Indian stone jewelry is known for its heritage, craftsmanship, and style all over the world. This blog explores different ways to style these beautiful pieces, whether for festive occasions, everyday wear, or bold statement looks. From pairing gemstone necklaces with sarees to layering stone-studded bangles for a contemporary twist, the article offers styling tips for all preferences. It also highlights the significance of handcrafted jewelry in Indian culture.
Indian stone jewelry is beautifully decorated and available in various stone and precious metal types. Sterling silver, amethyst, and citrine stone jewelry are a few of many gems seen adorning the runways of Indian Fashion Week 2021. From chandelier earrings to choker style necklaces, adding bold Indian accessories isn’t a challenge. Keep reading to learn how you can achieve high fashion.
Indian jewelry has taken inspiration from culture, heritage, and royalty. Historically, Mughal, Rajput, and South Indian temple jewelry featured intricate designs crafted from kundan, polki, uncut diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and pearls.
Mughal Era : Known for Meenakari and Kundan work, with floral and nature-inspired motifs.
Rajasthani & Rajput Jewelry : Used polki diamonds, jadau work, and uncut gemstones set in gold.
South Indian Temple Jewelry : Inspired by deities, these pieces feature gold-plated copper or silver studded with emeralds, rubies, and pearls.
Tribal & Bohemian Jewelry : Features oxidized silver, turquoise, coral, and semi-precious stones in bold, statement designs.
Here’s a quick guide to some of the most beloved stones in Indian jewelry and their significance:
Stone
Meaning & Symbolism
Best Paired With
Ruby
Passion, love, and strength
Gold, sarees, lehengas
Emerald
Growth, prosperity, and renewal
Green-hued outfits, silk sarees
Amethyst
Spirituality and calmness
Silver, pastel shades, fusion wear
Citrine
Positivity and abundance
Boho outfits, Indo-western styles
Turquoise
Protection and healing
Tribal and oxidized jewelry
Pearl
Purity and elegance
Classic sarees, minimalistic looks
Polki/Kundan
Royal and vintage aesthetics
Wedding wear, bridal attire
☛ A collar-style necklace is the perfect way to accentuate your neckline. This look also allows you to skip earrings and bracelet accessories, since the intricate detailing of your necklace will become the focal point.
☛ You can add a full skirt with a ruffle hem and an all-over embroidered design. This indian stone accessory works best with lighter, neutral colors against darker colors, like white and blue.
☛ You can wear your hair in a sweet half up, half down hairstyle and light makeup. For a royal touch, add a matching, sheer dupatta scarf!
Wear long Indian stone earrings with gold elements
☛ A bold look that consists of long earrings are the perfect way to add an elegant, yet glamorous look to your outfit. You can wear earrings that swing past your cheekbones in a gold-tone, with ruby-inspired jewels.
☛ You can add a collar necklace that sits higher on your chest with a gold dupatta that's pinned in a sache style. Bring out the details in your outfit by wearing clothing pieces that have metallic gold elements.
☛ You can wear a scoop neck dress with long sleeves and embellished, paisley inspired prints.
Sterling Silver Earrings Studded with Semi-Precious Gemstones
☛ A long earring look with rounded stones is unexpected and unique!* Add visual layers with a multi-color, floral print dress that has a sea blue base.
☛ A flowing dress that has an edgy element like a one shoulder or pleated hem will also create a whimsical look.
☛ Wear strappy heels and a shoulder bag that has a chain strap in silver or gold. You can wear your hair pulled back in a low bun to showcase your makeup look.
Sterling Silver Round Shape Pendant
☛ A long, beaded necklace is the perfect accessory to add to your outfits when you want to connect a touch of spirituality to your look. Try wearing a beaded necklace with wine red-like tones.
☛ You can also add necklaces shorter in length to create a layered, pendant look. Since your chain will be on the thinner side, versus chunky, you can add earrings and other accessories without looking overdone.
☛ With this look, you can wear a shawl that has paisley details, highlighting your jewelry. Complete your look with braided thong or t-sandals, if you’re leaning more towards casual wear.
Passion-Purple Choker Necklace with Faux Pearls and Kundan
☛ If you want a street-style mixed with elegance, try wearing an outfit that has more textures than layers. You can wear an embroidered dress in green, black and white, with black booties that have a chunky heel.
☛ Add a solid color dupatta scarf, or one that has printed details to accentuate your dress. Wear embellished chandelier earrings that have multi-color gemstones and chain detailing.
☛ This look is perfect for evenings when you want to dress up, but also stand out from the crown. Add a square clutch with tassel details in gold, to harmonize with your earrings.
Handcrafted Frosted Gold Valentine Post Earrings
☛ Wearing hoop-style earrings is a great way to wear casual outfits with full skirts and crop tops.
☛ A Textured pair of earrings will bring out floral prints and soft colors. Try wearing your accessories with a ponytail or loose waves.
