AN ANCIENT ORNAMENT STILL IN VOGUE!

Mani Ratnam’s period drama, PS-1, a visual spectacle that captures the grandeur of the Chola dynasty, has broken a few records and set new standards for cinematic entertainment. Amidst all the publicity it generated since its theatre release, PS-1 has been heralded as the next trendsetter for the country’s jewellery scene. 

 

The handcrafted jewellery in silver and gold, studded with rubies and uncut diamonds and marked by the filigree work popular during that era is sure to be the choice of brides soon. The opulence of royal jewellery is indeed difficult to resist. 

 

All major characters, Nandini, Kundavai and Vaanathi, and the queen mothers are shown wearing era-defining jewellery with intricate patterns and designs, all distinctly different. One ornament they all have in common is the jhumka, the temple jewellery that the Cholas made popular with their royal stamp right from 300 BC. Before the Mughals gave it a design makeover, jhumkas were essentially south Indian, beautified with a variety of motifs and precious stones. 

 

So, in the movie, the jhumkas are as vintage as could be. And, offscreen, they are your best choice to add a touch of royalty to your ensemble, especially for festive events or weddings. The stone-studded jhumkas worn by Aishwarya Rai and Trish in the movie can be the style guide as you go shopping for jewellery next time. As you know, jhumkas have an aura of timelessness around it; a combination of the old and the new.

 

So versatile, these ornaments known for their bell shape can be worn with any attire. Though Jhumkas are essentially Indian, they have incorporated western design elements too over these years to emerge as a contemporary design to match any kind of outfit or occasion. 

 

Here are a few jhumka designs that are designed to create an impression of high style and elegance. Pick one for some extra sparkle and jingle. 

 

TRADITIONAL JHUMKA

A simple and traditional jhumka that you can wear with a saree or kurta. Totally fuss-free, it can add its signature style and enhance your looks. With these jhumkas, you easily make a mark of grandeur and stand apart in any crowd. 

 

ANTIQUE JHUMKA

If you are in the mood for an antique piece, after the PS-1 show of the Chola jewels, here is your pick. A beautifully designed antique jhumka studded with red stones! Quite a catchy piece of ornament for your ears any day.

 

DROP JHUMKA

For those who are on the lookout for different design elements for their traditional jhumkas, this is it. This one has red-coloured stones in a rectangular shape to add to the charm. This can match your saree as beautifully as it lends a vintage effect to your appearance. 

 

STUD JHUMKA

A jhumka with a rectangular stone face. Different and stunning, it easily elevates your style status whatever the occasion. Let it sway and swirl, and you are going to love being at the centre of attraction at any event. 

 

PEARLY JHUMKA

Lover pearls? Then, this jhumka is for you. It has green colour stones and can be the ideal accessory for traditional outfits.