The Art of Matching: How To Choose Jewellery and Accessories for Different Saree Fabrics

Sarees, in other terms, are elegance defined. These six-yard fabrics are more than just garments; they are a canvas of Indian culture, tradition, and history. Sarees and jewellery have always been an integral part of Indian heritage, but their true charm is showcased when paired perfectly. The subtle art of matching jewellery with different sarees can transform an ordinary ensemble into a work of art.

Today, we will help you discover the expansive world of Indian jewellery and its significance, how to choose jewellery for saree and what points to keep in mind. We will also delve deep and explore several factors that can influence your choice of ornaments for saree. 

Understanding Saree Fabrics

Before diving straight into selecting the jewellery, it is important to understand different fabrics and how they influence your choice of ornaments. The diversity of saree fabrics is a testament to India's rich textile heritage. From traditional silk and cotton to modern georgette and chiffon, each fabric has its unique characteristics.

Accessories for silk sarees like Kanjivaram, Banarasi, and Paithani need to exude opulence and grandeur. Their lustrous texture, through the use of real zari, demands jewellery that echoes their richness. Heavy gold necklaces, jhumkas, and bangles are perfect companions for such, adding to the regal allure.

On the other hand, lightweight fabrics like chiffon and georgette create an ethereal and flowy drape. Here, delicate silver jewellery in oxidised colours or modern accessories can enhance the saree's grace without overwhelming it.

Metallic Magic: Gold, Silver, and Platinum

Gold

Gold is the purest metal known to man and is also prized in Hindu rituals due to this trait. Gold jewellery holds a timeless allure that transcends eras and fashion trends. Its warmth and richness make it a classic choice as sarees’ jewellery. Make sure to match the gold's karat, polish, and design with the saree fabric.

For pure silk sarees, intricate gold necklaces, chokers, heavy jhumkas, and statement bangles are a perfect match. These sarees can carry the weight and opulence of gold effortlessly.

On the other hand, lighter silk sarees or those with minimalistic designs pair beautifully with dainty gold pieces like gold studs, thin bangles, or a delicate chain necklace. This contrast balances the look, allowing the saree to shine. These gold ornaments for sarees can also be worn regularly by married women. 

Silver 

Silver jewellery offers a different kind of elegance, which is perfect for regional attires. It is an excellent choice for sarees made from lightweight fabrics like chiffon or organza. The cool, understated charm of silver complements these sarees without overshadowing them. You can also choose heavy silver jewellery for silver zari saree to complement it perfectly. 

Platinum

Platinum is a modern alternative to gold that works well with a wide range of sarees. Its subtle sheen exudes sophistication and pairs beautifully with pastel or monochrome sarees, creating a harmonious balance between the jewellery and the attire. Diamonds work really well with platinum, and heavy designer pieces can be created through this. 

Gemstone Glamour

Gemstone jewellery on saree adds a touch of colour and luxury to the ensemble. The choice of gemstones should consider both the saree's colour and style. In Indian culture, gemstones are not just selected on visual appeal but through Astrological significance. One must choose the gemstones based on their quality as well.  

• Emeralds and Rubies: These vibrant gemstones are perfect as silk saree accessories. A deep green emerald necklace or a string of red rubies can elevate the saree's elegance.
• Sapphires and Topaz: These blue gemstones are versatile and allow you to wear sarees with matching jewellery. 
• Pearls: Pearls are a timeless choice for sarees of all kinds. They bring an air of sophistication and blend seamlessly with any fabric or colour.
• Polki or Kundan: These age-old Indian jewellery styles are perfect for royal silk sarees like Bandhani, Patola, and Banarasi. Their intricate craftsmanship and dazzling, un-cut diamonds create a regal look.
• Amethyst and Aquamarine: For contemporary sarees, consider these pastel gemstones. Their subtle hues add a touch of femininity and sophistication to your modern jewellery for sarees. 

Contemporary Fusion: Modern Accessories for Modern Fabrics

 

Modern saree fabrics enable designers to experiment with creative ways to use jewellery. These fabrics have a light and airy feel, allowing you to try out bold and trendy jewellery choices.

• Statement Necklaces: Bold, chunky necklaces can instantly transform a simple saree into a fashion statement. Opt for contrasting colours or unique designs to make your saree pop.
• Quirky Earrings: Modern sarees can handle eccentric earring choices. Consider asymmetrical earrings, geometric shapes, or playful tassels for your saree accessories. 
• Trendy Bracelets: Stackable bracelets or cuffs are excellent choices for sarees with contemporary prints or unconventional drapes. 
• Belt It: Embrace belts with modern saree styles. A sleek belt can cinch your waist and create a chic silhouette.
• Hair Accessories: Headbands, hairpins, and embellished hair combs can add an extra layer of style to your modern saree look. You can also use necklaces as head accessories to create a regal look. 

Contemporary accessories should resonate with your personal style and the saree's aesthetic.

Embellishments and Embroidery

Sarees with intricate embellishments and embroidery are pure pieces of art and skill. When selecting jewellery for such sarees, it's crucial to strike a balance between the saree's design and the jewellery's detailing.

If your saree is heavily embellished or embroidered, opt for subtle jewellery pieces. A delicate necklace or stud earrings are enough to complement the saree without overwhelming it.

If your saree has metallic embellishments, choose jewellery in the same tone to create a cohesive look. You can also opt for gemstone jewellery to add a touch of colour that complements the saree's embroidery. 

