Jewellery With Saree, Kurta and Western Wear

Jewellery should work with the outfit, not fight it. Each kind of clothing has features, such as the neckline, the fabric and the amount of embellishment, that shape what suits it.

Saree

A saree has a lot of fabric and often rich borders. The blouse neckline decides the necklace.

• Deep or round blouse neck: a necklace of princess or matinee length shows well.
• High blouse neck: skip the necklace or choose a long, slim chain.
• Heavily worked saree: keep jewellery lighter, such as studs and a slim bracelet.
• Plain or lightly worked saree: a statement necklace or drops make it come alive.

Diamond pieces in yellow gold work with warm silks, and white metals look cool against pastels and light colours.

Kurta and kurti

Kurtas have a variety of necklines.

• Round neck: a short pendant at 16 to 18 inches.
• V-neck: a pendant that follows the V.
• Mandarin or high collar: earrings take the focus, and a long chain over the fabric also works.
• Embroidered kurta: studs or small drops keep the look balanced.

A diamond stud and a slim bracelet suit most kurtas with simple styling.

Western wear

• Shirts and blouses: a fine pendant above or below the collar, and studs.
• T-shirts and tops: a pendant of 18 to 20 inches, small hoops.
• Dresses: match the neckline. A V neck suits a V pendant, and a strapless dress suits a choker or a statement necklace.
• Jackets and formal wear: small, polished pieces. See office wear jewellery: diamond studs and pendants.

Indo-western

For fusion outfits, mix the casual and the traditional. A pair of diamond drops with a plain shirt and trousers can look modern, and a slim bracelet with a kurta adds a contemporary line. See indo-western jewellery styling.

General principles

1. Balance: one focal piece, others quieter.
2. Neckline first: pick the necklace length to suit it. See pendant and necklace length guide.
3. Fabric: heavy fabrics suit heavier jewellery, and light fabrics suit delicate pieces. Avoid fine chains that can snag on silk or knits.
4. Colour: warm gold flatters rich and warm colours, and white metals complement cool and pale colours.
5. Occasion: day events call for lighter jewellery, and evenings for more sparkle.

Handling delicate fabrics

Silk, chiffon and fine knits can snag on prongs and clasps. Check that settings are smooth, and take care when you put on and take off clothes.

Common questions

Can I wear diamonds with a traditional saree? Yes. Many people do, and diamonds suit silks and cottons alike.

Should earrings match the necklace? They can match or complement. Related metals and styles work.

Can the same jewellery work for all of these? A few versatile pieces, such as studs, a pendant and a slim bracelet, can work for all of them.

Dressing a single piece three ways

Take a pair of diamond drops. With a saree, they carry the whole look, so keep the neckline clear. With a kurta, they sit under the collar line and look graceful. With a plain shirt and trousers, they dress up the outfit and look modern. This is why a few versatile pieces beat many that suit only one kind of clothing. When you shop, imagine each piece with at least three outfits you own. If it works with three, it will earn its place.

A note on dupattas and scarves

A dupatta or scarf can hide a necklace and tangle with chains. If you wear one often, choose pendants with a smooth surface and fine chains that sit under the fabric, and put your sparkle in earrings and rings.

Find versatile pieces

See our diamond jewellery and book an appointment to build a few pieces that suit your wardrobe.