Types of Indian Earrings for Every Day You, and the Extra in You Too!
Your face is a masterpiece; why frame it with anything less than a showstopper?
Earrings are akin to declarations, the sparkling and swinging kind. Little gold proclamations of mood, magic, and main-character energy. And when you match the right pair to your face shape? That’s when the glow hits differently.
This isn’t a rulebook, it’s a style guide. One that helps you find the types of Indian earrings that balance, flatter, and unapologetically elevate your features. From the classic jhumka to the shoulder-grazing chaandbali, we’re mapping out styles that meet you where your jawline is. Literally.
So pull your hair back, bring your cheekbones to the party, and let’s talk sparkle strategy, the Kumari kind, expressive, regal, extra by design.
Know Your Face Shape (Because Every Sparkle Needs a Canvas)
Before we match different types of Indian earrings to your glow, let’s get familiar with the fabulous geometry that is your face. No measuring tapes, no stress, just a mirror, a little lipstick, and your best “about to slay” expression.
1. Heart-Shaped Face
This face shape is all about contrast; wider at the forehead, tapering down into a delicate, often pointed chin. You might notice high cheekbones and a shape that looks like an upside-down triangle.
The goal with jewellery here is to visually balance the narrower lower half of the face with a bit of drama near the jawline.
2. Round Face
Soft curves, full cheeks, and a circular silhouette from forehead to chin. If your face tends to look almost as wide as it is long, and your jawline lacks sharp angles, this is likely your shape.
Your styling focus? Create the illusion of length and structure with pieces that bring in vertical lines and movement.
3. Oval Face
The most versatile of the bunch, oval faces are longer than they are wide, with gently curved lines and a forehead that’s slightly wider than the chin. There’s no one “feature” that dominates; there’s just balance.
If you have this face shape, nearly every earring silhouette will flatter you, so you get to play without limits. The only rule here? Don’t play it safe.
4. Square Face
Bold, defined, and full of presence, square faces have a straight, angular jawline and a forehead that aligns with the jaw in width. Cheekbones may be strong, and there’s often a sharpness to the angles that gives this shape its power.
Your goal is to soften those strong lines with curves, fluid shapes, and earrings that add a little sway to all that structure.
5. Diamond Face
You’ll spot this shape by its dramatic cheekbones, paired with a narrower forehead and chin. Think of it as a face shape that pulls focus to the centre. It’s striking and sculpted, with angles that demand attention, perfect for earrings that don’t shy away from sparkle.
The idea here is to balance the sharpness of the cheekbones with width or softness near the ears.
6. Long/Rectangular Face
Elegant and elongated, this face shape is defined by its length. The forehead, cheekbones, and jaw are often similar in width, but the face runs longer vertically. It often has a statuesque feel, refined, symmetrical, and ideal for styles that widen rather than lengthen the face.
Your styling strategy? Create volume, and bring in visual “breaks” along the vertical line with structured or layered earrings.
Once you’ve figured out your face shape, the real fun begins, styling your sparkle with intention. Up next? We decode the types of Indian earrings that bring out the best in each face shape. Let’s find your match made in gold.
The Glow Formula: Face Shape Plus Earring Style
Face shapes decoded, now let’s talk earrings that get you. Here’s your go-to guide on the different types of Indian earrings that make every face shape sparkle louder.
1. Jhumkas (The Timeless Darlings)
These bell-shaped beauties are a mainstay in every Indian jewellery box, and for good reason. Their tiered structure and weighty swing add volume where you need it, making them a dream for heart-shaped and square faces. Think bold drama, movement, and that satisfying little jingle when you turn your head.
Rule Breaker: Double up. Who said you can’t stack jhumkas with ear cuffs or studs? Maximalism is always on-brand.
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Styling Insight: Styling jhumkas with Western fits is no longer a fashion puzzle, thanks to modern silhouettes like Kumari’s Dancing Queen, Xmax, and Dervish Rhapsody Jhumka Earrings that blend tradition with a twist. |
2. Chaandbalis (The Crescent Queens)
Crescent-shaped and full of feminine flair, chaandbalis frame the face like poetry in motion. Best worn by diamond and oval faces, their curved form balances sharper cheekbones and brings softness to more angular structures. For a moodier edit, go for antique finishes or add ear chains for a celestial moment.
Rule Breaker: Pair chaandbalis with a high ponytail and oversized bindi. Go bold or go home.
3. Kaanphools (The Side Statement)
These floral ear cuffs trace the edge of the ear and often attach with a delicate chain to the hair or upper helix. Made for long and rectangular faces, they draw the eye outward, creating horizontal interest and giving your profile a soft architectural edge. They’re basically a power move disguised as tradition.
Rule Breaker: Frame one on a round face with a slick bun and no neckpiece to let the ears own the stage.
