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Mangalsutra Design All styles

Long Mangalsutra Design: Gold, Double Strand and Wedding Styles

A long mangalsutra design falls below the collarbone, usually from 24 to 30 inches. It is the classic choice for weddings and festivals and sits well over a saree pallu.

Here are 15 long mangalsutra designs: traditional, double strand, big pendant, Maharashtrian and wedding pieces. Each lists an approximate weight and length. Final weight changes with strand length, so ask your jeweller.

Want something lighter for daily use? See short and small mangalsutra designs.

Long Traditional Mangalsutra Design

Traditional long pieces use gold bead groups, carved pendants and a strand that reaches the middle of the chest. See more classic work on our traditional mangalsutra design page.

Long traditional mangalsutra with one large gold vati and gold bead groups
Weight
About 16 g
Length
Long, 26 in
Wear
Sarees

One large vati with small gold bead groups along the strand is a look many grandmothers wore. It still feels right with a cotton or silk saree.

Ask your jeweller: Ask for the gold beads to be solid, not hollow, if you plan daily wear.

Long mangalsutra design in gold with a row of five small embossed coins
Weight
About 20 g
Length
Long, 28 in
Wear
Festivals

Five small coins hung side by side make a wide, old-style pendant. The coins move a little as you walk, which gives a soft shine.

Ask your jeweller: Check each coin ring is closed and the coins do not rub against each other too hard.

Long gold Hindu mangalsutra design with a leaf drop pendant and gold granule work
Weight
About 14 g
Length
Long, 26 in
Wear
Silk sarees

The leaf pendant has fine granule work along its edges. Worn over the pallu, it sits neatly in the centre of the chest.

Ask your jeweller: Look for the BIS mark and HUID on the pendant loop as well as the clasp.

Long Double Strand Mangalsutra

Two strands look fuller and spread the weight of the pendant. They are also safer, because if one strand breaks the other holds.

Long double strand mangalsutra with twin vati and gold spacer beads
Weight
About 15 g
Length
Long, 26 in
Wear
Family functions

Two lines of beads with gold spacers frame a twin vati. A good all-round long design for festivals and family events.

Ask your jeweller: Ask for both strands to end in one shared cap so they do not tangle.

Long mangalsutra with a pear shaped diamond cluster pendant on a double black bead strand
Weight
About 12 g
Length
Long, 24 in
Wear
Parties

A pear cluster of small diamonds gives a modern touch to a long strand. 18k gold keeps the stones secure.

Ask your jeweller: Ask for the diamond certificate and check the 18K750 stamp with HUID.

Gold long mangalsutra design with a black bead strand twisted around a gold chain
Weight
About 13 g
Length
Long, 24 in
Wear
Chiffon sarees

A black bead strand twisted around a fine gold chain gives a rope effect. It looks rich even with a small pendant.

Ask your jeweller: Twisted strands can loosen; ask that the twist is fixed at both ends with caps.

Long Gold Mangalsutra Design With Big Pendant

A big pendant on a long strand becomes the centre of your outfit. These long gold mangalsutra designs show three very different pendant shapes.

Long gold mangalsutra with a big round mandala openwork pendant
Weight
About 18 g
Length
Long, 28 in
Wear
Plain sarees

The 32 mm mandala is open in the middle, so it looks large but stays lighter than a solid disc. A mangalsutra long enough to sit over the pallu, and lovely with plain sarees.

Ask your jeweller: Ask how much of the weight is the pendant alone, so you can compare designs fairly.

Long mangalsutra gold design with a big lotus pendant and small ruby buds
Weight
About 20 g
Length
Long, 28 in
Wear
Festive wear

The lotus pendant has small ruby buds at the base for a touch of red. It suits women who like a traditional but bold look.

Ask your jeweller: Check the rubies are set firmly and ask if they are natural or lab-made.

Latest long mangalsutra design with a big gold triangle in brushed and polished stripes
Weight
About 14 g
Length
Long, 26 in
Wear
Modern outfits

A big triangle with brushed and shiny stripes looks fresh and modern. It goes well with a plain kurta or a western dress.

