Quick Answer
A nose clip (nath) is one of the most personal pieces of jewellery you can wear — it sits at the centre of your face and frames your entire look. The right nath depends on your face shape, skin tone, outfit, and occasion. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, with three stunning new arrivals — Shreya, Mallika, and Ruhi — as your featured picks.
The nath is one of India's oldest and most intimate jewellery traditions. Unlike a necklace or earring, a nose clip sits at the very centre of your face — it draws the eye, defines the profile, and completes a look in a way no other piece can.
And yet, most women find it the hardest piece to shop for. Too large and it overwhelms. Too small and it disappears. The wrong colour and it clashes with your skin tone. The wrong style and it fights your outfit instead of completing it.
This guide changes that. We break down exactly how to choose a nose clip — by face shape, skin tone, occasion, and outfit — and introduce three beautiful new Kundan nose clips from The Shopping Tree that cover every style need.
A Brief History of the Nath in Indian Tradition
The nath has been worn by Indian women for over 5,000 years. In ancient texts, it is described as one of the sixteen adornments (Solah Shringar) of a married woman — a symbol of beauty, femininity, and auspiciousness.
Regionally, the nath takes dramatically different forms. In Maharashtra, the Nath is large, pearl-studded, and connected to the hair with a chain — a statement piece worn at weddings and festivals. In Rajasthan, it is ornate and heavily jewelled, often featuring meenakari work. In South India, it is smaller and more delicate, worn as a stud or small ring. In North India, it ranges from simple gold rings to elaborate Kundan-set pieces.
Today, the nose clip — a clip-on version that requires no piercing — has made the nath accessible to every woman, regardless of whether she has a nose piercing. It sits comfortably on the nostril and stays in place through the day, making it perfect for weddings, festivals, photoshoots, and everyday ethnic wear.
How to Choose the Right Nose Clip: The Complete Guide
By Face Shape
Oval face: The most versatile face shape — almost any nose clip style works. You can wear both small delicate clips and larger statement pieces. Lean into bold Kundan designs for maximum impact.
Round face: Choose a nose clip with vertical elements — a teardrop shape or a piece with a hanging pearl or stone drop. This creates the illusion of length and balances the roundness of the face.
Heart-shaped face: A small to medium nose clip works best. Avoid very large pieces that draw attention upward and widen the forehead visually. A delicate Kundan stud or a small floral clip is ideal.
Square face: Softer, rounder shapes work beautifully — circular or floral nose clips with curved edges soften the angular jawline. Avoid geometric or very structured shapes.
Long face: A wider, more horizontal nose clip adds width to the centre of the face and creates balance. Avoid very small or very vertical pieces.
By Skin Tone
Deep skin tones: Gold-toned Kundan with warm stones — red kemp, green, or amber — looks stunning. The contrast between deep skin and warm gold is one of the most beautiful combinations in Indian jewellery.
Medium/wheatish skin tones: Both gold and rose gold work beautifully. Pink stones, pearl accents, and pastel-toned Kundan complement medium skin tones particularly well.
Fair skin tones: Golden Kundan with white CZ or pearl accents creates a luminous, bridal look. Avoid very pale or washed-out stones — choose pieces with some colour contrast.
By Occasion
Weddings and bridal occasions: Go bold. A full Kundan nose clip with pearl drops or stone accents is the traditional choice. It should be visible in photographs and complement the bridal jewellery set.
Festivals (Navratri, Diwali, Teej): A medium-sized Kundan clip in a festive colour — green, red, or pink — is perfect. It adds colour and tradition without being too heavy for a long day.
Sangeet and pre-wedding functions: This is where you can experiment. A colourful Kundan clip, a floral design, or a piece with a small hanging element adds playfulness to a festive look.
Photoshoots and editorial looks: Statement pieces work best. Choose a nose clip that photographs well — Kundan stones catch light beautifully and show up clearly in images.
Everyday ethnic wear: A small, lightweight clip that sits close to the nostril is ideal. It should be comfortable for extended wear and not interfere with daily activities.
Meet the New Arrivals: Shreya, Mallika & Ruhi
The Shopping Tree has just launched three new Kundan nose clips — each designed for a different style personality, skin tone, and occasion. Here's everything you need to know about each one.
Shreya Kundan Nose Clip — Golden
The Shreya is the classic. A warm, deep gold-toned Kundan nose clip with a timeless design that works across occasions — from bridal to festive to everyday ethnic wear. Its clean lines and rich gold finish make it the most versatile of the three.
The Shreya is particularly beautiful on deep and medium skin tones, where the warm gold creates a rich, luminous contrast. It pairs effortlessly with Kanjeevaram silk sarees, Banarasi lehengas, and any gold-dominant jewellery set.
