15 Best Antique Jhumka Designs 2025 — Our Most Loved Styles

Antique jhumkas have a quality that modern polished jewellery simply cannot replicate. The dark, aged finish — whether oxidised German silver, matte gold or antique brass — carries a warmth and depth that makes every outfit look considered and intentional. In 2025, antique jhumkas are having a major moment. Here are the 15 designs that our customers love most.

What Makes a Jhumka "Antique"?

An antique jhumka is not necessarily old. The term refers to a finish and aesthetic — specifically, a deliberately aged, darkened or oxidised treatment applied to the metal that creates the appearance of vintage, heirloom jewellery. Antique jhumkas typically feature:

• Oxidised German silver or matte gold base metal
• Intricate engraved or embossed motifs (peacocks, florals, temple patterns)
• Natural or muted-tone stone accents (coral, turquoise, green, maroon)
• A textured, non-reflective surface finish

The 15 Best Antique Jhumka Designs of 2025

1. Classic Oxidised Bell Jhumka

The original. A round dome top with a hanging bell, fully oxidised in dark German silver. No stones, no fuss — just the pure form of the jhumka in its most traditional expression. Pairs with everything from printed kurtas to casual cotton sarees. Our #1 best-selling antique design year after year.

Best worn with: Cotton and linen sarees, printed kurtas, tussar silk

→ Shop Oxidised Jhumkas

2. Peacock Antique Jhumka

A peacock motif engraved or embossed on the dome top, with a hanging bell below. The peacock is one of India's most beloved jewellery motifs — representing grace, beauty and good fortune. In antique gold or oxidised silver finish.

Best worn with: Kanjivaram sarees, festive lehengas, Navratri chaniya choli

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3. Chandbali Antique Jhumka

The most dramatic antique jhumka — a crescent (Chandbali) top with a jhumka bell hanging below. Two iconic shapes combined in one earring. In antique gold finish with subtle stone accents.

Best worn with: Bridal sarees, heavy lehengas, reception outfits

→ Shop Antique Chandbali Jhumkas

4. Tribal Oxidised Jhumka

Large, bold oxidised jhumkas with geometric tribal motifs. More statement than traditional, these earrings suit women who love a distinctive, unconventional look. Popular among artists, designers and festival-goers.

Best worn with: Handloom sarees, indie-brand kurtas, Indo-Western fusion outfits

5. Kundan Antique Jhumka

Kundan stone setting in an antique gold or matte gold frame. The combination of the rich Kundan stone work with the aged finish creates a look that feels genuinely heirloom — the kind of earring that looks like it belonged to your grandmother and is now yours.

Best worn with: Wedding and reception outfits, festive silk sarees

→ Shop Kundan Antique Jhumkas

6. Temple Antique Jhumka

A temple jewellery-inspired jhumka with goddess motifs, lotus flowers and deity patterns in antique gold. Sacred and beautiful. Particularly popular for South Indian occasions and classical dance.

Best worn with: Temple sarees, classical dance occasions, South Indian weddings

→ Shop Temple Jhumkas

7. Green Stone Antique Jhumka

Emerald green stones set in oxidised German silver. The contrast of green and dark silver creates one of the most visually striking earring combinations in Indian jewellery. Day 3 Navratri essential.

Best worn with: Green outfits, printed fabrics, Navratri festive wear

8. Coral and Antique Gold Jhumka

Coral red stones in antique gold setting. Coral is deeply auspicious in Indian culture — worn at weddings and religious ceremonies. The combination of coral and antique gold is one of the most traditional jewellery colour pairings in India.

Best worn with: Maroon and red outfits, traditional sarees, bridal functions

9. Pearl Antique Jhumka

White pearls set in oxidised or matte gold create an elegant, sophisticated look that works equally well for formal occasions and relaxed traditional days. The restraint of pearl with antique finish is a mark of refined taste.

