Types of Kundan Earrings — Chandbali, Jhumka, Studs & Polki Styles (2026)

Key Takeaways

  • Kundan earrings are traditional Indian earrings featuring glass or gemstones set in gold foil using the Rajasthani kundan technique, available in chandbali, jhumka, stud, dangler, hoop, and ear cuff styles.
  • Kundan polki earrings use uncut diamonds and are the most premium variety, while plain kundan earrings use glass stones for an affordable luxury look.
  • Different kundan earring types suit different face shapes — chandbalis for heart-shaped, jhumkas for oval, and studs for round faces.
  • Such regal studs work for weddings, festivals, office wear, and even fusion styling with western outfits.
  • Glamaya offers 50+ kundan earring designs starting at Rs. 199 with free shipping and a 7-day return policy.

Table of Contents

  1. What Are Such regal danglers?
  2. Types of These gemstone studs
  3. Kundan Polki Earrings vs Plain These gemstone studs
  4. How to Style Such regal danglers for Weddings
  5. How to Style These gemstone pieces for Daily and Festive Wear
  6. Best Face Shapes for Each Kundan Earring Type
  7. How to Match This earring style with Different Outfits
  8. How to Care for and Clean Such regal studs
  9. How to Spot Authentic These ornate pieces
  10. Where to Buy These gemstone pieces Online
  11. Frequently Asked Questions About Gemstone-set studs

Kundan earrings are among the most versatile and beloved jewellery pieces in every Indian woman’s collection. From grand chandbali designs worn at weddings to delicate studs paired with office kurtis, these traditional drops bridge the gap between traditional Rajasthani craftsmanship and modern fashion sensibilities. Indeed, the distinctive gold-bordered stone settings of kundan earrings make them instantly recognisable and perpetually stylish. Furthermore, with the rise of affordable fashion jewellery, such embellished designs are now accessible to women of every budget. In this comprehensive guide, we explore all types of kundan earrings — chandbali, jhumka, studs, danglers, hoops, and ear cuffs — along with face shape recommendations, outfit pairing tips, and care instructions for 2026.

What Are These artisan earrings?

Kundan earrings are traditional Indian earrings made using the kundan stone-setting technique, where glass, semi-precious, or precious stones are set into a gold (or gold-plated) framework using thin gold foil and a lac resin core. The term “kundan” refers to the highly refined 24-karat gold foil used to border each stone. Furthermore, these gemstone studs originated in the royal workshops of Jaipur, Rajasthan, during the Mughal era (16th century). As a result, they carry an inherent regal and luxurious aesthetic that transcends trends.

Additionally, these heritage ear accessories are distinguished from other earring styles by their flat, bordered stone settings and warm gold colour palette. In contrast to prong-set Western earrings, such regal danglers use the pressure of gold foil wrapped around each stone to secure it in place without visible claws. Moreover, the lac core beneath provides structural support, allowing artisans to create intricate multi-stone patterns on this earring style of all sizes and shapes.

In the Indian jewellery market, these gemstone studs account for a significant portion of bridal and festive jewellery sales. For example, according to industry data, “these ornate pieces” receives over 14,800 monthly searches in India alone. Consequently, jewellery stores like Glamaya maintain extensive kundan earring collections to meet this consistent demand throughout the year.

Types of Gemstone drops

these gemstone studs come in a remarkable variety of silhouettes, sizes, and designs. Each type of kundan earring serves different occasions, face shapes, and styling needs. Below is a comprehensive overview of every major kundan earring type available in 2026.

Kundan Chandbali Earrings

Kundan chandbali earrings feature a crescent-moon (chand) shaped frame studded with kundan stones and often adorned with pearl drops along the bottom edge. Furthermore, chandbali such traditional studs are the most dramatic and regal earring style, making them the top choice for bridal and wedding looks. Additionally, kundan chandbali earrings typically measure 6 to 10 centimetres in length and weigh 20 to 40 grams. Specifically, these gemstone-set studs pair best with lehengas, heavy silk sarees, and Anarkali suits. Explore kundan chandbali designs at Glamaya.

