Okay, so I have this problem. My jewellery box is basically overflowing with Indian fashion jewellery, but somehow I still feel like I have nothing to wear. Does anyone else have this issue? It’s like having a closet full of clothes but standing there in your underwear going, “I have nothing.”
The thing about Indian jewellery is that it can be intimidating. You walk into a store, and there’s just so much stuff. Shiny things everywhere. The salesperson starts throwing around terms you’ve never heard. Before you know it, you’re nodding along, pretending you understand what “meenakari” means.
But here’s what I’ve figured out after years of trial and error (and yes, some expensive mistakes). Indian jewellery doesn’t have to be complicated. You just need to know what actually works in real life versus what looks good in magazines.
Starting From Square One
Most people think you need to understand centuries of tradition before you can wear Indian jewellery. That’s nonsense. You wouldn’t study French history before buying a croissant, right?
The basics are simple:
- Gold is expensive but lasts forever.
- Silver is cheaper and goes with everything.
- Everything else falls somewhere in between.
There, you’re already ahead of 90% of people.
Different regions make different styles, which is kind of cool, actually:
- Rajasthan does the colourful mirror work stuff.
- South India goes heavy on temple designs.
- Bengal loves its pearls.
But honestly? Most of us aren’t jewellery historians. We just want something pretty that won’t turn our skin green.
Modern designers get this. They’re making pieces that look traditional but work with jeans and t-shirts. Finally, someone with common sense.
What You Actually Need (Not What Magazines Say)
Every jewellery guide tells you to buy “investment pieces.” What does that even mean? I’m not opening a jewellery store. I just want earrings that won’t fall out during my commute.
- Start with simple studs.
Get them in gold if you wear warm colours, silver if you like cool tones. Don’t overthink it. You can always buy more later.
- A basic chain necklace is worth having.
Nothing too fancy, just something that hits around your collarbone. Works with V-necks, crew necks, button-ups, whatever.
The kundan setting style gives you that classic Indian look without being too flashy. It’s where stones sit flush in gold settings for a really clean appearance.
- Bangles are tricky.
Some people love them, others find them annoying. If you’re a bangle person, get a few thin ones you can mix and match. If you’re not, skip them. Life’s too short for jewellery that annoys you.
- Statement pieces come later.
Once you figure out your daily rotation, you can think about dramatic stuff for special occasions.
Regional Styles That Don’t Require a Geography Degree
- Rajasthani jewellery is the maximalist’s dream.
Bright colours, mirrors, lots going on. It’s beautiful but can overwhelm smaller frames. Good for festivals, maybe not for office meetings.
- South Indian pieces tend to be more formal.
Think temple motifs and religious symbols. Beautiful craftsmanship, but know what you’re wearing. Some pieces have religious significance.
- Bengali jewellery often features pearls and delicate work.
This stuff ages well and works in professional settings. My grandmother’s pearl necklace still gets compliments, and it’s older than I am.
- Punjabi jewellery goes big or goes home.
Heavy necklaces, dramatic earrings. Great for weddings, less great for grocery shopping.
- Gujarat and Rajasthan overlap a lot, which confuses everyone.
Don’t worry about it. Just buy what you like.
Making Old and New Play Nice
This is where most people get stuck:
How do you wear traditional Indian jewellery with modern clothes without looking like you’re going to a costume party?
The secret is starting small:
- One Indian piece with everything else neutral.
- A traditional necklace with a simple black dress. Indian earrings with a white shirt. Let the jewellery be the star.
- Mixing metals used to be a fashion crime. Now it’s trendy.
- Silver bangles with gold earrings? Why not? Rules are overrated anyway.
- The filigree work technique creates these amazing, delicate wire patterns that somehow look both old-fashioned and modern.
- These pieces work with almost anything because they’re not too heavy or flashy.
- Layering works if you’re careful.
- Start with one focal piece, then add smaller elements. Too many statement pieces together just look confused.
Shopping Without Getting Scammed
Indian jewellery spans every price point from “I found this in my couch cushions” to “I need to take out a loan.” You don’t need the expensive stuff to look good.
- Gold-plated is fine if you’re not swimming in it daily.
Good plating lasts years. Bad plating lasts weeks. Read reviews before buying online.
- Sterling silver is a safe bet.
It tarnishes but that’s normal, not broken. Silver cleaner costs like five dollars and lasts forever.
- Costume jewellery gets a bad rap but some of it’s really well made.
Just keep receipts in case it turns you green.
- Online shopping is convenient but risky.
Sizing can be weird. Colors look different on screens. Stick to sellers with good return policies.
- Local Indian jewellery stores often have better prices than department stores.
Plus, the staff actually knows what they’re selling.
Keeping Everything Looking Good
Taking care of jewellery shouldn’t require a chemistry degree, but here we are.
- Gold is low maintenance.
Soap and water occasionally. Don’t wear it in the pool because chlorine does weird things to metal.
- Silver needs more attention.
It will tarnish. That’s life. Polish it when it starts looking dull. Store it in those anti-tarnish pouches if you remember.
- Pearls are basically high-maintenance pets.
Wipe them after wearing them. Don’t spray perfume directly on them. They’re organic, so they’re fragile.
- Costume jewellery is hit or miss.
Some pieces last forever, others fall apart if you look at them wrong. Keep them dry and away from perfume.
The Bottom Line
Indian fashion jewellery doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive or reserved for special occasions.
Start with basics, buy what you actually like, and ignore anyone who tries to make it more complicated than it needs to be.
Your jewellery should make you feel good, not stressed about whether you’re wearing it “correctly.”
There’s no jewellery police. Wear what makes you happy and figure out the rest as you go.
