Jhumkas to Chandbaalis: Indian Earring Styles That Are Bollywood Approved!
From the singsongy “Yeh Teri Chandbaaliyan” to Karan Johar’s peppy “What Jhumka”, we can safely assume that Bollywood and India love earrings. They are to Indian jewelry what Shah Rukh Khan is to Yash Raj movies—indispensable. One could probably forgo wearing a necklace to a wedding for once, but never a pair of classic, elegant Indian earrings.
India is known for its cultural diversity, visibly reflected in both the tangible and intangible, especially in Indian jewelry. Different cultures have different types, employ different techniques, and styles, and have different significance. The same is reflected in Indian earring styles.
Unity in Diversity—India and Her Varied Earring Styles
From the dainty and minimal ear studs to the evergreen jhumka earrings to the opulent chandbaalis, India has a vibrant array of earring styles. Allow us to introduce you to the ensemble cast of this blockbuster movie.
Image courtesy: Deepika Padukone via Instagram
As Versatile as Deepika: Stud Earrings
Studs are perhaps the most versatile pair of Indian earrings. From the dainty, ideal for intimate occasions to the elaborate ones worthy of big fat Indian weddings—there is a pair of stud earrings for every occasion.
Studs are ideal for the one who is looking for something statement but prefers their earrings to be the minimalist, lighter side. They are the perfect melange of simplicity and opulence.
Image courtesy: Deepika Padukone via Instagram
Image courtesy: Vogue
As Evergreen as Rekha: Jhumka Earrings
We could claim that everybody has at least one pair of jhumkas in their collection—that is how evergreen and loved these Indian earrings are. Just like the minimal ear studs, there is a pair of jhumkas for every occasion and outfit.
Jhumka earrings come in an array of designs, from plain, simple ones, perfect for every day, to the ornate temple jhumka earrings. There is a pair for every person, irrespective of how individualistic their preference is. Another reason to get a pair (or two) of jhumka earrings if you don’t have one yet: they are apparently the favorites of the evergreen Rekha Ji!
Image courtesy: Vogue
Image courtesy: Vogue
As Classic as Kareena: Chandbaali Earrings
If there’s one pair of earrings that has remained a favorite since the times of Rajputs and Nizams, that has to be the Chandbaalis. Such has been their popularity that these earrings have been reimagined by global jewelry houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels. Chandbaali earrings are also the go-to for Bollywood when it comes to designing its most extravagant costumes. Do we need to say more?
You may also like: Chandbali Earrings and Their Fascinating 200-year History
Image courtesy: Vogue
Image courtesy: Sonam Kapoor via Instagram
As Fashionable as Sonam: Chandelier Earrings
If jhumkas and chandbaalis are the epitome of traditional grace, chandelier earrings are the epitome of contemporary elegance. They are fashionable and versatile; they can be paired as effortlessly with a traditional outfit as with a contemporary dress. Chandelier Indian earrings are ideal for somebody who’s looking for elaborate earrings with a modish touch.
Image courtesy: Sonam Kapoor via Instagram
Indian Earrings and Their Varied Gemstone Styles
Based on their design was one way of categorizing the diversity of Indian earrings. The kind of gemstone(s) they are dressed in is another. Let’s take a look.
Barkha Polki Earrings by Aurus
Polki Indian Earrings
The elegance of polki Indian earrings is incomparable. Unlike traditional cut diamonds, polki/vilandi diamonds retain their original form, preserving the unique characteristics and imperfections that make them truly one-of-a-kind.
You may also like: Why Polki and Indian Fine Jewelry Are Made for Each Other
Barkha Polki Earrings by Aurus
Navratna Ear Studs by Aurus
Navaratna Earrings
Navaratna earrings are the perfect mix of color and traditional significance. These Indian earrings are dressed in the auspicious nine gemstones—diamond, pearl, ruby, sapphire, emerald, topaz, cat’s eye, coral, and hyacinth/zircon.
Gemstones have been associated with deeper meaning since time immemorial and are believed to have healing/protective properties. Wearing them in the form of jewelry is believed to be the most direct way of harnessing their ability. That’s what makes Navaratna earrings not just culturally popular but also significant, especially in many southern and south-eastern Asian civilizations.
You may also like: These Navaratna Indian Bridal Jewelry Pieces Will Add the Wow Factor to Your Look!
Navratna Ear Studs by Aurus
Uttara Pearl and Diamond Earrings by Aurus
Diamond Earrings
Diamond earrings are the epitome of traditional meets contemporary. They are versatile and can be styled with ease with everything from a traditional saree to a voguish evening dress. They are perfect if you wish to make a statement wherever you plan on wearing them!
Uttara Pearl and Diamond Earrings by Aurus
Aadhira Gold Earrings by Aurus
Classic Gold Earrings
If none of the varieties above speak to you, then the classic gold earrings might be the ones for you. Gold is the hero of the show in these earrings, with minimum to no gemstones. Their traditional opulence makes them a wonderful choice for Indian weddings and other culturally-inclined events.
Aadhira Gold Earrings by Aurus
It is a truth now universally acknowledged that earrings are indispensable to Indian jewelry. The great news is that there’s a colorful (both literally and figuratively) array of Indian earrings for you to choose from to celebrate style and culture! We hope you have as much fun building your collection as we did curating this!
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