Hansli
A rigid neck ring worn close to the throat, open at the back. One of the oldest Indian ornament forms.
A hansli is a solid torque rather than a strung necklace, usually silver, and it slips on through the gap at the back.
It is worn across rural and tribal India, and the weight of it was historically a way of carrying family savings.
Contemporary versions are lighter and often set with pearls or stones along the front curve.
When you are buying
Being rigid, it must match the wearer's neck. Check it clears the throat comfortably when swallowing, which a flexible necklace never has to.
Neck-hugging pieces
A few from the collection, from ₹4,200.
Subtle White 8.5mm Button Pearls Choker With Blue CZ Crystals
Pretty White 8.5mm Button Pearls Choker With Pink CZ Crystals
Evergreen White Button Pearls Choker With Pink & Green CZ Crystals
Classy White 8.5mm Button Pearls Choker With Maroon CZ Crystals
Pretty White Pearl Choker With Cute Kundan Pendant
Dainty Strings Of White Pearl Choker With Black Enamel Kundan Pendant
Chic 16 Inch Long 4mm White Roundish Pearls Necklace With Grey Agate Pendants
3 Lines Exclusive Choker Studded In Intricately Cut American Diamonds
Choker
A necklace that sits high and close around the neck. Both a length and, in Indian jewellery, a distinct style.
Guluband
A broad flat band worn tight at the throat, traditionally mounted on fabric and tied with a dori.
925 Sterling Silver
An alloy of 92.5% silver with 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The international standard for silver jewellery.
Thushi
A Maharashtrian choker of tightly packed beads on a rigid band, sitting close against the throat.