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Styling Insight: Styling kaanphools or ear cuffs? Sweep your hair back, skip the necklace, and let the drama sit pretty on your ear. Kumari’s Celestial Flight, Lightning Edge, and Blossom Dreams Ear Cuffs are made for spotlight moments. |
4. Balis (The Desi Hoops)
Balis, our original hoops, are simple, circular, and endlessly versatile. Wider ones balance out longer face shapes beautifully, while medium-sized versions flatter pretty much everyone. Add meenakari detailing or pearls for that regal-girl-next-door energy.
Rule Breaker: Who says hoops are casual? Layer a Nath-inspired chain or rock them with a lehenga set to create that instant heirloom edge.
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Styling Insight: When in doubt, balis do the balancing act. They dial up your drama without trying too hard. Go for sleek glam with Kumari’s Swirlies Diamond, Crowning Glory, or Curve Appeal Balis and let your lobes do all the talking. |
5. Buttis (The Sweet Little Studs)
Small in size, massive in charm. Buttis or traditional Indian studs are perfect for round and heart-shaped faces that want subtlety without shrinking their sparkle. Floral, stone-studded or kundan-set versions are ideal for stacking or mixing into a second piercing lineup.
Rule Breaker: Stack them with ear crawlers for a look that says ‘dulhan, but make it fashion’.
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Styling Insight: Studs don’t have to be safe or snoozy; elevate your everyday with Kumari’s Ocean Drop or Heart on Fleek gemstone studs that double up as conversation starters. Perfect for those who want their “buttis” with a bit of bold. |
6. Latkans (The Dangling Drama)
Rule Breaker: Pair with short hair or a pixie cut. Subversive? Yes. Stunning? Always.
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Styling Insight: Who says latkans are just for lehengas? Kumari’s danglers like the Garden of Eden or Infinite in Me are proof that a dramatic drop can dazzle just as well with a cocktail dress as it can with a saree. |
7. Chandeliers (The Layered Royals)
Often mistaken for danglers, but with a bolder structure and more tiers, chandelier earrings have become Indian bridal staples, especially with kundan, jadau, or pearl detailing. They suit oval and long faces best due to their width and fullness. These are earrings that command attention in every light and every mirror.
Rule Breaker: Pair chandeliers with a silk saree, because red carpet drama is the energy we’re manifesting.
Don’t Let the Rules Dim the Drama
Yes, there’s a face shape science to earrings. But let’s be real, you’re not here to follow a formula, you’re here to steal the show. Sometimes, the pair that shouldn’t work with your features is the one that gets the compliments flying and cameras clicking.
Here’s how to throw the “shoulds” out the window and style types of Indian earrings like the maximalist you are:
- Clash Curves with Angles: Wide hoops for a round face and chaandbaalis or a square shape are the way to go. Opposites attract, especially when they’re bejewelled.
- Stack It, Layer It, Multiply the Madness: Who said only one earring per ear? Stack a jhumka with a kaanphool. Pair a buttis stud with a shoulder-duster. Mix gold with meenakari. Layer colour, shape, and texture till your ears are telling a whole story.
- Go Big on Both Ends: Never be worried about overpowering your look, not when you can be everyday extra. Go dramatic with earrings and your outfit. Think chandelier earrings with a ruffled blouse because drama deserves company.
- Flip the Occasion Script: Bridal jhumkas on a brunch date is legendary. Meenakari chaandbalis with your weekday jumpsuit? Totally off the charts. Your jewellery doesn’t need a wedding to make an entrance.
Because the truth is that the different types of Indian earrings don’t come with rules, just sparkle potential.
The Drama Begins at the Lobe
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Statement Earrings in 2025
With so many types of Indian earrings to choose from, jhumkas with stories, chaandbalis with attitude, kaanphools that flirt at every angle, your lobes become the loudest part of your look. And why not? They're where the drama begins.
Forget the dos and don’ts. The shape charts and the styling rules. If it makes your heart skip and your mirror linger, that’s the one.
Because at Kumari, we don't believe in quiet jewellery. We believe in everyday extra, in sparkle that speaks first, and in earrings that don’t ask permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the different types of Indian earrings?
Indian earrings come in a wide variety of styles, each rooted in region, craft, or tradition. Popular types include jhumkas, chaandbalis, balis, kaanchains, kundan studs, meenakari drops, hoops, passa-style earrings, and temple jewellery designs.
- Can I wear heavy Indian earrings every day?
Yes, but with comfort-first styling. Look for lightweight versions of traditional styles, like meenakari chaandbalis or gold jhumkas, and avoid prolonged wear if your ears feel strained.
- How do I style types of Indian earrings with Western wear?
Mix and match is the moment. Pair jhumkas with denim jackets, wear chaandbalis with oversized shirts, or try temple studs with jumpsuits. Indian earrings instantly elevate Western outfits with a cultural contrast that looks fresh, not forced.
- What’s trending right now in Indian earring designs?
Bold layering, mixed metals, kaanchains, and asymmetrical pairings are in. Styling heritage designs like jhumkas and balis with modern fits is also trending.