A typical imitation bridal set from Rajkot includes a choker or short necklace, a matching long necklace (rani haar), a pair of earrings and a maang tikka. Many buyers also add bangles or kadas, a nose ring (nath), a passa or jhoomar for the side of the head, hathphool hand pieces and payal anklets to make a complete look.
There is no fixed definition, so the first job in any bridal order is to write down exactly which pieces a "set" means for your customers and your price point.
The core pieces
- Choker or short necklace: sits high on the neck and carries most of the visual weight of the set.
- Long necklace or rani haar: worn below the choker, often layered, usually the heaviest piece.
- Earrings: large jhumkas, chandbalis or drops, sometimes with ear chains (sahare) to take the weight.
- Maang tikka: a pendant on a chain worn along the hair parting.
Pieces often sold separately or as add-ons
- Nath (nose ring), usually with a chain that hooks into the hair.
- Matha patti or passa for the forehead and side of the head.
- Bangles and kadas in the bride's size, often in sets of four, six or more.
- Hathphool (hand harness), bajuband (armlet), kamarbandh (waist belt) and payal (anklets).
Styles and finishes
Bridal sets are made in kundan, polki, American diamond (CZ), temple and antique matte gold styles. Kundan and polki suit North Indian and Pakistani weddings, temple jewellery suits South Indian ones, and AD sets sell for receptions and to brides who want a lighter, sparkling look.
Plating quality matters more here than in everyday pieces, because a bridal set is photographed closely and often kept for years. Ask for the plating type, the base metal and how the stones are set before you approve a sample. Our guide to common quality problems lists what to look for.
Packing and pricing a set
Bridal sets are sold in rigid boxes with velvet or satin inserts that hold each piece in place. Agree the box design, the insert layout and the piece list on the purchase order, so every set arrives complete and no earring or tikka is left out.
Makers usually price a set as one unit, but the price is built from the weight of metal, the number and type of stones, the labour and the plating. If you want a cheaper version, removing one piece, such as the long necklace, often changes the price more than switching style.
What this means for a buyer
Define your set in writing, approve a full physical sample with its box, and check the count of pieces at packing. Creston & Co works for buyers only, for a fixed fee agreed in writing: we visit Rajkot workshops, check plating and stone setting against the approved sample and supervise packing. Start with a free sourcing review.