☛ You can choose a pair of earrings with hoop-like elements that aren’t full circle hoops. Or, you can wear large circular hoops with added texture in a beaded pattern.
Designer Triple Hoop Earrings
☛ If you want to add drama to your evening wear look, try wearing long chandelier earrings with beading details. You can wear this look with a formal dress that has floral embroidered details and a dupatta in red and black.
☛ Try choosing a dress that has long sleeves, allowing you to eliminate bracelets, replacing this accessory with a velvet headscarf or dazzling cocktail ring.
Gemstone Chandelier Earrings
☛ For a light, femanine look, you can try wearing chandelier earrings that have long layers.
☛ Try wearing a v-neck style dress with a sheer dupatta scarf and a full skirt. For added layers, you can wear a tiered skirt that has lace and ruffle details. Wear your hair in a sleek ponytail that has a geometric side part.
☛ Add kitten heels or flat, embroidered slippers.
Fine Cut Citrine Pendant with Earrings Set
☛ When creating a festive look, try wearing a long tunic and matching pants in a soft color like peach!
☛ A light set made of breezy linen fabric will allow you to stay comfortable while you move throughout the day.
☛ Add long earrings in a silver-tone that has unique rounded structures. Try wearing your outfit with matching slippers and a braided ponytail.
Faceted Ruby Bracelet with Diamonds
☛ For a more awe-inspiring look, you can wear a gemstone necklace inspired by South Indian Temples.
☛ Try choosing jewels that are rich in colors like purple and green, and finished with silver, copper or gold-tones.
☛ A sterling silver necklace with a striking pendant would pair well with a two piece, cropped outfit, matching dupatta scarf and head jewelry.
Flower Buds Necklace with Earrings Set (South Indian Temple Jewelry)
Styling Indian stone jewelry requires an understanding of color coordination, outfit embellishments, and balance between traditional and modern aesthetics.
Your outfit’s neckline plays a crucial role in determining which jewelry complements it best:
☛ V-neck outfits pair well with layered necklaces or angular pendants that follow the shape of the neckline.
☛ Round or boat neck outfits look elegant with chokers or bib-style necklaces that sit comfortably on the collarbone.
☛ High-neck outfits, such as turtlenecks or mandarin collars, are best styled with statement earrings or bold cocktail rings instead of necklaces.
☛ Scoop-neck or strapless dresses offer flexibility—opt for bold chokers, statement pendants, or even simple stud earrings if you want a minimalistic look.
☛ Collared shirts and blouses look chic with small stud earrings or delicate chains that don’t interfere with the collar.
☛ Deep plunging necklines are best enhanced with long, dramatic necklaces or a maang tikka for an Indo-fusion aesthetic.
Styling Tip: If your outfit has heavy embroidery or intricate beadwork, avoid chunky necklaces and focus on statement earrings or rings for balance.
☛ For heavily embroidered outfits, such as Zardozi or Banarasi sarees, it’s best to keep jewelry minimal. A single statement ring or elegant choker adds charm without overpowering the attire.
☛ For plain or monochrome outfits, bold and vibrant jewelry can make a striking statement. Pieces featuring turquoise, ruby, emerald, or kundan work can uplift a simple saree or kurti.
☛ For pastel-colored outfits, go for pearl, rose quartz, or uncut polki jewelry, which adds an understated yet regal elegance.
☛ For dark, jewel-toned outfits like navy, emerald green, or burgundy, gold and antique-finish jewelry create a rich contrast.
Color Tip: Gold jewelry enhances warm-toned outfits such as red, maroon, and mustard, while silver jewelry pairs well with cool tones like blue, green, and grey.
Mixing different types of jewelry adds depth and uniqueness to your look:
☛ Gold and silver can be paired together—a gold choker with oxidized silver bangles creates an Indo-fusion effect.
☛ Stacking rings and bangles works well when layering thin gemstone rings with a bold cocktail ring or mixing delicate gold bangles with oxidized silver cuffs for a boho aesthetic.
☛ Mixing traditional and modern jewelry creates an eclectic look. Pairing kundan earrings with a Western dress or temple jewelry with a linen saree adds a contemporary edge.
Balance Tip: If you’re wearing bold earrings, avoid a chunky necklace. Let one piece be the focal point.
Layering is a great way to create a multi-dimensional look.
☛ Necklaces : Try combining a short pearl choker with a long emerald pendant for added elegance.
☛ Bracelets : Layer thin gold bangles with oxidized silver cuffs for a modern-traditional blend.
☛ Earrings : If you have multiple piercings, wear a statement chandbali in one ear and small studs in the other for an asymmetric style.
Minimalism Tip: If layering multiple jewelry pieces, keep your outfit simple to maintain a balanced look.
Your face shape can influence which jewelry styles are most flattering:
☛ Round faces look best with long dangle earrings and angular pendants, which create an elongating effect.
☛ Oval faces can carry off almost any jewelry style effortlessly.
☛ Square faces are softened by hoops, round pearl earrings, or curved necklaces.
