Top 5 Kundan Jewellery Styles Every Bride Should Know

Every Indian bride dreams of jewellery that not only complements her attire but also tells a story of heritage and beauty. Among the countless choices, Kundan jewellery holds a special place. Known for its luminous settings and intricate artistry, Kundan pieces transform bridal attire into something timeless.

Here are the five most iconic Kundan jewellery styles every bride should know, each carrying centuries of tradition while still being relevant for today’s celebrations.

1. The Kundan Choker: Regal Elegance at the Neckline

A Kundan choker is perhaps the most defining bridal statement piece. Close-fitting around the neckline, it frames the face and highlights bridal makeup, often becoming the first piece guests notice.

Design: Typically broad and richly studded with gemstones bordered by gold foil. Some designs feature drops of pearls or beads for movement.
Significance: Symbolises grandeur and authority, echoing the heavy chokers worn by Mughal queens.
Styling Tip: Pair with a longer necklace like a rani haar to create a dramatic, layered look. For lighter occasions, wear it solo with matching earrings.

A bride’s choker often becomes a family heirloom, remembered in photographs for years to come.

2. The Rani Haar: Layers of Royalty

The rani haar, literally “queen’s necklace,” is a long, layered necklace that cascades gracefully down the chest. It is often worn in addition to the choker for full bridal splendour.

Design: Usually crafted with large central motifs, strung together with Kundan-set gemstones and often accented with pearls or coloured beads.
Cultural Value: The length of the rani haar symbolises abundance and prosperity, making it auspicious for weddings.
Styling Tip: Works best with deep-neck bridal blouses and lehengas. Keep earrings smaller if wearing both a choker and a rani haar to avoid overwhelming the neckline.

This piece embodies regal presence—an unmistakable marker of a traditional Indian bridal look.

3. The Maang Tikka: Completing the Bridal Aura

Placed delicately on the bride’s forehead, the maang tikka is more than jewellery—it’s a cultural symbol. In many traditions, it represents the sacred union of marriage and is one of the most recognisable bridal ornaments.

Design: Ranges from simple round Kundan settings with pearl drops to elaborate matha pattis that extend across the hairline.
Cultural Significance: Traditionally rests at the centre of the forehead, believed to connect with the ajna chakra (seat of wisdom).
Styling Tip: Pair a maang tikka with a centre-parted hair bun or braid adorned with flowers. If your outfit is heavily embroidered, choose a slightly lighter tikka to balance the look.

For many brides, the maang tikka is the finishing touch that truly makes them feel like a bride.

4. The Nath: Tradition and Grace in One Circle

The nath or nose ring is among the oldest forms of bridal adornment in India. When designed with Kundan settings, it gains a delicate yet striking beauty.

Design: Usually a circular hoop decorated with Kundan stones and pearls, often attached to the hair with a slender chain.
Regional Variation: Larger naths are popular in North Indian and Maharashtrian bridal looks, while smaller, daintier ones suit modern brides.
Styling Tip: Balance the size of your nath with your face shape—larger naths for round faces, medium or delicate ones for sharper jawlines.

A Kundan nath not only completes the bridal look but also connects today’s bride to centuries of tradition.

5. Bangles and Chura: Rhythm at the Wrists

No bridal look is complete without the gentle clinking of bangles. In Kundan craftsmanship, bangles and churas (red and ivory wedding bangles in Punjabi tradition) are often studded with shimmering stones that tie the entire ensemble together.

Design: Can range from slim, stackable bangles to broad kadas set with detailed Kundan motifs.
Symbolism: Represent prosperity, fertility, and the joy of married life.
Styling Tip: For a traditional bridal set, combine a stack of plain red or ivory bangles with ornate Kundan bangles on either side. For a modern twist, wear 2–3 statement kadas with minimal stacks.

The sound and sparkle of bangles add rhythm to a bride’s movements, making them both a visual and auditory part of the wedding atmosphere.

How These Pieces Work Together

A complete bridal look often layers all five of these elements:

A Kundan choker paired with a rani haar creates the foundation of the neckline.
The maang tikka frames the face, while the nath adds elegance to bridal portraits.
Finally, bangles or churas tie the ensemble together with rhythmic movement.

Together, these pieces form a coherent bridal story—classic, opulent, and camera-ready. Brides can adjust the heaviness depending on their comfort and the scale of the wedding.

Conclusion

Kundan jewellery offers an unmatched combination of artistry, heritage, and elegance. For brides, these five styles—the choker, rani haar, maang tikka, nath, and bangles—are more than accessories; they are cultural symbols that transform a wedding outfit into a timeless memory.

Whether you choose all five or adapt a selection that suits your personality, these iconic Kundan pieces ensure your bridal look will be cherished for generations.