricate filigree of Goa, every ornament tells a story of faith, artistry, and the celebration of womanhood.

Here, jewellery is more than an accessory; it’s identity. Each state has its signature symbols—a Maharashtrian nath that signifies grace, a Gujarati borla that glows with heritage, a Goan mangalsutra crafted from temple gold, and a Rajasthani aad that embodies royal grandeur—and together, they form a portrait of timeless beauty.

Let’s step into this world of bridal adornments, one state at a time.

Maharashtra: Pearls, gold, and goddess grace

The Maharashtrian bride’s jewellery is instantly recognisable. The most iconic ornament is the nath, a crescent-shaped nose ring studded with pearls and stones, believed to represent goddess Parvati’s blessings.

Another standout is the Mundavalya, a string of pearls or gold beads tied across the forehead and around the face—worn by both bride and groom, symbolising equality and readiness for marriage.

Other beloved pieces include the thushi (short gold choker made of closely set beads), Kolhapuri saaj (a necklace inspired by temple motifs), and vaaki (armlet). Gold bangles called patlya and tode, along with green glass bangles, complete the look.

Maharashtrian brides often pair these traditional pieces with a Paithani saree, creating a look that feels powerful, sacred, and supremely elegant. Even today, no Maharashtrian wedding feels complete without the shine of gold and the purity of pearls.

Gujarat: Polki, borla, and radiant abundance

Gujarati bridal jewellery mirrors the state’s love for grandeur and artistry. It is intricate, colourful, and designed to make a statement, and yet every piece holds deep meaning.

A round maang tikka, placed in the centre of the forehead, is a signature ornament that represents divinity and protection. Brides also wear kundan and meenakari set: think layered chokers, long rani haars, and delicate jhumkas that sparkle with uncut stones and enamel work.

In North Gujarat, silver jewellery has its own legacy. Oxidised necklaces, heavy anklets, and bajubandhs (armlets) add a rustic charm. Across regions, the mangalsutra, chooda, and gold bangles carry symbolic weight, while brides from Saurashtra and Kutch often add tribal-inspired pieces featuring mirrors and beads.

Goa: Gold that glows with soul

Goan bridal jewellery tells a story of culture, faith, and family. Whether Hindu, Christian, or Konkani, Goan brides wear jewellery that reflects the region’s coastal beauty and Portuguese influences.

Gold is deeply significant here, and it is seen not as wealth, but as an inheritance of love. Brides traditionally wear Kasittali (a gold necklace with leaf-shaped pendants), mangalsutra with intricate black beads, bajubandh (armlet), and payal (anklet).

Among Christian Goan brides, the jewellery tends to be simpler but equally meaningful—delicate gold chains, crucifix pendants, and earrings paired with lace veils and soft pastels.

The artistry of Goan goldsmiths is unmatched; their filigree work and lightweight designs are famed across India. Whether worn with a silk saree or a white gown, Goan bridal jewellery exudes quiet radiance and heartfelt heritage.

Rajasthan: Royal legacy and timeless artistry

Rajasthan’s bridal jewellery is a living testament to its royal past—rich in polki, meenakari, and kundan. The Rajasthani bride’s look is majestic: layered necklaces, aad (broad rectangular pendant necklace), borla (spherical tikka), nath, and bajubandh. Each piece carries history—handcrafted by artisans whose families have perfected their skills over generations.

The use of bright enamel work, semi-precious stones, and pearls reflects the desert’s vibrant palette. Every Rajasthani bride wears her jewellery not just as decoration, but as inheritance—a link between her family’s past and her new beginning.

From the coastal grace of Goa to the royal splendour of Rajasthan, West Indian bridal jewellery celebrates both diversity and devotion. It’s where artistry meets emotion, and every ornament is a symbol of blessing, beauty, and belonging.

These traditions have evolved with time—lighter designs, gemstone mixes, and minimal goldwork have entered the modern bridal trousseau—yet the soul remains unchanged. Because for every bride in the West, jewellery is not just what she wears, but what she inherits: her roots, her faith, and her forever.

Lead image: @geneliad/Instagram, @deepikapadukonelove/Instagram

Also read: A guide to the traditional wedding adornments of North Indian brides

Also read: A guide to the bridal jewellery traditions of East and North-East India