☛ Heart-shaped faces are enhanced by chandelier earrings and layered necklaces.
☛ Long faces benefit from short necklaces, studs, or wide chokers to balance proportions.
Indian stone jewelry is delicate and needs proper care to maintain its shine, durability, and beauty.
☛ Always wipe your jewelry after each use with a soft microfiber cloth to remove dirt, oil, and sweat.
☛ Store each piece separately in soft muslin cloths or anti-tarnish pouches to prevent scratches.
☛ Keep jewelry away from direct sunlight and moisture—stones like amethyst, citrine, and opals fade with excessive sunlight.
☛ Store silver jewelry separately to prevent oxidation and tarnishing.
Storage Tip : Place silica gel packets in your jewelry box to absorb moisture and protect your jewelry from tarnish.
Each gemstone has specific cleaning needs. Here’s how to care for different types:
☛ Clean with warm water and mild soap using a soft brush.
☛ Avoid soaking kundan jewelry, as water can loosen the setting.
☛ Use a silver polish cloth or a mixture of baking soda and water to clean tarnished silver.
☛ For stubborn tarnish, apply non-gel toothpaste, rub gently, and rinse.
☛ Wipe with a soft damp cloth after use.
☛ Store pearls in separate silk pouches, as they scratch easily.
☛ Never expose pearls to perfumes or hairspraysNever expose pearls to perfumes or hairsprays, as chemicals can damage their surface.
Pearl Care Tip : Pearls retain their luster best when worn often—natural body oils help maintain their glow!
☛ Use lukewarm water and a soft brush to clean them.
☛ Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, as vibrations can crack softer stones.
Emerald Care Tip : Emeralds are fragile due to natural inclusions—clean them only with soapy water, never harsh chemicals.
☛ Clean your jewelry at least once a month to prevent buildup.
☛ Store in individual cloth pouches or jewelry boxes to avoid scratches.
☛ Apply perfumes, lotions, and hairspray before wearing jewelry, as chemicals can tarnish metals and dull gemstones.
☛ Never wear jewelry while swimming, bathing, or exercising, as exposure to water and sweat can damage it.
☛ Don’t store gold and silver jewelry together, as they can scratch each other.
☛ Avoid harsh chemicals such as alcohol-based cleaners, bleach, or vinegar.
Final Tip : A well-maintained jewelry collection retains its beauty for generations—handle each piece with love and care!
FAQs
Indian stone jewelry is known for its intricate craftsmanship, vibrant gemstones, and deep cultural significance. Many pieces are handcrafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Popular stones include emeralds, rubies, sapphires, turquoise, coral, onyx, and semi-precious stones like moonstone, amethyst, and lapis lazuli.
Yes! Lightweight stone jewelry like stud earrings, pendants, and delicate rings are perfect for daily wear. For special occasions, heavier statement pieces add elegance and charm.
Store jewelry in a soft cloth or box, keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture and clean it gently with a damp cloth. Avoid exposing it to chemicals like perfumes or hairsprays.
Yes. A statement necklace, gemstone earrings, or stone-studded bangles can add a unique touch to modern dresses, blazers, or casual outfits.
While it’s often associated with festivals and weddings, stone jewelry can also be styled for casual outings, office wear, and evening events.
Buy from reputable sellers, check for hallmarks or certifications, and look for natural variations in the stones, as synthetic ones often appear too perfect.
Many believe that gemstones like turquoise, amethyst, and coral have healing energies and bring good fortune. Indian astrology also assigns significance to certain stones based on birth charts.
Rajasthan’s Kundan and Meenakari work, Hyderabad’s Paachi and Jadau jewelry, and South India’s temple jewelry are among the most renowned styles.
Kundan, Meenakari, Jadau, Polki, temple jewelry, and silver tribal designs are popular. Navratna jewelry, featuring nine auspicious gemstones, is also widely sought after for its cultural and astrological significance.
The Navratna gemstones include ruby, pearl, coral, emerald, yellow sapphire, diamond, blue sapphire, hessonite, and cat’s eye, each representing celestial bodies and believed to bring balance and prosperity.
India is ideal for buying gemstones due to its rich mining history, skilled craftsmanship, and competitive prices. Jaipur, Mumbai, and Hyderabad offer high-quality certified gems at reasonable rates.
India has a rich history of legendary gemstones like the Kohinoor, Hope Diamond, Nassak Diamond, and Star of India. The country is also famous for rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and moonstones, prized for their beauty, cultural significance, and royal heritage.
Indian stone jewelry is a balance of tradition and style, making it a versatile accessory for every wardrobe. Whether you prefer bold statement pieces or delicate accents, understanding how to pair and style these gems can elevate your look effortlessly. From festival-ready silver jewelry to regal kundan and polki, each piece can be passed on as more than just an ornament. Explore Exotic India’s collection of handcrafted Indian stone jewelry and find the perfect piece to complement your style.
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