Mixing Metals with Indian Wear: Styling Artificial Jewellery for Ethnic Looks

May 27, 2025

Gone are the days when fashion insisted on matching everything perfectly — especially jewellery. Today, mixing metals has become a bold and beautiful trend, even in the world of ethnic fashion. With Indian wear being so rich in textures, colours, and embellishments, combining gold, silver, and other metallic tones in artificial jewellery can elevate your look in fresh, modern ways.

Whether you’re attending a wedding, a festive celebration, or a casual family function, this guide will show you how to style mixed-metal artificial jewellery with traditional Indian outfits effortlessly and confidently.

Why Mixing Metals Works with Indian Outfits

Indian wear — whether it's sarees, lehengas, salwar suits, or Indo-western pieces — offers a vibrant canvas for creativity. Mixing metals:

Adds dimension and richness to already ornate outfits
Enhances visual appeal without overpowering the look
Allows for more versatility — reuse your jewellery across different occasions
Brings together old and new, traditional and modern

Plus, with artificial jewellery being both affordable and diverse, experimenting with mixed metals doesn’t break the bank!

Common Metals in Indian Artificial Jewellery

Before you start mixing, it’s helpful to know the types of metal tones you’ll often find in ethnic-style artificial jewellery:

Gold-plated (bright, antique, or matte)
Silver-plated (polished or oxidised)
Rose gold
Oxidised black metal
Copper and bronze tones
Dual-tone and tri-tone finishes

These finishes are commonly used in earrings, bangles, necklaces, anklets, maang tikkas, and more.

Mixing Metals with Different Indian Outfits

Let’s break down how to mix metals based on the type of Indian attire you’re wearing:

1. Sarees

Sarees are timeless, and they give plenty of space to get creative with jewellery.

Try This:

For silk or Kanjeevaram sarees: Pair antique gold jhumkas with oxidised bangles for a South-meets-North fusion.
For chiffon or georgette sarees: Mix a rose gold layered necklace with silver anklets and a gold waist chain (kamarbandh) for a modern twist.

Pro Tip: Use a neutral-toned blouse or belt to tie all the metals together.

2. Lehengas

Lehengas are usually statement outfits — and your jewellery should complement, not compete.

Try This:

Combine a silver maang tikka with gold-plated chandbalis and bronze bangles for a royal yet contemporary vibe.
Choose a mixed-metal choker (gold and silver) and layer with plain gold or oxidised strands.

Pro Tip: Let the embroidery guide your metal mix — if your lehenga has both gold and silver threads, your jewellery should echo that.

3. Salwar Suits and Anarkalis

These are versatile outfits that can go from casual to grand depending on how you accessorise.

Try This:

Pair oxidised silver earrings with gold jhumar or passa if you’re wearing a Pakistani-style outfit.
Mix rose gold studs with silver bangles and a copper pendant chain for everyday festive looks.

Pro Tip: Keep it light — mixed metals should add flair, not bulk, to these flowy outfits.

4. Indo-Western Outfits

Fusion outfits are ideal for mixing and matching metals boldly.

Try This:

Stack gold, silver, and oxidised rings together.
Layer delicate chains in different metal tones and finish with a mixed-metal ear cuff or nose ring.

Pro Tip: This is the place to experiment — combine modern shapes with traditional designs.

How to Balance Mixed Metals Like a Pro

Styling isn’t just about wearing multiple metal colours — it’s about wearing them well. Here’s how to balance your look:

✔️ Follow the 60-30-10 Rule

Let one metal tone dominate (60%), use another to support (30%), and the third as an accent (10%).

✔️ Repeat Each Metal

Don’t wear just one gold piece and the rest in silver. Echo each tone at least twice to make your look feel complete.

✔️ Match with Outfit Accents

If your outfit has zari (metal thread), mirror its tone in your jewellery mix.

✔️ Use Statement and Support Pieces

Let one piece shine (like a heavy necklace) while the others add harmony — not distraction.

Combining Traditional Designs with Modern Metal Mixes

Artificial jewellery lets you get the best of both worlds — traditional aesthetics in unconventional finishes.

Temple jewellery in oxidised or silver-tone instead of classic gold.
Kundan and Meenakari with rose gold bases instead of yellow gold.
Polki sets mixed with matte antique chains or copper-finish nose rings.

This mix of heritage and experimentation helps you stand out in the crowd while staying rooted in cultural richness.

Where to Buy Mixed Metal Artificial Jewellery for Indian Wear

Looking to start your mixed-metal ethnic collection? Here are a few great places to shop:

Voylla, Zaveri Pearls, Pipa Bella – for curated ethnic and Indo-Western designs.
Amazon India, Myntra, Ajio – budget-friendly artificial jewellery.
Local bazaars or exhibitions – for unique handmade pieces with artisanal charm.

Look for keywords like dual-tone, antique finish, mixed metal, or fusion jewellery while browsing.

Care Tips for Mixed Metal Artificial Jewellery

Store pieces separately to prevent tarnishing.
Use a soft cloth to wipe after use, especially if you sweat.
Avoid water and perfume directly on the jewellery.

This will ensure your artificial jewellery lasts longer and retains its shine.

Final Thoughts

Mixing metals with Indian wear is more than a trend — it’s a fashion-forward way to blend tradition with modernity. From heavy lehengas to casual kurtis, adding a little bit of gold here and some oxidised silver there creates a beautifully layered and intentional look.

Don’t be afraid to break the rules — jewellery is personal. With the affordability and variety of artificial jewellery, you have the freedom to experiment without hesitation. Whether you're dressing for a wedding or a festive dinner, let your mixed metals tell your unique story.

Search This Blog

Glit Studio