Guide to Nepali Jewellery: Tilhari, Potey, Naugedi, Earrings & Festival Traditions
Nepali Jewellery Reference
Nepali jewellery is more than decoration: pieces such as tilhari, potey and naugedi can carry marital, regional, family and ceremonial meaning, while earrings, bangles and necklaces also evolve with contemporary fashion. Meanings vary, so this guide is a starting point rather than a rulebook.
What is tilhari?
Tilhari commonly refers to a traditional necklace associated with married Nepali Hindu women, often featuring a distinctive pendant combined with bead strands. Its use and form can vary by family and community.
What is potey?
Potey refers to glass-bead necklaces widely associated with married women in many Nepali Hindu traditions. Colours, strand count and styling vary, and modern versions can be worn in both traditional and fashion-forward ways.
What is naugedi?
Naugedi is a traditional Nepali necklace style recognised for multiple gold elements/beads. Regional styling and construction can differ, and it is often worn for ceremonial or festive dress.
How traditional jewellery is styled today
Traditional pieces can be worn with sarees, gunyu cholo-inspired outfits, kurtas and contemporary festive wear. For modern styling, use one culturally significant piece as the focal point and keep other jewellery simpler. For bell-shaped festive earrings, browse Jhumka earrings in Australia, including Kundan, pearl and Polki-inspired styles.
Frequently asked questions
What is potey jewellery?
Potey generally refers to glass-bead necklaces with strong cultural associations in Nepali Hindu marriage traditions.
What is a tilhari?
Tilhari is a traditional necklace commonly associated with married Nepali Hindu women; designs vary.
Is Nepali jewellery the same across Nepal?
No. Nepal has diverse ethnic, regional and religious traditions, so jewellery forms and meanings vary significantly.
Can traditional Nepali jewellery be worn with modern outfits?
Yes. Many people combine traditional pieces with contemporary sarees, kurtis and formal wear.
To see where tilhari, potey and other jewellery fit within the wider clothing tradition, continue to our complete Nepali traditional dress guide.
Treat jewellery as culture first, styling second.
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