In Indian cultural fashion, jewellery has always been a key component that transforms an ordinary attire into a royal one. Not only does the appropriate piece of jewellery complement your ethnic attire, it also gives the entire ensemble a unique touch. Knowing how to accessorize your saree, lehenga, or salwar suit for a wedding, festival, or informal get-together can make all the difference.

We prepared this guide to help you accessorize your ethnic ensemble with style and grace while ensuring that your accessories are striking without overpowering the look.

1. Pairing Jewellery with Different Necklines

Choosing the right jewellery for your blouse, kurta, or choli depends in large part on the neckline. You can add harmony and refinement to your ethnic ensemble by matching your neckline with the appropriate jewellery.

V-Neck or Deep Neckline:

• Jewellery Tip: Choose a neckpiece that fills the neckline with layers or a statement necklace. A deep neckline can also be made more dramatic with an intricately designed choker.
• Style Example: To add to the overall regal appearance, match a deep V-neck lehenga choli with a kundan or polki choker.

High-Neck or Boat Neckline:

• Jewellery Tip: Skip the necklace and focus on statement earrings. Large jhumkas, chandbalis, or shoulder-grazing earrings can steal the show without clashing with the high neckline.
• Styling Example: Pair a silk saree with a boat-neck blouse and bold jhumkas for a sophisticated, elegant vibe.

Scoop or Round Neckline:

• Jewellery Tip: A round or scoop neckline looks great with a delicate pendant or a simple chain with a modest centerpiece. Steer clear of necklaces that are too big because they could interfere with the round neckline.
• Styling Example: A pearl necklace or a thin gold chain gives subtle beauty to a scoop-neck blouse worn with a classiccotton saree.

2. Match Your Jewellery with the Saree or Lehenga Fabric

The kind of jewellery you should wear depends greatly on the fabric of your ethnic attire. Your jewellery might be more durable if the cloth is heavier; lighter textiles require more delicate pieces.

Heavy Silk Sarees or Lehengas:

• Jewellery Tip: With rich fabrics like silk, Kanjeevaram, or Banarasi, opt for equally luxurious jewellery such as temple jewellery, gold sets, or heavy kundan or jadau pieces.
• Styling Example: A traditional Kanjeevaram saree paired with gold temple jewellery and a maang tikka can create a regal and traditional look.

Lightweight Fabrics (Chiffon, Georgette, Linen):

• Jewellery Tip: Lighter fabrics look best with minimalist or delicate jewellery. A simple silver or diamond necklace, along with lightweight earrings, will complement the outfit without overwhelming it.
• Styling Example: Pair a linen saree with a silver oxidized necklace and small earrings for an elegant, casual look.

Embellished or Heavily Embroidered Fabrics:

• Jewellery Tip: It's best to wear little jewellery when your ethnic attire has a lot of embellishments. To avoid going overboard, use a delicate necklace or a bold pair of earrings.
• Styling Example: For a heavily embroidered lehenga, go for bold earrings and skip the necklace, letting the embroidery take center stage.

3. Create a Balanced Look

Maintaining balance is crucial when accessorizing jewellery with ethnic attire. Wearing too little jewellery could make the ensemble seem unfinished, while wearing a lot of it from head to toe can overpower the appearance.

When to Go Heavy:

• Tip: If your outfit is relatively simple or plain, you can go for bold, chunky jewellery pieces.
• Styling Example: Adding a heavily beaded necklace and matching earrings to a simplechiffon saree can draw attention to your accessories.

When to Go Minimal:

• Tip: If your outfit has heavy embroidery, embellishments, or bold patterns, it's best to keep your jewellery light and subtle.
• Styling Example: Pair an ornate lehenga with a simple pair of studs or a small pendant to avoid clashing with the heavy embroidery.

4. Play with Colors

Silver or gold jewellery isn't the only options. You can give your ethnic ensemble a unique touch by experimenting with vibrant gemstones. Just remember to carefully choose the colors to contrast or match.

Matching Colours:

• Tip: A harmonious effect can be achieved by matching the color of your jewellery to your attire.
• Styling Example: An example of stylistic coordination would be a red saree worn with a necklace and earrings set with rubies.

Contrasting Colours:

• Tip: Try matching your jewellery to your attire for a striking, stylish effect. Green and pink or blue and orange are examples of complementary hues that can liven up your look.
• Styling Example: For a dramatic, contrast-rich ensemble, wear a navy blue lehenga with an emerald green necklace and earrings.

5. Don't Forget the Hand and Hair Accessories

While necklaces and earrings often garner most of the attention, don't forget the importance of hair and hand jewellery to complete your ethnic look.

Bangles and Bracelets:

• Bangles are a staple in Indian ethnic wear. You can mix and match bangles or opt for a single statement cuff for a more modern look.
• Styling Example: Stack gold bangles with a silk saree for a traditional look, or opt for a chunky silver cuff to pair with a casual kurta.

Maang Tikka and Hair Accessories:

• A maang tikka or hair accessory can add the perfect finishing touch, especially for weddings or festive occasions. Choose a tikka that matches your earrings or necklace for a balanced look.
• Styling Example: A pearl-studded maang tikka paired with a pearl necklace and jhumkas can elevate your bridal saree look.

6. Consider the Occasion

Always choose your jewellery with the occasion in mind. Simpler, more minimalist jewellery can be worn with regular ethnic clothing, yet extravagant pieces are appropriate for a wedding.

For Weddings or Festive Events:

• Tip: Make a statement with chunky necklaces, bangles, chandbalis, jhumkas, and maang tikkas.
• Styling Example: Wear a layered maang tikka, matching earrings, and a Kundan choker with a thick lehenga for a wedding.

For Casual or Office Wear:

• Tip: If you want a sophisticated yet subtle style, go for delicate pendants or lightweight earrings.
• Styling Example: A casual kurta with tiny gold studs or hoops can impart a sophisticated appearance without becoming overly bulky.

Conclusion: Let Your Jewellery Tell a Story

Jewellery is the finishing touch to any ethnic outfit, bringing an extra layer of beauty, elegance, and individuality. Whether you're dressing up for a grand celebration or looking for a chic everyday ethnic style, the right jewellery can enhance your outfit while reflecting your personal style.

Explore Aakritee's Collection for a range of stunning jewellery pieces that complement your ethnic wear, from traditional gold sets to contemporary silver and gemstone designs.