_Last updated: 25 June 2026_
A bugadi is a traditional Maharashtrian earring that is worn higher up than a regular earring; it will typically sit on the cartilage (the curved area of your ear) and not on your lobe. Traditionally a bugadi was worn through a small piercing in the upper-ear helix. Today, however, many new clip-on bugadi styles are available, not requiring any unnecessary piercings. Nuyug is a company that offers lightweight, skin-friendly clip on, or upper ear earring styles, that allow you to achieve this style without the use of a needle.
What is a bugadi earring?
A bugadi is a type of small, decorative earring that is worn at the top of the ear (rather than on the ear lobe). It is a very distinctive ornament that is part of Maharashtrian and Marathi culture, as it represents cultural pride and festive attire, along with beautiful bridal garments.
The form rose to prominence during the Maratha and Peshwa eras, when regional craftsmanship flourished across Maharashtra. This same upper-ear ornament also appears in South Indian dress, where it is often called a koppu in Tamil, so the bugadi belongs to a wider family of heritage ear jewellery.
Traditionally bugadis are small and have a curvature that causes the light to reflect off the cartilage area of your ear if they are made of pearls or gemstones, depending upon the design you choose. Also, bugadis are worn higher than traditional earlobe studs/jhumkas and when matched with an earlobe stud (or jhumka) you create additional layering on your ear.
Do bugadi earrings need a piercing?
The traditional way to wear a bugadi was with a specific helix piercing that passed through the upper ear cartilage. However, in modern times, you do not have to have a hole in your ear because there are now styles available (such as clip-on and press on) that can be attached to your ear without a hole.
A clip-on bugadi works with a small hinged clip or a gentle spring-pressure mechanism that pinches lightly onto the cartilage edge. Press-on and pin-style designs hug the rim of the ear and stay put through friction, so they hold securely while remaining removable in seconds.
For this reason, bugadis currently reside comfortably in the overall non piercing earring category along with the other two types of earrings - clip on and ear cuff. You have all of the same traditional upper ear placement and silhouette but without having to pierce and heal. If you like the look of bugadis without having to pierce, check out lightweight clip on styles in this earrings collection.
What are the types of bugadi?
Bugadis offer a wide range of pin types, which include contoured, detailed curved designs and some are embellished or coloured. In addition, you will find many other pin details that can enhance the way you wear a bugadi!
Traditional pearl bugadi
The pearl bugadi is one of the earliest examples of an ear ornament. It is made from a semi-circular frame with multiple small pearls along the edges of the frame that follow the outline of the upper portion of the ear. A pearl bugadi can be worn with a Nauvari saree and nath to complete an authentic Maharashtrian bride's look. Pearl bugadis are gentle and delicate and weigh very little on the cartilage in comparison to other types of earrings.
Kundan and AD bugadi
The kundan bugadi has a traditional appeal, setting uncut-look stones in gold-tone frames for the rich feel associated with bridal jewellery. The American diamond (AD) versions use faceted cubic-zirconia stones that throw a bright sparkle under festive lighting. Both styles read dressier than plain pearl bugadis, which makes them well suited to weddings and receptions.
Clip-on bugadi
The Bugadi clip-on earring is a no-piercing option that allows anyone to achieve the same look quickly. It is attached to your helix with either a small clip or pressing it into place, and you take it off at the end of the day. This is suitable for anyone interested in wearing traditional bugadi-style earrings but who do not want to have them permanently pierced in their cartilage.
Contemporary bugadi
Contemporary Bugadis are designed to offer a streamlined modern look and are suitable for everyday celebrations. Bugadi may be made with materials that are heavier in weight and provide support for wearers of Kurtas, Fusion (traditional + contemporary) clothing as well as Indo-Western styles. Bugadi are a great way for younger wearers to enjoy culturally significant jewellery while exploring newer designs available across the full jewellery range.
How do you wear bugadi earrings?
Wearing a bugadi takes seconds, especially the clip-on kind. Follow these simple steps.
- Choose a location on your ear. You can place a bugadi on the outer part of your ear cartilage.
- Open the clip or gently press the clip open. To open the clip, gently pull apart the hinges, then place the press onto the outside of the ear cartilage.
- Place the bugadi onto the helix of your ear. Position the bugadi so that it is pushed against the top of the cartilage; allow the clip or spring to snap into place.
- Make sure the clip is snug, but not pinching your ear. If the clip is not positioned with the design facing out, reposition it.
- Add to your look if desired by stacking it with a small stud or with a jhumka.
To complete the look and create an authentic Maharashtrian appearance, wear a nath or nose ring along with a draped nauvari or paithani saree. When creating your hairstyle, sweep the hair either back towards the back, to one side of your head, or to both sides of your head. In this way, it will showcase your upper ear ornament.
Bugadi vs jhumka vs regular studs - what's the difference?
The different styles of earrings (described below) result in different positions on the ear, as well as different overall looks. Refer to the table below for a summary.
| Style | Where it sits | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bugadi | Upper ear / helix cartilage | Maharashtrian and festive heritage looks |
| Jhumka | Earlobe, with a hanging bell drop | Statement traditional and bridal wear |
| Regular studs | Earlobe, sitting flat | Everyday minimal and layering base |
A bugadi is different because it is worn on the top of the ear, which allows you to wear it in combination with a jhumka or stud underneath, creating an overall layered look.
Which occasions suit bugadi?
The Bugadi earrings are designed with a festive celebration or special occasion in mind, and not everyday wear to the office. The Bugadi earrings stand out when you are looking for a heritage-based earware to wear for a special occasion.
A signature piece of a Maharashtrian wedding look will include a Nauvari or a Paithani saree, nath & mangalsutra. In addition to being an important part of weddings, a bugadi is also used to enhance haldi and mehendi ceremonies; to enhance outfits worn during the nine nights of Navratri (Nine days of the Navratri festival); and for use during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Pearl or kundan bugadis help provide the finishing touch to all traditional outfits worn by women during festive gatherings with family members and during puja ceremonies.
Are clip-on bugadis comfortable (do they hurt)?
When worn properly, clip-on earrings should feel comfortable without causing pain. The spring or clip portion was designed to hold the earring in place using gentle pressure against the cartilage of your ear; therefore clip-on earrings do not exert excessive force (or squeeze) on your cartilage.
Having a lightweight bugadi is an essential factor for comfort so you will want to look for good quality thin bugadis that are well balanced and do not pull down nor hang heavy on the rim. If the clip is very snug at first, you can reposition it from side to side with the firmer side (the outer edge of the helix) to ease the tension until you find a more comfortable position, and also take breaks from the clip for a few minutes periodically while at an extended function. The finish on your bugadi also affects how your skin tolerates the metal for long periods of time. Nuyug has a hypoallergenic, anti-tarnish e-coat over heavy gold plating that keeps the bugadi comfortable against sensitive skin while wearing for long periods of time.
Curated Picks
Nuyug's clip-on bugadi styles:
