Evolution of the jhumka design

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 69^th 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

The most classic style is the yellow gold jhumka with filigree patterns, a universally admired design. They can easily be paired with a tunic or a sari and are an “anytime wear” jewelry accessory. If simple is your mantra, these pure 22k gold earrings are the right pick for you.

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.