Kundan Jhumka Earrings

Kundan jhumka earrings combine the bell-shaped jhumka silhouette with the elegant kundan stone-setting technique. As a result, these these gemstone studs offer the graceful movement of jhumkas with the luxurious sparkle of kundan work. Furthermore, kundan jhumka designs range from small daily-wear sizes (3 cm) to large bridal statement pieces (8+ cm). Moreover, kundan jhumka earrings are the most versatile type because they suit both traditional sarees and modern kurtis equally well. Discover the kundan jhumka collection at Glamaya.

Kundan Stud Earrings

Kundan stud earrings are small, flat earrings that sit directly against the earlobe without any hanging or dangling elements. Additionally, these these Rajasthani earrings are the most comfortable for all-day wear because of their minimal weight (typically 3 to 8 grams). Moreover, kundan studs are perfect for office settings, casual outings, and as a subtle ethnic touch with western outfits. Explore kundan stud designs at Glamaya.

Kundan Dangler Earrings

Kundan dangler earrings feature a stud or hook top with one or more hanging kundan-set elements that dangle below the earlobe. Furthermore, these these gemstone studs provide more movement and visual interest than studs while remaining lighter than chandbalis or jhumkas. Moreover, kundan danglers are ideal for parties, dinner dates, and semi-formal Indian events. Browse kundan dangler earring designs at Glamaya.

    Kundan Hoop Earrings

    Kundan hoop earrings feature a circular or semi-circular frame adorned with kundan stone settings along the front face. Additionally, these regal ear ornaments bridge traditional Indian and contemporary Western aesthetics beautifully. Moreover, kundan hoops are becoming increasingly popular for fusion styling — pair them with denim jackets and maxi dresses for a boho-luxe vibe. Explore hoop earring designs at Glamaya.

    Kundan Ear Cuff Earrings

    Kundan ear cuffs are statement kundan earrings that wrap around the outer ear edge, creating a dramatic, contemporary look. Furthermore, these these traditional drops do not require ear piercings, making them accessible to everyone. Moreover, kundan ear cuffs are a favourite among fashion influencers and Bollywood stylists for red carpet and editorial looks. Consequently, kundan ear cuff designs represent the cutting edge of traditional-meets-modern Indian jewellery design.

    Kundan Polki Earrings vs Plain These polki-style pieces

    Shoppers often confuse kundan polki earrings with regular kundan earrings. While both use the kundan setting technique, the stone type and pricing differ significantly. Below is a detailed comparison to help you choose.

    Feature Kundan Polki Earrings Plain Kundan-set studs
    Stone Type Uncut natural diamonds (polki) Glass, crystal, or semi-precious stones
    Base Metal Pure gold (22K) Gold-plated brass or copper
    Price Range Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 5,00,000+ Rs. 199 – Rs. 1,499
    Sparkle Natural diamond shimmer (subtle, organic) Glass reflection (bright, uniform)
    Weight Heavy (real gold + lac) Light to medium
    Durability High (real materials) Moderate (plating wears over 2-5 years)
    Best For Investment, heirloom, high-budget weddings Fashion wear, festivals, budget weddings
    Resale Value Yes (gold + diamond value) No (fashion jewellery)

    In summary, kundan polki earrings are luxury investment pieces for once-in-a-lifetime occasions. However, plain kundan earrings from stores like Glamaya deliver the same stunning visual impact for daily fashion at a fraction of the cost. Indeed, many savvy brides purchase fashion-grade such embellished designs for pre-wedding events and save their budget for one hero polki piece at the main ceremony.

      How to Style Kundan Earrings

      Kundan earrings are the cornerstone of Indian bridal jewellery styling. The right pair of these artisan earrings can elevate your wedding outfit from beautiful to breathtaking. Here are specific styling tips for different wedding events.

      Such regal danglers for the Main Ceremony

      For the main wedding ceremony, choose large kundan chandbali earrings or heavy kundan jhumkas that make a dramatic statement. Additionally, match your kundan earrings with a coordinating kundan necklace set and maangtikka for a cohesive bridal look. Moreover, choose these heritage ear accessories with multi-coloured stones that complement your lehenga or saree colours. Explore coordinated kundan combo sets at Glamaya.

