Mangalsutra
The necklace a married Hindu woman wears, traditionally black beads on gold with a distinctive pendant.
The mangalsutra is put on at the wedding and worn daily thereafter, which makes durability more important than in any other piece of jewellery a person owns.
Regional forms differ substantially. The black-bead chain with a two-cup pendant is North Indian; the South Indian thali is a gold pendant on a yellow thread or chain.
Pearl mangalsutras use pearls alongside or in place of the black beads, giving a softer everyday piece.
When you are buying
This is worn every single day, so specify the strongest clasp available and have it restrung on a schedule rather than waiting for it to fail. It is the one piece where a break is more than an inconvenience.
Pearl mangalsutra
5 pieces in the collection right now, from ₹1,800.
Dainty 18Inch Black Beads Necklace With White Pearl & SP Emerald Beads
Simple 18Inch Black Beads Necklace With White Pearl & SP Ruby Beads
Delicate 17Inch Black Beads Necklace With 9mm Round White Pearl
Simple White Oval Pearl Neckalce set in Mangalsutra Pendant
Pretty and Simple Pearl Set in Mangalsutra Pendant
Restringing
Replacing the thread a strand is built on. Routine maintenance, not repair, and overdue on most pearl necklaces.
Clasp
The fastening that closes a necklace or bracelet. The most common point of failure and the most overlooked part of a purchase.
Pendant
A single ornament hung from a chain or strand, worn as the focal point of a necklace.
Bridal Set
A matched group of pieces worn together for a wedding: typically a necklace, earrings, and often a maang tikka.