The mangalsutra is the most important of the five signs of marital status of a woman, the others being toe rings, kumkum, bangles and a nose ring.
In a Telugu Matrimonial the 'pustelu' is also referred to as 'thaali', 'thaaly', 'maangalyam' or 'mangalsutram'.
Traditional Mangalsutras: The traditional mangalsutra consists of black beads strung on a gold thread.
Telugu brides wear two thaalis.
One is a plain gold chain with a semi-circular pendant while the other is a chain with black beads.
The older generation Telugu women chose to add some gold every year to their original mangalsutra; the increased length and weight of which would showthe number of years they had been married.
Traditional Designs: The design of the mangalsutra in a Telugu Matrimonial varies from family to family.
In Shivite families the design of the tulasi goddess is highlighted while some have the Shiva lingam.
For Vaishnavites the design consists of U or Y pattern thiruman (tilak) with sanku and chakram on both sides.
There are different forms of this jewellery called Pottuthaali, Lakshmi thaali, Kumbhathaali, Elathaali etc.
Modern Trends: With changing times and varying needs of women the concept of wearing the traditional mangalsutra has undergone a lot of change.
These days one can find a dramatic transformation in the style and make of the mangalsutras.
The modern day mangalsutra is more of a fashion statement than a symbol of marriage.
Seldom does a working woman don a mangalsutra over her stylish business suit.
The trend is to wear short, sleek and single string mangalsutras with or without a pendant.
Some women try to match the mangalsutra with the type of clothes and other jewellery accessories worn by them.
Diamond Mangalsutras: It is the dream of every bride to own a mangalsutra with a stunning diamond pendant.
Cast in platinum and white gold a diamond mangalsutra is a very popular choice and gives the bride a very feminine touch.
Designs vary from exquisite diamond pendants to intricately designed filigree work studded with diamonds and precious stones like rubies and emeralds.
Layered Chains: Nowadays two layered chains beaded with gold balls and black beads is a new trend.
A 22 carat gold mangalsutra designed with detailed filigree patterns and alternative gold and black beads in a double layered fashion is very much in vogue.
Fancy Mangalsutras: The old fashion single chain mangalsutras are being exchanged for the more fancy ones.
A fashionable 22 carat gold mangalsutra in three layers with alternate patch style in black cylindrical beads and gold cup chain is an eye catcher.
Another popular choice these days is a 22 carat fancy gold mangalsutra of contemporary design with colored stones and beautiful meenakari work.
Gone are the days when Telugu brides wore a single gold chain with black and gold beads as their mangalsutras.
Nowadays they are going in for the latest trends in mangalsutras- making a fashion statement for themselves!