Best for: Weddings, traditional ceremonies, everyday ethnic wear
Pairs with: Gold-toned jewellery sets, silk sarees, bridal lehengas
Skin tone: Deep, medium, and wheatish skin tones
Shop the Shreya Kundan Nose Clip — Golden
Mallika Kundan Nose Clip — Pink
The Mallika is the romantic. A soft pink Kundan nose clip that brings a feminine, contemporary energy to traditional jewellery. The pink stone catches light beautifully and adds a pop of colour that works particularly well with pastel and blush-toned outfits.
The Mallika is a standout choice for Sangeet functions, pre-wedding shoots, and festive occasions where you want to add colour without going too bold. It also works beautifully with rose gold jewellery sets — a combination that feels modern and cohesive.
Best for: Sangeet, pre-wedding functions, Navratri, photoshoots
Pairs with: Pastel lehengas, blush pink sarees, rose gold jewellery
Skin tone: Fair and medium skin tones
Shop the Mallika Kundan Nose Clip — Pink
Ruhi Kundan Nose Clip — Green & Golden
The Ruhi is the statement maker. A vibrant green and gold Kundan nose clip that commands attention and brings festive energy to any look. Green is one of the most auspicious colours in Indian tradition — associated with fertility, prosperity, and new beginnings — making the Ruhi a particularly meaningful choice for weddings, Godh Bharai ceremonies, and Teej.
The Ruhi pairs beautifully with green silk sarees, emerald-toned lehengas, and jewellery sets with green stone accents. On deep skin tones, the green and gold combination is especially striking — rich, vibrant, and deeply traditional.
Best for: Weddings, Godh Bharai, Teej, festive occasions
Pairs with: Green sarees, emerald jewellery sets, Kundan necklaces with green stones
Skin tone: Deep and medium skin tones
Shop the Ruhi Kundan Nose Clip — Green & Golden
Quick Comparison: Which Nose Clip Is Right for You?
| Style | Best Occasion | Skin Tone | Outfit Pairing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shreya — Golden | Weddings, everyday ethnic | Deep, medium, wheatish | Silk sarees, bridal lehengas |
| Mallika — Pink | Sangeet, photoshoots, Navratri | Fair, medium | Pastel lehengas, blush sarees |
| Ruhi — Green & Golden | Weddings, Godh Bharai, Teej | Deep, medium | Green sarees, emerald jewellery |
How to Wear a Nose Clip Comfortably All Day
A well-fitted nose clip should feel secure without pinching. Here are a few tips to get the most comfortable wear from your nose clip.
- Adjust the clip gently — most nose clips have a small adjustable spring mechanism. Open it slightly wider before placing it on your nostril, then allow it to close naturally. Never force it shut.
- Position it correctly — the clip should sit on the soft tissue of the nostril, not on the cartilage. The soft tissue is more comfortable and holds the clip more securely.
- Start with shorter wear — if you're new to nose clips, wear it for 1–2 hours first to get used to the sensation before wearing it for a full day or event.
- Avoid touching it frequently — the more you adjust it, the more likely it is to loosen. Once positioned correctly, leave it in place.
- Store carefully — keep your nose clip in a small pouch or box to protect the Kundan stones and the clip mechanism from damage.
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Shop Shreya, Mallika, and Ruhi — and find your perfect nath today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a nose clip and how is it different from a nose ring?
A nose clip (also called a clip-on nath) attaches to the nostril using a spring clip mechanism — no piercing required. A nose ring requires a pierced nostril. Nose clips are ideal for women who don't have a nose piercing but want to wear a nath for weddings, festivals, or photoshoots.
Are Kundan nose clips comfortable to wear?
Yes, when properly fitted. The key is to adjust the clip gently before placing it on the nostril and to position it on the soft tissue rather than the cartilage. Start with shorter wear periods to get used to the sensation.
Which nose clip is best for a bridal look?
The Shreya (Golden) is the most classic bridal choice — its warm gold Kundan finish complements most bridal jewellery sets and photographs beautifully. The Ruhi (Green & Golden) is a stunning choice for brides wearing green or emerald-toned outfits.
Can I wear a nose clip every day?
Yes, smaller and lighter nose clips are comfortable for daily wear. The Shreya is the most versatile for everyday ethnic wear. For daily use, choose a clip that sits close to the nostril and doesn't have hanging elements that might catch on clothing.
How do I care for a Kundan nose clip?
Store it in a small pouch or box to protect the stones and clip mechanism. Avoid moisture — remove before bathing or swimming. Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth after wearing. Handle the Kundan stones carefully — avoid knocking the piece against hard surfaces.
At The Shopping Tree, every piece is designed with the Indian woman in mind — her traditions, her celebrations, and her everyday elegance. Explore our new Kundan nose clip collection — Shreya, Mallika, and Ruhi — at theshoppingtree.in and use code BLOG10 for 10% off your order.