      This earring style for Sangeet and Mehndi

      Pre-wedding celebrations call for slightly lighter kundan earrings that allow comfortable dancing. Furthermore, medium-sized kundan jhumka or kundan dangler earrings are ideal because they provide movement and sparkle without excessive weight. Moreover, choose vibrant stone colours — pink, green, and turquoise — for mehndi events. Consequently, these colourful gemstone drops photograph beautifully in candid shots.

      These ornate pieces for Reception

      At the reception, a sleek pair of kundan hoop earrings or contemporary kundan ear cuffs creates a modern, glamorous look. Additionally, white and clear-stone kundan earrings complement evening gowns and contemporary reception lehengas beautifully. Furthermore, such traditional studs with pearl drops add sophistication to reception styling without appearing too traditional.

      How to Style Gemstone-set studs for Daily and Festive Wear

      Kundan earrings are not limited to weddings alone. Lighter styles work beautifully for everyday ethnic wear, office outfits, and festive celebrations throughout the year. Below are practical tips.

      These traditional drops for Office Wear

      Small kundan stud earrings are the perfect office companion for ethnic workwear. Furthermore, a pair of subtle round or square kundan studs adds an elegant touch to cotton kurtis without appearing overdressed. Moreover, choose white or light-coloured stones in your kundan earrings for a professional, understated look during business hours.

      Such embellished designs for Festivals

      Festivals like Diwali, Navratri, and Eid call for vibrant, medium-to-large kundan earrings. For example, pair red and green kundan jhumka earrings with your Diwali outfit for a festive glow. Additionally, Navratri garba nights look stunning with colourful kundan chandbali earrings that catch the light while dancing. Furthermore, explore matching kundan chokers at Glamaya for a complete festive set.

      Kundan Earrings With Western Outfits

      For contemporary fusion styling, pair small kundan hoop earrings with a blazer and trousers for Indo-Western office wear. Additionally, kundan stud earrings add ethnic warmth to simple t-shirt-and-jeans combinations. Moreover, a single kundan ear cuff worn with a solid-colour dress creates an edgy, fashion-forward look that works for cocktail parties and evening events.

      Best Face Shapes for Each Kundan Earring Type

      Choosing the right kundan earrings for your face shape creates a more balanced and flattering overall look. Below is a guide matching each kundan earring type to the most compatible face shapes.

      • Oval face + these heritage ear accessories: Almost all kundan earring types suit oval faces. However, medium-sized kundan jhumkas and danglers look the most harmonious and balanced.
      • Round face + kundan earrings: Choose elongated kundan dangler earrings or long kundan jhumkas to create a lengthening effect. Additionally, avoid wide kundan chandbalis that add width to the face.
      • Heart-shaped face + gemstone drops: Kundan chandbali earrings are perfect because their wide bottom balances a narrow chin beautifully. Furthermore, kundan jhumkas with wide bells also complement heart-shaped faces well.
      • Square face + kundan earrings: Round kundan hoop earrings and curved kundan jhumkas soften angular jawlines effectively. Moreover, avoid geometric kundan stud shapes that emphasise sharp angles.
      • Long face + such traditional studs: Wide kundan stud earrings and short kundan chandbalis add horizontal balance to elongated faces. Specifically, choose kundan earrings that are wider than they are long for the best proportion.
      • Diamond face + these Rajasthani earrings: Kundan dangler earrings with narrow tops and wider bottoms balance wide cheekbones. Furthermore, kundan earrings with teardrop shapes are especially flattering for diamond-shaped faces.

      In general, kundan jhumka earrings are the most universally flattering type because their bell shape provides both length and width. Consequently, if you are unsure about your face shape, a medium-sized kundan jhumka is always a safe and elegant choice.

      How to Match Regal ear ornaments with Different Outfits

      Matching kundan earrings with the right outfit maximises their visual impact and creates a polished, intentional look. Here is a detailed pairing guide for every major outfit category.

