Marwari and North Indian Bridal Jewellery in Hyderabad
Hyderabad is home to a large and long-established Marwari community, along with many families with roots in North India. Their bridal traditions bring a distinctive style of jewellery: bold, layered and rich in polki and kundan work. This guide explains the key pieces and where Hyderabad families find them. Customs vary between families and regions, so adapt it to your own traditions.
The Rajasthani set
Marwari bridal jewellery draws on Rajasthan's royal traditions. A typical bridal set is layered from head to toe and includes:
- head ornaments, such as the borla or rakhdi, a maang tikka and sometimes a sheeshphool,
- necklaces, including the aad or a choker, and a longer rani haar,
- earrings, such as jhumkas or statement drops, often with a supporting chain,
- a nath, a large nose ring, often with a chain to the hair,
- hands and arms: bangles, a bajuband (armlet) and haathphool,
- waist and feet: a kamarbandh (waist belt), payal (anklets) and bichhiya (toe rings).
Many brides also wear a chooda, bridal bangles given by the family, depending on community tradition.
Borla, rakhdi, aad
Three pieces are especially associated with Marwari brides:
- Borla (or rakhdi): a round or bell-shaped ornament worn at the parting on the forehead. It is one of the most important symbols of a married Rajasthani woman.
- Aad: a broad, flat necklace worn close to the neck, often set with polki or kundan and fringed with pearls or beads.
- Nath: the bridal nose ring, often large and delicately worked, with a chain linking it to the hair.
Polki and kundan choices
Marwari bridal jewellery is known for polki and kundan work:
- Polki: natural uncut diamonds set in gold, the most valuable choice and often bought as heirlooms. Read Uncut Diamonds (Polki).
- Kundan: a setting style using refined gold foil. Today, "kundan" may refer to precious stones or to glass stones in a kundan-style setting, so always ask what the stones are.
- Jadau: the craft of embedding stones into gold, often with meenakari enamel on the reverse.
For the differences, read Polki vs Kundan vs Jadau: The Differences, Explained Simply. For choker styling, see Polki Chokers.
Where to buy it in Hyderabad
Many Marwari families in Hyderabad shop close to where the community has long been established, and at jewellers who specialise in Rajasthani styles. Others look for established jewellery houses that can make custom polki and jadau pieces.
When choosing, look for:
- experience with polki, kundan and jadau work,
- the ability to make custom pieces to your traditions,
- clear pricing, with polki weight, gold weight and other stones listed separately,
- hallmarked gold and certification where available.
Read Where to Buy Bridal Jewellery in Hyderabad for a neighbourhood guide.
Tibarumal & Sons Jewellers, Shaikpet carries polki and jadau jewellery and makes custom bridal pieces. To book a bridal consultation, message us on WhatsApp at +91 88855 00805.
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
WhatsApp: Message us on WhatsApp
Instagram: @tibarumalandsons
