Gold mangalsutra and mangalya chains in RR Nagar, Bengaluru

A mangalsutra, also called a mangalya chain or thali chain, is the necklace a married woman wears, with black beads, which are traditionally believed to ward off the evil eye. Its form changes from community to community. Some are a single string of black beads with a gold pendant, some are a plain gold chain with a few beads, and some are long strands with a large pendant. The photos above show a range, from light everyday chains to long antique-finish pieces.

Short or long

A short mangalsutra sits near the collarbone. It is light, comfortable and easy to wear to work and around the house. A long one hangs to the chest or lower and usually carries a bigger pendant, which suits functions and festivals. If you will wear it daily, start from the shorter, lighter designs.

What to look at

• Length. Try it on, because the same chain sits differently on different people.
• Beads. Check how the black beads are strung and how the gold parts are joined, since these take the daily wear.
• Pendant. A larger or stone-set pendant looks heavier and may catch on clothes, so ask how it feels in daily use.
• Clasp. A secure clasp matters more than the design if you wear it all day.

Hallmark and bill

Our gold jewellery is BIS hallmarked. A hallmarked piece carries the BIS mark and a 6-character HUID code, and you can ask us to show you the mark. Ask for the break-up of weight, rate, making charge and GST before you decide. Today's gold rate is on the rate page.

Made to order

If you want a particular pendant, a different length, or want to rework an old mangalsutra, seecustom jewellery. Custom orders usually take 3 to 15 days depending on the design; allow more time around festivals.