The Language of Hyderabadi Jewellery: A 40-Term Glossary

Shopping for jewellery in Hyderabad, you will hear words from Urdu, Telugu, Hindi and the language of the trade. This glossary explains 40 of the most common terms, grouped by type, with links to our fuller guides.

Necklaces

1. Satlada: a necklace of seven strands of pearls, the signature Hyderabadi piece. See Satlada, Ranihaar and the Classic Hyderabadi Necklaces.
2. Panchlada: a five-strand pearl necklace.
3. Ranihaar: a long "queen's necklace" falling to the chest or waist.
4. Chintaak: the traditional Hyderabadi choker, often with polki and pearls.
5. Guluband: a choker made of rows of beads, pearls or motifs.
6. Haram: a long South Indian gold necklace. See Long Necklaces (Haram).
7. Guttapusalu: a Telugu necklace with clusters of small pearls. See Telugu Heirloom Jewellery.
8. Kasulaperu: a necklace strung with gold coins, often with Lakshmi motifs.
9. Chandraharam: a long necklace of several layered gold chains.
10. Jugni: a pendant or centrepiece, often set with polki or stones.
11. Mangalsutra / pustelu: the necklace tied at a Hindu wedding. See Mangalsutra Styles.
12. Nallapusalu: a chain of black beads worn by married Telugu women.

Earrings

1. Chandbali: crescent-moon earrings, often with pearl fringes. See Chandbali Earrings.
2. Karanphool: flower-shaped stud earrings. See Karanphool and Jhumka.
3. Jhumka: bell-shaped hanging earrings. See Jhumkas.
4. Buttalu: the Telugu name for jhumkas.
5. Sahara: a small chain that supports heavy earrings by looping into the hair.
6. Chevi chains (maatilu): ear chains that run into the hair.

Head, nose and hair

1. Tika / papidi billa: an ornament worn at the hair parting.
2. Jhoomar (passa): a fan-shaped side head ornament. See Hyderabadi Muslim Bridal Jewellery.
3. Jada billa: an ornament for the braid.
4. Nath: a nose ring.
5. Mukku pudaka: a Telugu nose stud.

Bangles, arms and waist

1. Gajulu: the Telugu word for bangles. See Bangles and Kadas.
2. Kada: a thick, rigid bracelet or bangle.
3. Vanki: a V-shaped armlet worn on the upper arm.
4. Bajuband: an armlet, common in North Indian bridal jewellery.
5. Haathphool: a hand ornament linking rings to a bracelet.
6. Vaddanam: the gold waist belt worn over a saree. See Vaddanam.

Stones and settings

1. Polki: natural uncut diamonds. See Uncut Diamonds (Polki).
2. Kundan: a setting style using refined gold foil. See Polki vs Kundan vs Jadau.
3. Jadau: the craft of embedding stones into gold.
4. Kemp stones: red and green stones used in temple jewellery.
5. Basra pearls: natural pearls historically from the Persian Gulf. See Hyderabadi Pearls.
6. Golconda: a trade term for diamonds of exceptional clarity. See Golconda Diamonds.

Craft and trade terms

1. Nakshi: engraved or embossed goldwork. See Meenakari and Nakshi Work.
2. Meenakari: coloured enamel on metal.
3. Hallmark and HUID: the BIS purity mark and six-digit identification code on gold. See How to Buy Gold Jewellery in India.
4. Making charges: the cost of craftsmanship. See Making Charges Explained.
5. Wastage (VA): a charge traditionally covering gold lost during making, sometimes used instead of making charges.

If you come across a term that is not here, ask us. At Tibarumal & Sons Jewellers, Shaikpet, we are always happy to explain.

Visit Tibarumal & Sons Jewellers, Shaikpet

Tibarumal & Sons Jewellers
Shop No. 102, 8-1-299/121, RP Business Park, Al Hamra Colony, Shaikpet, Hyderabad 500008

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11am to 8:30pm
Phone: +91 88855 00805
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