Types of Indian Jewellery Too Iconic to Skip: The It-List
Remember sneaking into your mother’s jewellery box, heart racing as you lifted her sparkling bangles and oversized earrings, imagining yourself as Poo from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, all bold, glamorous, and unapologetically in charge of the room? There’s something magical about Indian jewellery that does that: it’s not just about sparkle, it’s about personality, attitude, and stories folded into every piece.
From delicate jhumkas that whisper elegance to statement necklaces that announce “I’m here,” the different types of Indian jewellery give you a chance to play dress-up with history, heritage, and a touch of cinematic drama. Every bracelet, every ring, every choker is a tiny time machine, letting you feel like the heroine of your own Bollywood scene, whether you’re heading to a wedding, a casual brunch, or just adding a little flair to your jeans-and-T-shirt day.
Indian jewellery isn’t just an adornment, it’s an expression, a mood, a memory, and sometimes, a little rebellion all rolled into one. And knowing the types of Indian jewellery? That’s your guide to making every day feel like your own iconic scene.
Iconic Types of Indian Jewellery for the Ears
Earrings are like the soundtrack to your outfit; they set the tone before you’ve even spoken a word. And in the Indian jewellery universe, ear adornments hold legendary status. Whether you’re team Jhumkai or the minimalist Balis, there’s something about the right pair that makes you want to toss your hair a little extra.
- Jhumkas
Bell-shaped beauties that have been shaking (literally) through centuries. They’re playful, traditional, and have this way of making your outfit look like you tried harder than you actually did. Pair our Doubled Over Jhumka Earrings with a saree for full drama, or let them be the star against a plain kurta.
- Balis
Understated but never underwhelming, Balis are the clean hoop to Jhumkas’ ornate flare. They’re your go-to when you want to keep it simple, but not too simple. Bali Earrings are perfect for everyday wear, but they can also turn into that “last-minute accessory that saves the outfit” when needed.
- Drops & Danglers
There’s a softness to danglers that feels inherently romantic. Maybe it’s the sway, maybe it’s the way they catch the light at just the right moment. Either way, they add a little poetry to your look. Danglers are perfect for when you want your jewellery to feel just a touch more intimate.
- Studs &Tops
If jhumkas feel like heirlooms, studs are those first little treasures most of us start with. Maybe they were a gift from your mom or dadi, or the first piece you bought yourself; either way, they carry a sense of nostalgia while still being endlessly wearable. Studs bring that sentiment into today’s style language: classic, fresh, and ready to be worn on repeat.
- Earcuffs
Earcuffs are proof that Indian jewellery doesn’t have to play by the rules. They bring in that contemporary silhouette but still pair beautifully with saris, lehengas, or even fusion fits. Our Electric Antlers Diamond Ear Cuffs is a bold statement piece that says tradition and modernity can sit side by side, and look stunning doing it.
- Sui Dhaga
Literally inspired by the needle and thread, Sui Dhaga earrings are delicate yet striking. They slip through the ear with effortless grace and bring just the right amount of movement. Sui Dhaga Earrings are perfect for when you want jewellery that feels lightweight but still makes a statement.
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Kumari’s Pick Lightweight and versatile, these Doubled Over Jhumka Earrings can swing from festive to casual with ease, much like the classics they’re inspired by. |
Traditional and Modern Types of Indian Jewellery for the Neckline
Some say the eyes are the windows to the soul. We say the neck is the perfect display shelf for your personality. In the Indian jewellery hall of fame, necklaces are the statement-makers, from minimal chokers to elaborate bridal haars.
- Mangalsutra
Sacred, symbolic, and deeply personal. The Mangalsutra is more than an accessory; it’s a piece you wear with emotion. Today, you’ll also find modern, sleeker designs that let you wear tradition your way.
- Haar (or Haaram)
Think of this as the Netflix epic of necklaces, long, layered, and full of grandeur. Worn by brides for centuries, but equally at home on anyone who enjoys a little drama in their jewellery box.
- Choker
The cool girl of the jewellery world. Fits snug around your neck, instantly modernising even the most traditional outfit. Great for when you want to channel a mix of runway and royal court.
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Kumari’s Pick Our Cradle Of Love Mangalsutra Necklace is a contemporary twist on tradition, so you can carry meaning with you without giving up your style. |
Timeless Types of Indian Jewellery for the Wrist
Hands do a lot, they wave, they hold, they show off your manicure, so why not give them something gorgeous to wear while they’re at it?
- Bangles
The OG of hand jewellery. Wear them stacked, wear them solo, mix metals, add colours, they’re basically the jewellery equivalent of mood rings for your outfit. Their rhythmic jingle has been part of Indian celebrations for centuries, and they’re just as powerful today when you want that festive, timeless touch.
