Karanphool
A flower-shaped ear ornament, traditionally worn with a chain that takes the weight from the hair.
Karanphool means ear flower. The disc sits on the lobe as a large rosette, usually with a jhumka hanging below it.
Because the combination is heavy, a supporting chain runs from the earring up into the hair to carry the load.
It is a staple of Mughal and Nizami jewellery and a standard element of bridal sets.
When you are buying
If a piece comes with a support chain, use it. A karanphool jhumka worn on the piercing alone is exactly the kind of weight that tears a lobe over time.
Traditional ear ornaments
A few from the collection, from ₹1,200.
Pretty Flower Earrings Featuring White Mother Of Pearl Petals & Peach Pearls
Stunning Linear AD Studs With White Oval Pearl Drops
Zig zag styled pearl hangings in light pink pearls
Simple pearl drops in white metal
Simple and pretty pearl hangings
Stylish pearl hangings in american diamonds
Zig zag styled pearl hangings in american diamonds
Pretty Pearl Jhumkas in American Diamonds
Jhumka
A bell or dome-shaped earring, usually fringed with pearls or beads around the rim. The most recognisable Indian earring form.
Nizami Jewellery
The court style of the Nizams of Hyderabad: pearls in abundance, emeralds, and Persian-influenced form.
Bridal Set
A matched group of pieces worn together for a wedding: typically a necklace, earrings, and often a maang tikka.
Hangings
Earrings that hang below the lobe, as opposed to studs that sit on it. The everyday Indian term for drop earrings.