Thushi
A Maharashtrian choker of tightly packed beads on a rigid band, sitting close against the throat.
A thushi is built from hundreds of small gold or pearl beads packed so densely that no thread shows between them.
It sits high and stiff at the base of the neck, and traditional versions taper towards the back so the fastening lies flat.
Pearl thushis follow the same construction with seed pearls, giving a softer version of a form usually made in gold.
When you are buying
Thushis are made to one neck size and rarely adjust, so this is a piece to buy measured. Check that the beads are packed with no visible gaps, because loose spacing is the mark of a hurried piece.
Choker-style 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.
Seed Pearl
A very small pearl, under about 2mm, used in clusters, embroidery and temple work.
Kolhapuri Saj
A Maharashtrian necklace of leaf-shaped pendants, traditionally twenty-one, each carrying its own meaning.
Mohan Mala
A Maharashtrian long necklace of several strands of plain gold or pearl beads, worn in multiple rows.