- Bracelets
Chunkier, sturdier, and often more ornate than bangles, bracelets are for days when you want one statement piece to do all the talking. Think bold diamond cuffs or sleek gold chains that hug your wrist and make every gesture feel intentional. They’re versatile enough to pair with ethnic looks or a sharply tailored blazer, giving your style an instant edge.
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Kumari’s Pick Our Diamond Dream Bangle is simple enough to wear every day, but sparkly enough to catch the light and a few compliments. |
Types of Indian Jewellery That Adorn the Fingers
Rings aren’t just accents; in Indian jewellery, they carry symbolism, sentiment, and serious style power. From the statement-makers to the everyday classics, here’s the lineup that deserves a spot on your fingers.
- Statement Rings
The “look-at-me” piece of the ring world. Oversized, dramatic, and made to be seen, cocktail rings have been a staple at Indian weddings and festive events for decades. A Statement Ring brings all the sparkle without needing any other accessory.
- Solitaire Rings
Minimal, timeless, and universally loved, solitaires are that perfect balance between subtlety and shine. They’ve become as much a part of Indian jewellery culture as bangles, especially as markers of love and milestones. A Classic Solitaire Diamond Ring is proof that one stone can say everything.
- Stackable Rings
Who says less is more? Stackables are all about mixing, matching, and personalising your style. They let you build your own story, one band at a time. From delicate diamond bands to textured gold finishes, our Stack Ring Sets are the definition of playful luxury.
- Gemstone Rings
Rooted deeply in Indian culture, gemstone rings aren’t just colourful, they’re meaningful. Each stone represents an energy, planet, or protection, making these pieces as spiritual as they are stylish.
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Kumari’s Pick Our Navratna Splash Statement Ring reimagines this age-old design with a sleeker, wearable finish. |
- Band Rings
Sometimes it’s not about a big stone, it’s about the silhouette. Band rings are the understated classics: clean, structured, and surprisingly versatile. Think of them as the “white sneakers” of the jewellery world; they just go with everything. Diamond Band is a piece you’ll keep reaching for.
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Kumari’s Pick Our Boss Brilliance Men's Diamond Band is a piece you’ll keep reaching for. |
The Nose Pin: A Fierce Type of Indian Jewellery
In Indian jewellery, few pieces carry as much cultural weight (and quiet rebellion) as the nose pin. Once symbolic of tradition and bridal identity, today it’s just as likely to be spotted at a fashion week front row or styled casually with jeans and a kurta. Whether it’s a delicate diamond stud, a dramatic nath, or a sleek contemporary design, nose pins prove that the tiniest detail can change the whole look, subtle, striking, and forever Indian.
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Who said power dressing is just blazers and heels? Sometimes it’s a single diamond nose pin that does the trick. Whether you’re keeping it minimal or going full bridal, our Flower Fantasy Nose Pin proves the smallest sparkle can carry the biggest statement. |
Anklets: A Nostalgic Type of Indian Jewellery Making a Modern Comeback
Anklets, aka payals, are perhaps the most nostalgic piece of Indian jewellery, carrying with them the soft jingle of weddings, festivals, and everyday rituals. But they’re no longer confined to tradition alone. Today, they exist in modern avatars: dainty gold chains, diamond-studded anklets, and even playful charm designs that slip easily into both festive and everyday wardrobes. Worn barefoot with a sari or paired unexpectedly with sneakers, anklets are proof that heritage can be playful too.
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Kumari’s Pick Our Jamboree Gemstone Anklet is a playful twist on tradition. Studded with vibrant gemstones, it carries the nostalgia of payals but with a modern, free-spirited vibe. Perfect for weddings, festivals, or even with sneakers when you want heritage to meet everyday flair. |
Kamarbandh: A Statement Type of Indian Jewellery for the Waist
Once strictly reserved for brides, the Kamarbandh has officially left the mandap. From the chunky gold Vaddanam your nani swears by to the sleek waist chains Instagram girls are pairing with saris and skirts, it’s proof that sometimes tradition just needs a little remix.
Wearing The Types of Indian Jewellery The Kumari Way
The types of Indian jewellery we’ve grown up with aren’t relics of the past, they’re living, breathing pieces that evolve with us. From heirloom Maang Tikkas to waist chains paired with crop tops, they’re tradition on your own terms.
At Kumari Fine Jewellery, it’s part of your everyday, the power ring you wear into big meetings, the diamonds that catch the streetlight on an evening walk, the bangle you absent mindedly twist while telling your best story.
Our designs blend generations of craftsmanship with a modern, easy-to-wear edge, so your sparkle moves with you, from brunch to boardroom, from quiet days to showstopper nights.
Because we believe the best pieces aren’t just worn. They’re lived in.