The short answer: for garba and dandiya, choose jewellery that is light, secure and catches the light as you move. Hand-cast bell metal necklaces with ghungroo (little bells) or coin motifs suit the folk spirit of the dance, pair beautifully with chaniya cholis and handloom sarees, and are far easier to wear through a long night than heavy gold.
Why garba jewellery is different
Garba is danced in circles, often for hours, around a lamp or a decorated earthen pot. Jewellery needs to stay in place, not tangle, and not weigh you down. Traditional garba looks lean towards folk and tribal jewellery: oxidised silver, bell metal, coins, mirrors and bells, which jingle softly with every turn.
What is bell metal?
Bell metal is an alloy of copper and tin, prized for its warm golden tone and its ring when struck. Brass is copper and zinc. Our jewellery is hand-cast in bell metal using the lost-wax technique of central India's metalsmiths: each piece is modelled in wax, encased in clay and cast in molten metal, then finished by hand. Because each piece is cast individually, small differences in texture are natural.
Pieces to wear for the nine nights
- Sona ghungroo necklace set. A row of little bells that echo the ghungroo worn by dancers, with matching earrings, in an antique gold tone.
- Sona coin necklace set. A tribal coin and disc motif: a classic garba look that suits mirror-work chaniya cholis.
- Sindoori crescent bar necklace set. Bell metal with red beads, made for red and maroon outfits.
- Sona floral kada and sindoori beaded bangles. Stack a single kada with beaded bangles for colour on the wrist.
- Sindoori zari zardozi handbag. A small embroidered bag to carry your phone and essentials between rounds.
Styling tips
- Choose one statement piece. A ghungroo or coin necklace with simple earrings looks better in motion than many layers.
- Match the metal to the outfit. The antique gold of bell metal glows against red, maroon, haldi yellow, green and black.
- Keep wrists light. One kada and a few bangles are enough if you are dancing with dandiya sticks.
- Think beyond chaniya choli. The same pieces lift a handloom saree for the puja. See what to wear for Navratri.
Caring for bell metal jewellery
- Put it on after perfume, lotion and hairspray, and keep it away from water.
- Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth after each night, especially after a long, warm evening of dancing.
- Store each piece separately in a soft pouch so the bells and beads do not tangle.
Shop the Navratri edit
See all our festive jewellery in the Navratri Special, or browse the full jewellery collection. Please allow up to 2 weeks for delivery anywhere in India.
Frequently asked questions
What jewellery is worn for garba?
Light folk and tribal jewellery is the classic choice: oxidised or bell metal necklaces, coin and ghungroo pieces, jhumkas, kadas and bangles that move with the dance.
Is bell metal jewellery heavy?
Our bell metal pieces are cast to be light to wear, so they are comfortable through a long night of garba.
What is the difference between bell metal and brass?
Bell metal is an alloy of copper and tin; brass is copper and zinc. Both have a warm golden tone.
How do I stop bell metal jewellery from tarnishing?
Keep it dry, away from perfume and lotions, wipe it after wearing and store it in a soft pouch.