Best worn with: White and cream sarees, formal ethnic occasions, receptions

10. Filigree Antique Jhumka

Delicate filigree metalwork in oxidised silver — intricate wire twisted into floral and geometric patterns. Extremely lightweight despite their visual complexity. A true showcase of Indian craft skill.

Best worn with: Light sarees, casual ethnic wear, everyday traditional outfits

11. Mughal Antique Jhumka

Inspired by the elaborate jewellery traditions of the Mughal court — intricate surface work, layered construction, rich stone settings in antique gold. Heavy, statement and unmistakably regal.

Best worn with: Heavy lehengas, Anarkali suits, formal festive occasions

12. Meenakari Antique Jhumka

Colourful enamel (Meenakari) work applied to the dome of an antique gold jhumka. The contrast of vivid colour against the aged gold finish is quintessentially Rajasthani and deeply beautiful.

Best worn with: Colourful festive outfits, Navratri, Diwali celebrations

13. Ghungroo Antique Jhumka

Small bells (ghungroo) hanging from the jhumka create a distinctive musical quality — the earring you hear before you see. Particularly popular for dance occasions and festive events.

Best worn with: Dance performances, Navratri, festive celebrations

14. Long Tassel Antique Jhumka

An extended version of the classic jhumka with a long tassel or chain drop below the bell. Creates maximum length and drama. One of the most photographed jhumka styles on Indian fashion social media in 2025.

Best worn with: Reception outfits, bridal functions, festive lehengas

15. Mini Antique Stud Jhumka

A tiny version of the classic jhumka — under 2cm in total length — in antique finish. The daily wear antique jhumka. Adds a traditional touch to any outfit without making a statement.

Best worn with: Office ethnic wear, casual kurtas, everyday traditional outfits

Antique Jhumka Styling Rules

• Hair up always: Antique jhumkas deserve to be seen. A bun, updo or ponytail lets the earring shape and detail come through.
• Match your metal tone: Oxidised silver with silver-tone outfits and accessories. Antique gold with gold-tone accessories. Mixing looks unintentional.
• Let them be the hero: When wearing antique jhumkas, keep your necklace simple. A heavy necklace competes with the earring and neither wins.
• Texture works best: Antique jhumkas look most at home with textured, handloom or printed fabrics. Against very smooth, shiny fabrics they can look disconnected.

How to Care for Antique Jhumkas

The oxidised finish on antique jhumkas can lighten over time with improper care. To maintain the dark antique look:

• Never use silver polish on oxidised jhumkas — it removes the darkening
• Wipe with a dry cloth only — no soap or water
• Store individually in cloth pouches away from direct sunlight
• Avoid perfume and sweat exposure which lightens the oxidised finish

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between antique and oxidised jhumkas?

Oxidised specifically refers to a chemical process that darkens German silver or other metals. Antique is a broader term for any jewellery with an aged, vintage-look finish — which can include oxidised silver, matte gold, aged brass or dark patina finishes.

Are antique jhumkas heavy?

It depends on the design. Large statement antique jhumkas can be substantial, but most Abdesigns antique jhumkas are specifically designed to be lightweight despite their visual presence. Our mini antique stud jhumkas are perfect for daily wear and all-day comfort.

Which antique jhumka is best for daily office wear?

The Mini Antique Stud Jhumka (under 2cm) is perfect for office wear. Small enough to be professional, distinctive enough to feel intentional. The small oxidised bell jhumka in 2–2.5cm is also excellent for office ethnic days.

Do antique jhumkas go with modern outfits?

Yes — antique oxidised jhumkas work beautifully with both ethnic and Western outfits. A small antique jhumka with jeans and a plain top is a classic fusion styling choice. Large antique jhumkas work best with ethnic fabrics.

Can I wear antique jhumkas to a wedding?

Yes — particularly the Kundan antique, Chandbali antique and Mughal-inspired antique designs are excellent for weddings and formal occasions. Pair with silk or heavy fabric outfits for the best effect.