      These polki-style pieces with Sarees

      For silk sarees, choose large kundan chandbali or kundan jhumka earrings that match the saree’s dominant colour. Furthermore, Banarasi and Kanjivaram sarees pair best with multi-coloured kundan earrings in red, green, and white. Moreover, lightweight cotton sarees call for smaller kundan stud or dangler earrings for a balanced daytime look. Explore the complete kundan earring collection at Glamaya.

      Kundan-set studs with Lehengas

      Lehengas demand statement kundan earrings that match the outfit’s grandeur. Choose large kundan chandbali earrings for heavy embroidered lehengas. Additionally, pair pastel lehengas with subtle pink or white these Rajasthani earrings for modern bridal aesthetics. Moreover, always match your regal ear ornaments with the lehenga’s primary embroidery colour for a cohesive look.

      These gemstone studs with Kurtis

      For everyday kurta styling, medium-sized kundan jhumka earrings are the ideal companion. Furthermore, pair printed kurtis with simple single-colour kundan stud earrings to avoid visual clutter. Additionally, Anarkali suits look stunning with kundan dangler earrings that echo the suit’s flowing silhouette. Moreover, explore matching kundan bangles at Glamaya for a coordinated ethnic look.

      Kundan Earrings with Western Outfits

      When styling such regal danglers with western outfits, follow the “one statement piece” rule. For example, let your these polki-style pieces be the only ethnic jewellery piece with a solid-colour western outfit. Furthermore, kundan hoop earrings work particularly well with collared shirts, turtlenecks, and off-shoulder dresses. Consequently, this minimal approach creates an elevated fusion aesthetic that works in international settings too.

      How to Care for Kundan Earrings

      Proper care extends the beauty and lifespan of your kundan earrings significantly. Because kundan-set studs contain a lac core and delicate stone settings, they require gentler handling than metal-only jewellery. Follow these tips to keep your these gemstone studs looking new.

      How to Clean at Home

      After each wear, gently wipe your this earring style with a soft, dry cotton cloth to remove oils, dust, and makeup residue. Furthermore, never use water, alcohol, or chemical cleaners on such regal danglers because moisture damages the lac core. Moreover, use a clean soft-bristled brush to carefully dust between individual stones on your this earring style.

      How to Store Safely

      Store each pair of kundan earrings in individual soft pouches or wrap them in tissue paper to prevent scratching. Additionally, keep these ornate pieces in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Furthermore, separate your gemstone-set studs from other metal jewellery to avoid plating damage from friction and chemical reactions between different metals.

      Mistakes That Damage

      The most common mistake is wearing these ornate pieces while applying perfume, hairspray, or skincare products. Additionally, wearing these traditional drops during exercise exposes them to sweat that corrodes gold plating over time. Moreover, tossing such embellished designs into a communal jewellery box without wrapping causes scratches and loose stones. Consequently, a few seconds of careful storage saves your these artisan earrings from premature damage.

      How to Spot Authentic

      With growing demand for kundan earrings, the market includes products of varying quality. Here is how to identify genuine quality these heritage ear accessories versus poorly made imitations.

      • Stone setting quality: In authentic gemstone-set studs, each stone sits flush within a neat gold foil border. In poor copies, stones appear raised, loose, or unevenly spaced with visible gaps.
      • Gold foil inspection: Quality kundan earrings have smooth, tightly pressed gold foil. Cheap versions show wrinkled, bubbled, or peeling foil edges around the stones.
      • Weight check: Genuine these traditional drops have a satisfying weight from the lac core. Extremely light pieces likely use plastic or resin filler instead of traditional lac.
      • Back finish: Premium kundan earrings feature meenakari or clean lacquer finishing on the back. Low-quality such embellished designs show rough, unfinished backs with visible adhesive.
      • Hook quality: Check that kundan earring hooks are smooth, secure, and nickel-free. Rough or discoloured hooks indicate poor manufacturing standards.

      Furthermore, purchasing kundan earrings from established stores like Glamaya ensures consistent quality because each pair passes quality checks before shipping. According to the Indian Culture portal, the kundan technique used in gemstone drops has been practised in Rajasthan for over 400 years. Indeed, Glamaya’s such traditional studs use thick gold plating, premium glass stones, and nickel-free hypoallergenic hooks.

