Jewellery Terminology Explained: Indian and International Names

Jewellery vocabulary changes depending on where you shop. A "maang tikka" in Mumbai might be a "forehead pendant" in London; "AD stones" in Jaipur are "cubic zirconia" in New York. This guide maps common Indian jewellery names to international equivalents and explains how product language differs across shops and marketplaces. For definitions A–Z, see The Complete Jewellery Glossary.

Head and hair ornaments

Indian term	International equivalent	Notes
Maang tikka	Forehead pendant / head pendant	Worn on the hair parting
Matha patti	Forehead chain / head chain	Frames the forehead
Borla / rakhdi	Spherical forehead ornament	Rajasthani style
Passa / jhoomar	Side head ornament	Fan-shaped
Nethi chutti	Forehead ornament	South Indian bridal style
Juda pin / chutti	Hair pin / bun pin	Decorates buns

Ear ornaments

Indian term	International equivalent
Jhumka / jhumki	Bell-drop earring
Chandbali	Crescent earring
Bali	Hoop earring (often decorated)
Kaan chain / sahara	Ear chain / earring support chain
Tops	Stud earrings
Ear cuff / kaan	Ear cuff

Nose ornaments

Indian term	International equivalent
Nath	Nose ring (often large, with chain)
Nose pin / laung	Nose stud
Bulak	Septum ornament

Neck ornaments

Indian term	International equivalent
Haar	Necklace
Rani haar	Long statement necklace
Choker / guluband	Choker
Addigai	Wide choker (South Indian)
Kasu mala	Coin necklace
Mangalsutra	Marriage necklace (meaning varies by community)
Mala	Bead necklace / strand

Hand and arm ornaments

Indian term	International equivalent
Chudi / bangdi	Bangle
Kada	Thick bangle / cuff
Haath phool	Hand harness / ring bracelet
Bajuband / vanki	Armlet
Anguthi	Ring

Waist and feet

Indian term	International equivalent
Kamarbandh / vaddanam / oddiyanam	Waist belt
Payal / pajeb	Anklet
Bichhiya / metti	Toe ring
Ghungroo	Small bells

Materials and finishes: market language

Common term	Meaning
AD / American diamond	Cubic zirconia
Kundan	Kundan-style setting (usually glass in imitation)
Polki	Uncut-diamond look (usually simulant in imitation)
Meena / meenakari	Enamel work
Oxidised	Darkened silver-tone
Matte / antique gold	Aged gold finish
One-gram gold	Thin gold plating (not one gram of gold)
Micro gold	Gold plating; ask about thickness

See Understanding Jewellery Product Descriptions.

How language differs by channel

Traditional shops use regional names and may describe pieces by occasion ("bridal set", "puja set").
Online marketplaces use mixed English and Indian terms optimised for search ("kundan choker necklace set for women").
International retailers use generic names ("statement drop earrings", "collar necklace").
Catalogues and wholesalers may use SKU codes and technical terms.

When shopping internationally, search with both Indian and international terms to find more options.

Using terms respectfully

Many names carry cultural and religious meaning. Use them accurately and avoid labelling everything as "tribal" or "ethnic". See Global Traditional and Cultural Jewellery.

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Key takeaway

Knowing both Indian and international jewellery terms helps you search, shop and communicate with confidence anywhere in the world. Use this guide as your translation table, and the glossary for detailed definitions.

Written by

HANSINI369 Editorial Team

Our editors research jewellery types, materials, care and craft, and review guides when materials, standards or recommendations change. Read our editorial policy.