Jhumkas to Chandbaalis: Indian Earring Styles That Are Bollywood Approved!

Published: Tue, Mar 19, 2024

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.

share:

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!

Read more from our journal

A Celebration of Craft and Modern Creativity: Aurus Presents Raw Mango in Amdavad
When garments and jewels—two realms of personal adornment—come together, they create a dialogue that speaks to histor... read more
5 Minutes
Must-Haves Statement Earrings in Your Indian Wedding Jewelry Collection
The glittering diamonds have gracefully weaved their way into the heart of Indian bridal jewelry amidst the allure an... read more
5 Minutes
Bridal Stylists Share Their Top Styling Tips for Chokers
Adorned with jewelry from head to toe, an Indian bride truly embodies the epitome of elegance. Gracefully carrying th... read more
4 Minutes
How a Bridal Stylist Guides You to Wedding Jewelry Perfection
A wedding is a celebration of love, a day when dreams take flight, and emotions run high. It’s a culmination of dream... read more
3 Minutes
How Gemstones Add Vibrance to Your Indian Bridal Jewelry
Renowned for its exquisite beauty and vibrant hues, Indian bridal jewelry is a mesmerizing embodiment of age-old trad... read more
4 Minutes
Master the Art of Indian Bridal Jewelry Styling With This Guide
The air is filled with the aroma of sumptuous food, the venue decorated with flowers and drapes, happy faces decked u... read more
2 Minutes
The Amdavad Trail: Experiencing the Jewel of a City in Its Most Unfiltered Essence
Aurus Amdavad Trail - an experience curated to share the pulse of this 600 year old lived city for 30 special guests ... read more
3 Minutes
These Navaratna Indian Bridal Jewelry Pieces Will Add the Wow Factor to Your Look!
For centuries, India has been renowned for its intricate adornments that transcend mere ornamentation, serving as pow... read more
4 Minutes
Want Hassle-Free Wedding Jewelry Shopping? Hire a Bridal Stylist!
Weddings mean endless joy, a number of festivities, and of course shopping. Wedding shopping is a whirlwind of excite... read more
3 Minutes
Heavy or Minimal? Tips To Choose Indian Bridal Jewelry That Speaks to You
When striving to create a captivating Indian bridal jewelry look for your special day, you might ponder on the delica... read more
4 Minutes
Jewels of Tradition: The Perfect Indian Bridal Jewelry Gifts for Your Daughter’s Big Day
A woman’s wedding day is undoubtedly one of the most important days of her life. But there’s one person for whom this... read more
3 Minutes
Hiring a Bridal Stylist? Here Is What You Should Ask
When it comes to planning a wedding, every detail matters. From the venue to the flowers, each element contributes to... read more
3 Minutes
3 Dazzling Earrings That Are the Ultimate Indian Wedding Jewelry Game Changers
Indian weddings are a vibrant celebration of love, tradition, and grandeur, where every detail is meticulously crafte... read more
4 Minutes
Your Guide to the Perfect Indian Bridal Jewelry: Minimalist Bride Edition
The modern Indian bride is different. She’s independent, fearless, and knows what she wants. She expresses herself fr... read more