What Is a Nose Pin Called? A Global And Cultural Guide
💫 Introduction
Nose pins are more than just a beautiful accessory — they’re a symbol of culture, identity, and personal style that have evolved across centuries and continents.
But have you ever wondered what nose pins are actually called in different regions and traditions? Whether you’re shopping, traveling, or just curious, this guide will help you understand the many names and meanings of this timeless piece of jewelry.
At U ARE, we celebrate both cultural heritage and modern elegance through our handcrafted screw-back nose pins — and today, we’re diving deep into the names behind the nose pin.
🧿 Traditional Indian Terms for Nose Pins
1. Nath (नाथ) – The Bridal Hoop
- Refers to a large hoop-style nose ring, often embellished with chains or pearls. Deeply rooted in Indian weddings, especially in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Bengal, the nath symbolizes marriage, womanhood, and family honor.
- Today, minimal versions of the nath are worn even beyond weddings, paired with sarees or lehengas.
🛍️ U ARE Pick: Luminous Arc Screw Nose Pin
2. Phul (फूल) – The Floral Stud
- Meaning “flower” in Hindi, this style represents delicate floral nose studs often worn for daily elegance in North India.
- Lightweight, soft, and subtle — makes a perfect first nose pin or everyday choice.
🛍️ U ARE Pick: Floral Radiance Screw Nose Pin
3. Laung (लौंग) – The Clove Pin
- A small nose pin shaped like a clove or teardrop, often in gold or silver.
- Typically worn on the left nostril and seen in Mughal and Awadhi traditions.
🛍️ U ARE Pick: Lucky Clover Screw Nose Pin
4. Bali – The Elegant Hoop
- Refers to small circular nose rings that are elegant, clean, and traditional.
- Found all over India — both in everyday wear and festive looks.
- Works well with western and Indian outfits, making it a versatile pick.
🛍️ U ARE Pick: Glimmering Galaxy Screw Nose Pin
🌍 What Are Nose Pins Called Around the World?
- 📍 Middle East: “Shanf” – Popular among Bedouin and tribal communities. Often bold and decorative, used in both nostril and septum piercings.
- 📍 Africa: Septum Rings & Nose Plates – Found in tribes across Ethiopia, Sudan, and Nigeria. Septum rings and even nose plates are worn as symbols of beauty, rank, and identity.
- 📍 Nepal & Tibet: “Bulaki” – Worn in the center of the nose, sometimes hanging like a pendant. Rich in symbolism — often worn during ceremonies or passed down through generations.
- 📍 Western Culture: Studs, Hoops & Septum Rings – Known simply as nose studs or nose rings. Septum rings (worn in the center cartilage) have become extremely popular. Seen as edgy, minimal, or artistic depending on how they’re styled.
🕰️ From Ancient Roots to Global Style: A Brief History of Nose Pins
Nose jewelry dates back over 4,000 years, with roots in the Middle East, where nomadic tribes adorned their noses with decorative ornaments as a mark of beauty and status.
The tradition eventually reached India around the 16th century, brought by the Mughals, and was soon integrated into Indian culture with deep spiritual and societal meaning.
In India, nose pins became:
- A symbol of femininity and fertility
- An integral part of wedding rituals
- A way to honor Hindu deities like Goddess Parvati
- A cultural mark of coming-of-age in many communities
Across time, nose pins have transformed — from being purely symbolic to becoming powerful expressions of identity, culture, and personal style. Today, they’re worn by people across the world — from brides in Rajasthan to artists in London and stylists in New York.
📊 Nose Pin Style Guide: What’s the Difference?
| Style | Description | Traditional Significance | U ARE Style Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nath | Large hoop, sometimes with a chain | Worn by brides, symbolizes marriage | Festive, statement piece |
| Phul | Floral stud design | Daily wear in North India | Feminine, soft, delicate |
| Laung | Clove or teardrop shaped stud | Mughal influence, elegant simplicity | Minimal yet traditional |
| Bali | Plain small hoop | All-India classic | Versatile, modern ethnic |
| Septum | Worn in center of nose, ring or clip | Tribal cultures in Africa, Nepal, India | Bold, edgy, artistic |
🛍️ You can find all these styles reimagined in screw-back form on U ARE's Nose Pin Collection.
🧠 FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between a nose pin and a nose ring?
A: Nose pins are typically studs worn on the nostril, while nose rings are circular hoops or balis.
Q: What are nose pins called in India?
A: They’re commonly called nath, phul, bali, or laung, depending on the design and region.
Q: Is a septum ring the same as a nose pin?
A: No. A septum ring sits in the center, between your nostrils. A nose pin is worn on either nostril.
🎀 Final Thoughts
From the phuls of North India to septum rings of tribal Africa, nose pins are known by many names — each telling a different story.
At U ARE, we craft each screw-back nose pin in 925 sterling silver with optional gold or rose gold plating — celebrating not just beauty, but identity.
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