A maang tikka is a head ornament worn along the parting of the hair, with a chain running back into the hair and a pendant resting on the centre of the forehead. A hook at the back holds it in place. It is a standard part of Indian bridal and festive dress and is often sold as part of a necklace set.
Abroad, the main buyers are South Asian diaspora shops and online sellers, with demand peaking in the wedding season and before festivals such as Diwali and Eid.
Common styles
- Kundan and polki-look tikkas with coloured stones and pearl drops.
- American diamond tikkas for evening and reception wear.
- Temple tikkas with goddess motifs, for South Indian weddings.
- Matha patti: a wider version with chains across the forehead, mainly bridal.
- Passa or jhoomar: a fan-shaped ornament worn at the side of the head, popular in Muslim and Punjabi bridal wear.
- Small, light tikkas for guests and for fusion outfits.
Which markets buy it
The UK, US, Canada, the Gulf, Australia and New Zealand all have strong diaspora markets for tikkas, both in shops and online. Some fashion and festival buyers outside the diaspora buy light tikkas as head jewellery, but this is a smaller market. Tikkas are rarely sold in mainstream Western jewellery shops.
What to check
- Chain length suits an adult head; long enough to reach the crown without pulling.
- The hook is strong and smooth so it does not catch the hair.
- Weight is comfortable for several hours of wear.
- Stones and drops match the necklace and earrings when sold in a set.
What this means for a buyer
If you sell bridal or festive sets, ask for a matching tikka option on each design. Creston & Co works for buyers only, for a fixed fee agreed in writing, and checks sets for matching stones and finish. Start with a free sourcing review. For more on sets, see the types of necklace sets made in Rajkot.