What Is a Jhumka Earring? Origin & History

The jhumka (also spelled jhumki, jumki, or jimikki) is one of India's most iconic earring styles — a bell-shaped drop earring originating from the temples of South India, dating back over 2,000 years. The word comes from the Sanskrit jhuma (ornament) and refers to the characteristic bell that hangs below the domed top, designed to produce a gentle chime as the wearer moves.

Historically, jhumkas were crafted in solid gold and worn by temple dancers and queens. Today, gold plated jhumka earrings with 1 gram gold plating have made this timeless design accessible for every Indian woman — at a fraction of solid gold prices.

At South Temple Jewellery, every jhumka is handcrafted with authentic South Indian temple motifs — Goddess Lakshmi, peacock, lotus, and elephant — set with kemp stones, emerald accents, and freshwater pearl drops. Priced from ₹499 to ₹2,999, our gold jhumka collection features 134+ designs with free shipping across India.

South Temple Jewellery bestselling Lakshmi temple gold jhumka — 1 gram gold plated, kemp stones, freshwater pearl drops. From ₹899. Free shipping.

Types of Gold Jhumka Earrings: Complete Style Guide

South Indian jhumka earrings come in dozens of styles. Here are the most popular jhumka designs in gold with price:

1. Temple Jhumka (Classic South Indian Style)

The original temple jhumka design is rooted in Bharatanatyam stage jewellery. Features a large domed top embossed with a Goddess Lakshmi or peacock motif, a bell-shaped body, and freshwater pearl drops hanging below. The signature jewellery of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka brides. Our temple jhumka earrings start from ₹699.

2. Jimikki Kammal (Kerala Style Jhumka)

Made famous by the viral 2017 Malayalam song, these are Kerala's defining jhumka style. Simple, elegant, and conical — worn by Malayali women for Onam, Vishu, and weddings. Our jimikki kammal gold jhumkas start from ₹599 with free shipping across India.

3. Kemp Stone Jhumka

Kemp jhumkas are the classic South Indian bridal choice — the dome and body are encrusted with deep red kemp stones (synthetic ruby) in gold-plated frames. A staple of Bharatanatyam costumes and Kanjeevaram-saree bridal looks. Available from ₹799 at South Temple Jewellery.

4. Long Drop Lakshmi Pendant Jhumka

A long pendant jhumka with a Goddess Lakshmi figure at the top and a jhumka bell below, often with an attached pearl chain. The most popular south indian jhumka gold design for weddings. Priced ₹999–₹2,499 at South Temple Jewellery.

5. Stud Jhumka (Button Jhumka)

A compact jhumka with a flat or dome stud top and a small hanging bell — perfect for daily wear with kurtas, salwar kameez, and office outfits. Lightweight and comfortable. Starting from ₹499.

6. Ear Chain Jhumka (Matilu Style)

A jhumka with an attached chain that loops from the earring to a hair pin — called matilu in Telugu. Popular for bridal styling in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Pairs beautifully with our full temple jhumka collection.

Gold Jhumka for Every Occasion — Which Style to Wear

Gold Jhumka Designs by South Indian State

Each South Indian state has its own signature south indian jhumka design:

• Tamil Nadu: Large temple jhumka with Lakshmi motif; kemp stones and fresh pearl drops. Classic Kanjeevaram-saree pairing.
• Kerala: Jimikki kammal — simple conical gold jhumka. Worn with Kasavu saree for Onam.
• Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: Long drop jhumkas with ear chain (matilu); paired with Pochampally or Gadwal sarees.
• Karnataka: Medium-sized temple jhumka with emerald and kemp stones; popular with Mysore silk sarees and Dasara celebrations.

All these regional styles are available at South Temple Jewellery — curated, gold plated, and delivered free across India. Browse the full jhumka earrings collection →

Left: Kemp stone temple jhumka ₹799. Right: Jimikki kammal style jhumka ₹599. Available at southtemplejewellery.com/collections/jhumka

Stones Used in Gold Jhumka Earrings

• Kemp Stones — Deep red synthetic ruby; the defining stone of South Indian temple jhumkas and Bharatanatyam jewellery
• Emerald Green Stones — Vibrant green accents; featured in Karnataka and Andhra bridal jhumka designs
• Freshwater Pearl Drops — Small hanging pearl tassels at the base of the bell; signature of Tamil Nadu temple jhumkas
• White CZ / Crystal — Sparkling accents on the dome top; used in contemporary gold plated jhumka designs
• Coral Pink Stones — Soft pink accents in lighter daily wear jhumkas

How to Choose the Right Gold Jhumka Earrings

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  Check the gold plating standard: Always look for "1 gram gold plating" — not just "gold-toned." 1 gram plating on brass base lasts 1+ year with regular care.
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  Check for authentic kemp stones: Real kemp stones are hand-set in individual frames. They have a deep rich red colour distinct from cheap painted plastic.
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  Check the motif carving: Authentic temple jhumkas show clearly carved motifs — Lakshmi's face, peacock feathers, lotus petals. Generic earrings use flat stamped patterns.
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  Check the earring back mechanism: Quality jhumkas use screw-back or push-back fittings, not cheap fish-hook wires, so the earring stays secure all day.
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  Check for brand warranty: South Temple Jewellery offers a 1 Year Gold Plating Warranty — a guarantee no generic seller can match.

Gold Jhumka Earrings — Care & Maintenance Tips

• Remove before bathing, swimming, or washing dishes — water and soap are the #1 cause of gold plating wear
• Apply perfume before wearing, not after — alcohol in perfume corrodes gold plating
• Store in the zip pouch provided — avoid contact with other metal jewellery
• Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after each use — removes oils, sweat, and dust before they set
• Do not clean with toothpaste or chemical cleaners — use only a dry or slightly damp soft cloth
• Hang jhumkas upright — the pearl drops can deform under pressure if stored face-down

Gold Jhumka Pairings — What to Wear With Jhumka Earrings

• Kanjeevaram Silk Saree → Heavy kemp stone jhumka or Lakshmi pendant jhumka with matching temple jewellery set
• Kasavu Saree (Kerala) → Jimikki kammal (gold) with gold bangles
• Salwar Kameez → Medium temple jhumka or stud jhumka
• Lehenga → Long drop Lakshmi jhumka with temple kamarpatta
• Kurti (casual) → Small stud jhumka or minimal daily wear jhumka
• Bharatanatyam costume → Kemp stone jhumka (full set with necklace and vanki)

Styling tip: Pair a heavy Lakshmi temple jhumka with a Kanjeevaram saree for the perfect South Indian bridal look. Shop at southtemplejewellery.com/collections/jhumka

Why South Temple Jewellery for Gold Jhumka Earrings?

• ✦ 1 Gram Gold Plating on Brass — the thickest commercially available plating; not just surface coating
• ✦ Authentic temple motifs — Goddess Lakshmi, peacock, elephant, lotus — crafted by South Indian artisans
• ✦ Hand-set kemp stones and pearl drops — individually placed, not cast or printed
• ✦ 134 jhumka designs in stock — from ₹499 daily wear to ₹2,999 heavy bridal sets
• ✦ 4.7 stars from 698 verified customers
• ✦ 1 Year Gold Plating Warranty
• ✦ Free shipping across India — ships from Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra
• ✦ GST Invoice on every order — GST 27ABTCS2532E1Z6

We ship to: Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada, Vizag, Mysuru, Madurai, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Nagercoil, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and all pincodes across India.