Ask your jeweller: Ask if the triangle is hollow-backed and how strong the bail is.

Long Maharashtrian Mangalsutra Design

In many Maharashtrian families, the long two-vati mangalsutra is part of the wedding look. Customs vary by family and region. See our Maharashtrian mangalsutra page for more.

Long Maharashtrian mangalsutra with two vati and groups of gold mani on black beads
Weight
About 22 g
Length
Long, 30 in
Wear
Paithani sarees

Gold mani groups along a 30 inch strand give a classic Marathi feel. It looks best with a nauvari or a paithani saree.

Ask your jeweller: Ask how many gold mani are used and whether they are counted in the net gold weight.

Long mangalsutra design with many fine black bead strands gathered in gold caps
Weight
About 18 g
Length
Long, 28 in
Wear
Wedding season

Several fine strands, gathered into gold caps, make a soft rope of black beads. Twin vatis hang at the front.

Ask your jeweller: With many fine strands, ask for a restring guarantee in case one breaks.

Gold long mangalsutra with twin vati cups edged in tiny pearls
Weight
About 17 g
Length
Long, 28 in
Wear
Nauvari saree

Tiny pearls around the vati rims add a soft white frame. It looks graceful with a nauvari saree.

Ask your jeweller: Pearls are soft; ask for a separate pouch and keep them away from perfume.

Latest Long Mangalsutra Design for Weddings

Wedding pieces go longer and fuller. For even more weight and work, see heavy mangalsutra designs.

Long gold mangalsutra for weddings with three layers and a temple style pendant
Weight
About 28 g
Length
Long, 30 in
Wear
Wedding day

Three layers of beads fall at different lengths under a temple style pendant. It fills a deep bridal neckline beautifully.

Ask your jeweller: Ask whether the layers can be split later into lighter pieces.

Long mangalsutra design in gold beads and black beads with a diamond drop pendant
Weight
About 20 g
Length
Long, 26 in
Wear
Reception wear

Gold beads mixed with black beads and a diamond drop give a rich yet modern bridal look. The drop can be worn alone later.

Ask your jeweller: Ask if the pendant is detachable and for the diamond certificate.

Latest long mangalsutra design with gold chain on one side and black beads on the other
Weight
About 16 g
Length
Long, 26 in
Wear
Lehenga look

Gold chain on one side and black beads on the other is a new style many brides like. The emerald drop adds a touch of green.

Ask your jeweller: Check that the chain and bead sides are the same length so the pendant sits centred.

How Long Should a Long Mangalsutra Be?

LengthWhere it fallsBest with
22 to 24 inUpper chestRound saree blouse, kurti
26 to 28 inMid chestSilk sarees, deep necklines
30 in and moreLower chestBridal and layered looks

Taller women can carry 28 to 30 inches easily. If you are petite, 24 to 26 inches usually looks more balanced. A long gold Hindu mangalsutra design is often tied at the wedding and worn on big days after that, though this varies by family.

Longer strands use more beads and often more gold, so weight goes up. Price = net gold weight x that day's rate + making charges + 3% GST. See our price guide for how to read the bill.

Buying and Caring for a Long Mangalsutra

Mangalsutra questions answered

What is the length of a long mangalsutra?

Most long mangalsutras are 24 to 30 inches. They fall from the upper to the lower chest. Bridal pieces can go longer, especially with layers.

Should I choose a mangalsutra design long or short for a saree?

A long design sits nicely over the pallu and suits silk and festive sarees. A short one is easier for daily wear and office. Many women own one of each.

How much gold is in a long gold mangalsutra?

Long gold mangalsutra designs usually weigh 12 to 30 grams, depending on the pendant and the gold beads in the strand. Ask for the net gold weight, which leaves out the beads and wire.

Which is the latest long mangalsutra design?

Right now, asymmetric styles with chain on one side and beads on the other are popular. Detachable diamond pendants and layered strands that can be split are also in demand.

Can I wear a long mangalsutra every day?

You can, but long strands catch on bags and children's hands more often. Many women keep a long piece for functions and wear a short one daily.

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