A jhumka is a drop earring shaped like a bell or dome, usually hanging below a decorative stud top and often finished with small beads, pearls or tiny bells around the rim. It is one of the most recognisable Indian jewellery styles and is worn for weddings, festivals and everyday ethnic wear.
Abroad, the core buyers are South Asian diaspora shops and online sellers. Jhumkas also sell to fashion customers outside the diaspora, especially in oxidised silver-look and light gold finishes that suit boho and festival styling.
Common jhumka styles
- Gold-tone or antique gold jhumkas with stones and pearl drops, for weddings and festivals.
- Temple jhumkas with goddess or peacock motifs, popular with South Indian customers.
- Kundan and meenakari jhumkas, with coloured enamel and glass stones.
- Oxidised silver-look jhumkas, light and casual, often bought by younger and non-Indian customers.
- Chandbali-jhumka combinations, with a crescent top above the bell.
Who buys them abroad
Diaspora boutiques in the UK, US, Canada, the Gulf and Australia buy jhumkas as part of festive and bridal ranges, with peaks before Diwali, Eid and the wedding season. Online sellers on marketplaces and their own stores buy lighter, cheaper designs that ship easily. Fashion and gift shops buy oxidised and minimal versions as statement earrings. Our article on who buys Indian imitation jewellery abroad describes these buyer types more fully.
What to check
- Weight per earring: large jhumkas can be heavy and need a support chain or a firmer back.
- The link between top and bell, which takes the strain and should not bend open.
- Small beads and bells: make sure they are firmly attached, and keep them out of children's ranges.
- Even plating inside the bell, not just on the outside.
What this means for a buyer
Jhumkas are a dependable line if you match the finish to your customer. Creston & Co works for buyers only, for a fixed fee agreed in writing. We find workshops that specialise in the style you sell, check weight and joints on samples and supervise packing. Start with a free sourcing review.