Vintage Jewelry for the Modern styles

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If you have seen your grandmother’s jewellery box or at least her wedding photos, you may have a good idea about Indian vintage jewellery. Some of you might even be lucky enough to own one of those yesteryear designs as a family heirloom. But have you ever figured out how to wear these traditional designs? Of course there is the ever elegant saree to compliment a chunky vintage ornament, but guess what – you’ve got more options to pair up these elegant jewellery designs.

[Also Read: Recycled Jewelry]

How to stay stylish in vintage Indian jewellery.

Owning a vintage ornament is definitely a privilege and thus, you have the right to flaunt them. If styled well, a single piece of vintage jewellery can get all the glamour you need. Vintage Indian jewellery when worn with western wear is best used as a statement piece – let the ornament help you stand out from the crowd. If minimalism is your style for celebratory occasions, you can choose a single heavy ornament like a choker necklace to bling up your sari or salwar.

Don’t worry if you don’t own any vintage jewellery – you can always find ornaments inspired from traditional designs. Many jewellery brands offer antique and vintage collections.

Check out these traditional Indian ornament designs to inspire the trendy vintage collection in your jewellery box.

Teardrop Earrings

Let’s start with a simple piece of jewellery, but nonetheless elegant. This solid gold vintage earring is encrusted with pearls. Though it is heavy, you can easily carry it off for any casual occasion. Try it with ethnic wear like kurtas and salwars or wear it to a party, as a statement piece with a little black dress.

Jeweled Hair Comb

Bring back the vintage glamour to your hairstyle, with this luxurious hair comb encrusted with uncut Jaipur diamonds. The red-green-gold colors on the hair ornament can match it up with any ensemble. Instant glamour guaranteed, even with a messy bun for your hair style. Wear it with a saree or lehenga. This can be the perfect gift for a bride too.

Gem Set Necklace

This gold and gem set necklace from Cartier Paris dates back to 1955. The wide pendent encrusted with foil-backed diamonds, freshwater pearls, green beryl and emeralds can be used as a brooch too. The snake link chain is very distinct and you can flaunt it with a saree or a dress. Necklaces like these are best used as a statement piece.

Maharashtrian Ear Cuff

This 22k gold ear cuff from PNG Jewelers is inspired by traditional Maharastrian jewellery. The fine gold work covers the whole ear and thus attracts all the attention to your face. Though the ornament looks elaborate, it is surprisingly lightweight and won’t put any strain on your ear. Wear this with a simple saree for that trendy look.

Kasumalai simply means coin necklace, as you can see from the picture. This unique traditional south Indian necklace design is still popular for weddings. But you can wear it for other occasions as well. Make sure that you do not wear any other heavy ornaments. Try this with a simple cocktail dress or Anarkali.

Now let’s see a few celebrity styles accessorized with vintage jewellery.

Vidya Balan wore these heavy jhumka earrings with a simply elegant Sabyasaachi lehenga to the Cannes red carpet. See how she has kept her make-up minimal and avoided other ornaments to attract all the attention to her earrings.

In Devil Wears Prada, Meryl Streep shows you how to wear traditional Indian gold jewellery with a dress and jacket. You can also try this look with a little black dress. Just layer long gold chains and vintage necklaces.

Sonam Kapoor is Bollywood’s global fashion ambassador – she can never get her style wrong. Sonam is also a big fan of vintage jewelry and has been spotted several times with gorgeous designs. She always gets the traditional jewellery with western outfit style right.

Now it’s your turn. How will you style your vintage Indian jewelry?