Nose Ring (Nath) Guide: Clip-On vs Pierced and How to Wear

A nath is the Indian nose ring: a hoop or stud, often set with Kundan stones, with a fine support chain that runs back to a hook or pin in the hair. The biggest choices when buying one are how it fastens (clip-on or pierced) and how large it is, because a nath that is too heavy for the nostril or too wide for the face pulls the whole look off balance. This guide covers both, plus how to wear the chain and when to pick a small nose ring over a full bridal nath.

What is a nath?

"Nath" is the Hindi word for a nose ring, and in jewellery listings it usually means the larger bridal piece worn with a wedding outfit. A smaller hoop or stud is more often called a nose ring or nose pin. Many naths carry a thin chain from the nose to a hook or pin in the hair above the ear, and that chain takes the weight of the ring off the nostril. Sirini's nath collection covers both: small Kundan nose rings and bigger bridal naths with pearl beads and layered chains.

Clip-on or pierced: which should you choose?

A pierced nath goes through an existing nose piercing. A clip-on nath grips the nostril without a piercing, which makes it the practical choice for a bride, bridesmaid or guest who does not have one. Sirini's product pages say whether a piece is clip-on or pierced-style, and some list both as options, so check the product options before you order. Whichever you choose, the support chain does the same job: it hooks into your hair so the ring does not drag on the nostril.

If you have never worn a clip-on, try it on at home for an hour before the day, because comfort differs from person to person.

Small nose ring or bridal nath?

A small Kundan nose ring is light, easy to wear to a sangeet, a festival or a reception, and works with almost any outfit. A bridal nath is wider, often adds pearl strands or a layered chain, and is meant to be the focal point of a wedding-day look.

Pieces to look at

For a simple hoop, the Gold-Plated White Kundan Nose Ring, the Pink version and the Emerald version start from Rs 880. For a bridal look, the Rajasthani and Mughal Bridal Nath is Rs 3,040, and the Pink Kundan Studded Multi Colour Pearl Bead Triple Layer Chain Nath Nosepin is Rs 3,952. Stock changes, so check the product page for current availability.

How to wear a nath

Wear a pierced nath on the pierced side; a clip-on can go on either side. Hook the chain into your hair level with your ear, or near maang tikka height, so it hangs in a soft curve rather than pulling tight. Keep earrings simple when the nath is large so the two do not compete, and match the stone colour to your maang tikka or passa. A clear Kundan nath works with any outfit colour, while coloured stones look best when they echo the rest of the set.

Putting it on and keeping it safe

A nath sits close to make-up and perfume, so put it on only after your base make-up and scent have dried. Wipe it with a soft dry cloth after wearing, and store it flat in its own pouch so the hoop and chain do not bend or tangle. Our care guide for imitation jewellery has more.

Pairing a nath with the rest of a bridal look

The nath is one piece in a larger set. Most brides wear it with a maang tikka, a necklace set and earrings, and some add a passa. Our bridal jewellery checklist lists every piece function by function, and the Maharashtrian bridal jewellery checklist explains how the nath fits a Maharashtrian look. For terms such as passa and mathapatti, see the Indian jewellery glossary.

Common questions

What is the difference between a nath and a nose ring?

"Nath" is the Hindi word for a nose ring. In shops it usually means the larger bridal style, often with a support chain, while a small hoop or stud is called a nose ring or nose pin.

Can I wear a nath without a nose piercing?

Yes, if you choose a clip-on version. Check the product options on the page, because some pieces are listed as pierced-style only.

What is the chain on a nath for?

It hooks into your hair and carries the weight, so the ring does not pull on your nostril.

Which side should I wear a nath on?

A pierced nath goes on the pierced side, and a clip-on can go on either side. Hook the chain into your hair level with your ear.

Is Sirini's nath real gold?

No. Every Sirini nose ring is gold-plated imitation jewellery over a brass or copper base, set with hand-set Kundan-style stones. We do not sell real gold, real diamonds or moissanite.

Is there a nose ring under Rs 1,000?

Yes, several Kundan nose rings are priced below Rs 1,000 and are gathered on the gifts under Rs 1,000 page. Check the page for what is in stock.

Browse the full nath collection, or shop the complete look in our bridal jewellery collection. All Sirini jewellery ships across India for a flat Rs 150 with Cash on Delivery on eligible orders; exchanges are accepted within 7 days for defective, damaged or wrong items.