      Where to Buy Online in India

      Shopping for these artisan earrings online gives you access to a far wider selection than any physical store. However, choosing a trustworthy online jewellery store is essential for a satisfactory purchase. Here is what to look for when buying these Rajasthani earrings online.

      First, ensure the store provides multiple high-resolution images showing kundan earrings from front, back, and side angles. Additionally, check for size measurements (length and width) so you know exactly how large the regal ear ornaments will look when worn. Moreover, read customer reviews with a focus on comments about stone quality, plating durability, and comfort during extended wear.

      Glamaya is one of India’s most trusted destinations for affordable these heritage ear accessories online. The store offers 50+ kundan earring designs including chandbalis, jhumkas, studs, danglers, hoops, and ear cuffs — all priced under Rs. 799. Furthermore, every pair of these polki-style pieces at Glamaya is nickel-free, hypoallergenic, and features thick gold plating for lasting beauty. Explore the complete kundan earring collection at Glamaya and find your perfect pair today.

      Frequently Asked Questions About

      1. What are kundan earrings made of?

      Kundan earrings are made using a gold or gold-plated metal framework filled with lac resin, with glass or gemstones set using thin gold foil strips. Furthermore, the gold foil is pressed around each stone to create the signature bordered look of kundan-set studs.

      2. Are kundan earrings suitable for sensitive ears?

      High-quality gemstone drops made with nickel-free hooks are safe for sensitive ears. However, cheap these gemstone studs with nickel-containing hooks can cause allergic reactions. Specifically, all such regal danglers at Glamaya are nickel-free and hypoallergenic for safe, comfortable wear.

      3. Which is better — kundan chandbali or kundan jhumka earrings?

      Kundan chandbali earrings are better for weddings and grand events due to their dramatic crescent shape. However, kundan jhumka earrings are more versatile for both traditional and casual styling. Furthermore, jhumka-style kundan earrings suit a wider range of face shapes and outfits.

      4. Can I wear kundan earrings every day?

      Yes, small kundan stud earrings are perfect for daily wear. They weigh only 3 to 8 grams and add an elegant ethnic touch to everyday outfits. However, reserve large kundan chandbali and heavy kundan jhumka earrings for special occasions to prevent ear fatigue.

      5. How do I clean kundan earrings?

      Wipe such traditional studs with a soft dry cloth after each use. Never use water, steam, or chemicals because these damage the lac core and loosen stones. Additionally, use a soft brush to dust between stones on your this earring style periodically.

      6. What face shape suits kundan chandbali earrings?

      Heart-shaped and oval faces look best with kundan chandbali earrings. The wide crescent bottom of chandbali kundan earrings balances a narrow chin on heart-shaped faces beautifully. However, round faces should choose elongated kundan dangler earrings instead.

      7. Can I wear kundan earrings with western outfits?

      Absolutely. Small kundan stud earrings and kundan hoops work beautifully with western outfits. Furthermore, a single pair of statement these Rajasthani earrings adds ethnic flair to blazers, dresses, and denim outfits for a sophisticated fusion aesthetic.

      8. How long do kundan earrings last?

      With proper care, gold-plated kundan earrings last 2 to 5 years. Furthermore, storing these ornate pieces in airtight pouches and avoiding moisture exposure extends their lifespan significantly. Thick-plated gemstone-set studs from quality stores last the longest.

      9. What is the price range for kundan earrings?

      Fashion-grade kundan earrings range from Rs. 199 to Rs. 1,499 depending on size and design complexity. Furthermore, real gold kundan polki earrings range from Rs. 25,000 to over Rs. 5 lakhs. Glamaya offers quality these traditional drops starting at just Rs. 199.

      10. Where can I buy affordable kundan earrings online?

      Glamaya offers 50+ kundan earring designs including chandbalis, jhumkas, studs, and danglers — all under Rs. 799 with free shipping across India. Every pair is nickel-free, hypoallergenic, and backed by a 7-day easy return policy.

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