Colour Harmony: Coordinating Accessories with Saree Colors

The art of matching jewellery with sarees extends to colour coordination to create a harmonious and visually pleasing outfit. Here's a simple guide to help you get it right:

• Monochrome Magic: If your saree is a single colour, choose jewellery in a complementary shade for an elegant monochromatic look. For instance, pair a deep blue saree with sapphire jewellery.
• Contrasting Combinations: Contrasting colours can create a striking visual impact. For example, a coral saree can be paired with turquoise jewellery for a bold and vibrant look.
• Neutral Accents: Neutral-coloured sarees like beige, cream, or white provide a versatile canvas for jewellery. You can opt for either silver or gold jewellery to wear with saree. 
• Match with Prints: For sarees with intricate prints, pick a dominant colour from the print for your jewellery. This creates a cohesive and balanced appearance.

The goal is to enhance the saree's beauty, so choose jewellery that complements its colours rather than competes with them.

Occasion Matters: Accessories for Different Events

 

The choice of jewellery and accessories should be tailored to the occasion. Here are some guidelines for selecting the perfect adornments for various events:

• Weddings and Festivals: Weddings call for grandeur. Live your dreams with heavy, traditional jewellery like intricate necklaces, chokers, and statement earrings. Gold and gemstones shine at weddings, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
• Parties and Receptions: For semi-formal events, you can experiment with designer saree jewellery. Statement necklaces, cocktail rings, and bold earrings can elevate your look. 
• Casual Gatherings: Casual gatherings and family events allow for a more relaxed approach. Opt for simple jewelry for saree to create a minimalist look. 
• Everyday Wear: For everyday saree looks, keep it simple. Minimalistic jewellery like stud earrings, thin bracelets, and dainty necklaces complement the saree without being too flashy.

Tailoring your jewellery choices to the event ensures that you not only look appropriate but also feel comfortable in your ensemble.

Draping Styles and Accessory Placement

The way you drape your saree influences how jewellery and accessories should be worn. Different draping styles require specific placement of jewellery to create a balanced look:

• Classic Drape: The classic drape, with the pallu draped over the left shoulder, allows for versatile jewellery placement. You can wear a necklace, earrings, bangles, and even a waist belt if desired.
• Bengali Style: In the Bengali saree drape, the pallu is wrapped around the waist and draped over the left shoulder. This style accentuates the waist and calls for statement jewellery around the neck and wrists.
• Gujarati Style: The Gujarati saree drape involves pleating the pallu at the back and then bringing it over the right shoulder. It's best complemented with a heavy necklace and large earrings.
• Trendy Drapes: Modern saree draping styles like the mermaid drape or the butterfly drape allow for creative placement of accessories. Experiment with unconventional placements like ankle bracelets or arm cuffs.
• Saree Gowns: For saree gowns, focus on statement necklaces and earrings, as the saree's structure often leaves little room for traditional draping.

You can experiment with saree drapes and optimise the impact of your jewellery. Ensure that your saree accessories enhance its beauty rather than clashing with the structure.

Dazzling Duos: Sarees and Jewellery That Shine Together

 

Certain saree fabrics have a natural affinity for specific types of jewellery, creating dazzling duos that never fail to impress:

• Kanjivaram Silk and Gold: The regal Kanjivaram saree and intricate gold jewellery are a match made in heaven. The zari silk's richness and the gold's opulence harmonise to create a look fit for royalty.
• Chiffon and Silver: The delicate, ethereal quality of chiffon pairs beautifully with silver jewellery. The cool tones of silver complement the saree's lightweight and flowy nature.
• Banarasi Silk and Polki: Banarasi silk sarees, with their intricate zari work, are best paired with traditional Polki or Kundan jewellery. The elaborate craftsmanship of both saree and jewellery creates a majestic ensemble.
• Contemporary Prints and Statement Pieces: Modern sarees with bold prints or abstract designs shine with statement necklaces and earrings, adding a layer of drama to the look.
• Minimalistic Georgette and Pearls: Lightweight georgette sarees are elevated by the simplicity of pearls. 

Understanding these harmonious combinations can simplify your process of choosing jewellery, as they offer tried-and-true options that consistently deliver stunning results.

The Power of Minimalism: Letting the Saree Shine

 

While elaborate jewellery is the dream of many, there's undeniable power in minimalism too. Minimalistic jewellery allows the saree itself to take centre stage, displaying the richness of the weave and the designs. Here are some tips for achieving a balanced look for a modern saree with simple jewellery:

• Focus on One Statement Piece: Keep things simple by opting for one statement piece, like a stunning necklace or a pair of exquisite earrings. Let this piece be the focal point of your entire ensemble.
• Thin and Delicate: Thin chains and small studs are perfect for sarees that are already rich in design. These pieces add a touch of elegance without overwhelming the look.
• Consider Your Hairstyle: Your hairstyle can accentuate minimalistic jewellery. Pulling your hair back in a bun or updo can highlight your earrings while leaving your hair down allows for more focus on the necklace.
• Don't Overdo it: The key to minimalism is restraint. Avoid piling on accessories on saree. Instead, choose a few well-thought-out pieces that enhance the saree's beauty.

Conclusion

 

When it comes to picking accessories for sarees, choosing the right jewellery is paramount as that can elevate your ensemble from beautiful to breathtaking. In Indian culture, jewellery is not merely used to enhance a person’s beauty, but it serves several purposes related to astrology, health, historical significance and traditional associations. When all these factors are balanced in harmony, it creates a complete attire. 

Whether you opt for traditional opulence or contemporary creations, the key is to find pieces that complement the saree and enhance your overall beauty.

Embrace the art of matching, and create your own signature sarees jewellery looks with Singhania’s timeless collection.