You can spot them from across the room. Wide crescents. Delicate hangings. A quiet sense of grace. Chandbali earrings aren’t just ornaments. Their tradition is on display.
At Alka Jewellers, we’ve seen these beauties draw in everyone—young brides, heritage lovers, and those who just want a little sparkle that means something.
So what makes these earrings so special? Let’s walk through their past, their meaning, and the styles that keep them shining.
Where They Come From
The word “Chandbali” literally means “moon earring.”
They first appeared during the Mughal era, crafted for royalty. The design caught on. Soon, the Nizams of Hyderabad took it further, turning them into elaborate masterpieces. Think diamonds, pearls, layers of gold. Everything about them whispered luxury.
Back then, these earrings were heavy and grand. They were made to be seen at weddings and court gatherings. Today, they’re more wearable but no less stunning.
They’ve crossed borders, too. From Indian cinema to Paris fashion shows, the crescent still makes a statement.
In South India, they also gained popularity during temple festivals and harvest celebrations. Women wore them with traditional silk sarees and fragrant jasmine garlands. Photographs from that time show layers of gold and a strong sense of pride.
There are even folk tales tied to them—stories of goddesses and queens, told through the shapes and motifs carved into the gold.
Why the Moon?
There’s something soft and powerful about the moon. It’s steady. Reflective. Always changing, but always there.
In Indian culture, the moon symbolises calm, beauty, and emotional depth. It’s tied to femininity. A balance of grace and strength. That’s why it shows up in everything from art to jewellery.
Wearing a Chandbali isn’t just a style choice—it’s often a nod to this symbolism.
Some women wear them on full moons. Others wear them during festivals. Some just love how they feel.
In Hinduism, the moon is linked with Soma, the god of immortality. That spiritual thread continues in the jewellery inspired by its shape. It makes the piece more than just decoration—it feels sacred.
Even today, some families consider gifting Chandbalis during moon-centric festivals like Karva Chauth or Sharad Purnima, tying the earring directly to the ceremony and ritual.
What They’re Made Of
Traditional Chandbalis are made in gold. Always gold. It’s not just about shine—it’s about value, purity, and tradition.
But the gold is just the start. Here’s what else goes into the mix:
- Kundan – bright gemstones pressed into foil
- Meenakari – detailed enamel work, usually colourful
- Polki – uncut diamonds with an antique feel
- Pearls – soft, round accents that bring elegance
Some designs are layered. Some are simple. Some are delicate enough for daily wear.
At Alka Jewellers, we stock all kinds—from heavy bridal pieces to light, modern designs.
We work with artisans who still use age-old techniques. They craft by hand. Each pair is slightly different. That’s the charm.
We’ve also seen newer requests. Some buyers want Chandbalis in rose gold. Others want lightweight versions that don’t tug at the ears. Even oxidised silver options have become popular.
No matter the variation, the crescent remains at the centre. It holds everything together.
Each pair takes hours—sometimes days—to complete. The careful placement of each bead, the precision of the enamel, and the balance of the arc make these pieces wearable art.
Styles You’ll See
There isn’t one look. Chandbalis come in many forms. Here are a few:
Kundan Chandbalis
Bright, bold, and packed with gems. Ideal for weddings or big events. They’re meant to dazzle.
Meenakari Chandbalis
Painted with colour. Great for festivals. These catch the light and start conversations.
Pearl Chandbalis
Soft, quiet elegance. These feel old-school in the best way. Lovely with saris and anarkalis.
Jhumka Chandbalis
Part hoop, part bell. These swing as you move. They’ve got drama.
Minimalist Chandbalis
Smaller. Sleeker. These go with jeans and kurtas. No fuss. Just style.
Fusion or Contemporary Chandbalis
Sometimes gold meets acrylic. Or enamel meets thread. These are younger, bolder takes on the classic.
We’ve even had custom requests. Brides often ask for matching sets—Chandbalis with bangles, maang tikka, and even anklets. The earrings become part of a larger look, one that tells a personal story.
There’s one for every taste, and each design still nods to that moon shape.
We’ve had clients ask for sets that tell a narrative, using symbols of peacocks, lotus flowers, or constellations. These additions take the earrings into a more personal, expressive space.
How to Wear Them
You don’t need an occasion to wear Chandbalis. But here’s how to make them pop:
- Show them off with tied hair or a braid
- Skip the necklace if the earrings are large
- Match enamel colours to your outfit
- Keep the rest of your jewellery simple
They also work great with fusion outfits. Pair them with a linen shirt and palazzos, or a jumpsuit with Indian print. Let them shine on their own.
You can dress them down, too. A simple cotton kurta, a low bun, a pair of Chandbalis—that’s it. You’re ready.
And don’t forget occasions like housewarming ceremonies, baby showers, or family dinners. These aren’t just wedding earrings anymore. They fit into everyday celebrations, too.
Some customers even wear them with Western outfits—power suits, long skirts, and formal gowns. It’s a striking contrast that works when you want to stand out.
Why People Still Want Them
They’re not a trend. They’re a constant.
Every season brings a new twist, but Chandbalis stay popular. Why?
- They flatter everyone
- They hold meaning
- They pair with almost anything
- They feel like heirlooms
And more than anything, they carry a story.
We often meet customers who come in looking for earrings their mothers wore. Or those who want to start their own traditions.
These earrings become more than just accessories. They’re memory keepers.
Fashion editors have even called them “timeless investments”. Not because of the price, but because of the way they age beautifully.
It’s not unusual for one pair to be worn across three generations. Each time, they feel different—but just as special.
People often return to tell us where they wore them—weddings, holidays, photo shoots, even casual dinners. They become part of their personal history.
In Summary
If you want jewellery that speaks, Chandbali earrings are a good place to start.
They’ve been around for centuries, but they never feel dated. They adapt. They glow. They remind you of something important.
Visit Alka Jewellers in Little India, Singapore, to try on a pair yourself. Our gold jewellery collection in Singapore includes something for every style—old, new, and in between.
Whether you’re gifting them, wearing them for the first time, or adding to your collection, one thing’s clear: the crescent never goes out of fashion.
You’ll find yourself reaching for them more than you expect. That’s the charm of Chandbalis.
They don’t just hang from your ears. They carry stories, wishes, and history.
