Guttapusalu, Kasulaperu, Vaddanam: Telugu Heirloom Jewellery Explained
In Telugu families, some pieces of jewellery are more than ornaments. They are heirlooms, worn by a grandmother at her wedding, then by her daughter, then by her granddaughter. This guide explains the most important Telugu heirloom pieces and offers advice on buying and remaking them.
Guttapusalu
"Guttapusalu" roughly means "clusters of pearls". The necklace features small pearls gathered in clusters and hanging from a gold base, often with rubies, emeralds or kemp stones set into the gold.
Guttapusalu is one of the most distinctive pieces of Telugu bridal jewellery. It usually sits at medium length, below a choker and above a long haram, and its pearl clusters move softly as the bride walks. Its use of pearls reflects the long influence of Hyderabad's pearl trade. Read Hyderabadi Pearls.
Kasulaperu
"Kasu" means coin and "peru" means garland. A kasulaperu is a necklace strung with rows of gold coins, very often embossed with the image of Goddess Lakshmi.
Kasulaperu symbolises prosperity and is an essential part of many Telugu bridal sets. It can be short or long, with a single row of coins or several layers. The coins are often slightly curved so they sit comfortably and catch the light. See Temple Jewellery.
Vaddanam
The vaddanam is the gold waist belt worn over the saree at weddings and important occasions. It ranges from plain gold to intricately engraved or stone-set designs, often with a large central motif of Lakshmi or peacocks.
Because of its size and weight, the vaddanam is often one of the most valuable pieces in a family's collection, and one of the most treasured heirlooms. Read Vaddanam: Styles, Weights and How to Wear It.
Chandraharam and others
Other traditional Telugu pieces often passed down include:
- Chandraharam: a long necklace of several gold chains, layered together.
- Haram: a long gold necklace, often with temple motifs or a pendant. See Long Necklaces (Haram).
- Vanki: a V-shaped armlet worn on the upper arm.
- Papidi billa and jada billa: ornaments for the forehead and braid.
- Buttalu: Telugu jhumkas. See Karanphool and Jhumka.
For a full bridal list, read The Telugu Bridal Jewellery Checklist.
Buying and remaking heirlooms
If you are buying: traditional pieces like these are often bought to last generations. Look for:
- hallmarked 22K gold with a verifiable HUID,
- sound craftsmanship, with secure settings and strong joints,
- clear pricing, with gold weight, stones and making charges listed separately,
- designs that will stay meaningful over time.
If you are remaking: older family pieces can be redesigned for a new bride while keeping their history. You can:
- restore and clean a piece to wear as it is,
- rework it into a lighter or more modern design,
- combine gold from several older pieces into one new heirloom.
Read Heirloom Remaking: Turning Your Mother's Jewellery Into Pieces You Will Wear and Antique and Old Gold.
Tibarumal & Sons Jewellers, Shaikpet makes, carries and restores traditional Telugu jewellery, from guttapusalu and kasulaperu to vaddanams.
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
