Jhumkas are a quintessential Indian earring design that originated as a lavish ornament during the royal era of the Mughals. They remain a traditional style that continues to attract every generation of South Asian descent. They can be found in your grandmother’s treasured jewelry collection and at the same time spotted as a hot favorite among today's leading Bollywood starlets.
The jhumka is designed in the shape of a bell with a large golden drop inside it, accented with a lace like row of golden droplets on the bottom. Famously labeled as an Indian attire jewelry accessory, Sonam Kapoor broke that myth at this year’s 69th Cannes International festival. At the amfAR Gala, she paired her off the shoulder Ralph & Russo sky blue embroidered gown with chunky golden Temple jhumkas and made a head turning fusion statement in the fashion industry. Bringing jhumkas into the limelight, she redefined the grandeur of this earring style.
The earring style became a sensation with the popular Indian song “jhumka gira re” that charmed Indian audiences in 1966. When the popular actress Sadhna danced to this song in the movie Mera Saaya, every girl wanted to have a jhumka. They are an Indian jewelry style featuring diverse designs pertaining to different cultural ethnicities in India. Our Editor gives you the lowdown on the various jhumka designs from the Raj Jewels Collection that have been trending over time.
FILIGREE GOLD JHUMKAS
TIERED GOLD JHUMKAS
The tiered jhumka look is the hottest selling design in 22k gold, also seen on Bollywood celebrities like Aishwarya Rai and Shilpa Shetty. The two and three step jhumkas adds a dash of glam and grandeur to the popular Indian design earrings. Jewelry designers recognize this trend and continue to innovate on this layered design every season.
CONTEMPORARY JHUMKAS
Gold jewelry designers have added a contemporary element to the jhumka by changing the shape of the dome and fusing hanging details. Another trend that is big is the convertible style that can also be worn as a stud by removing the jhumka drop. If you prefer to pick a style that is not conventional, you will fall in love with these earring designs.
SOUTH INDIAN JHUMKAS
Traditional South Indian jhumkas also known as buttalu, usually feature a temple jewelry element, highlighting Hindu Goddess Lakshmi in various designs. One of the rising trends, especially in Bollywood, is gheru finish gold jhumkas, which includes Temple elements along with designs that feature broader domes. Bollywood celebrities from Deepika Padukone, Vidya Balan, Anushka Sharma and Madhuri Dixit have been spotted wearing this design at various events and special occasions.
PEARL JHUMKAS
The addition of pearls into the jhumka style makes it a gala ready design, ideal for wedding celebrations such as Mehndi & Sangeet. Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha's look during her brother's wedding became the talk of the town thanks to her pearl jhumkas. Another trend in this category that has been rising is the Hyderabadi pearls jhumkas that also feature colorful accents. If the white serene gem is your choice, the pearl jhumka earring will bring out your complete look beautifully.
HOOP JHUMKAS
If you like hoops but prefer them with a dangling element, the jhumka hoop style is just the perfect design for you. Wear them with your lehnga or anarkali; they will match the look you desire. They can be customized in various sizes but the larger sizes are more popular. They make a stunning style statement, especially when combined with precious stones such as polki or uncut diamonds.
CHAND BALI JHUMKAS
This is where the chand bali meets the jhumka; by fusing both in the same earring, the combination results in ravishing statement jewelry. The striking design features jhumka drops combined with a crescent moon shaped hoop. These are the perfect earrings when you are looking to make a head turning impact with a minimal amount of jewelry. Celebrities like Sonam Kapoor, Soha Ali Khan and Malaika Arora are strong promoters of this hot style. Uncut diamonds studded designs are hot sellers this season.
MEENAKARI MUGHAL JHUMKAS
Inspired by the queens of Mughal who were cladded with kundan and pachi precious stones jewelry, this is a lavish accessory. The meenakari work (enamel paint) has been a traditional detailing, distinctive to Indian designs. Adding this vibrancy to the jhumka in 22 karat antique finish gold creates an opulent earring style. Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan was seen in these earrings for the Karwa chauth celebrations at her home. If you are looking to add a royal touch, these earrings will not let you down.
EARCUFF JHUMKAS
The full kaan earring is another style, inspired from the golden era of Indian traditions. When combined with the jhumka, it makes marvelous statement jewelry. A favorite among South Indians, Gujratis and Bengalis, the earcuff jewelry design is perfect for weddings and auspicious festivities.
DIAMOND JHUMKAS
While gold and pearls are great defining elements in jhumka designs, diamonds have a precious feel to them. Jewelry designers have taken this earring style to a different level by combining them with this luxurious gem. The trending styles in this category feature Navratna and diamond jhumkas with interchangeable stones.
There is a jhumka made for every woman, every occasion and every outfit. Start building your Bollywood wardrobe and choose a style that connects with you.