Jhumka (earring style)

Jhumka, originally Jimmikkis, are a style of earring worn by women of the Indian subcontinent. Under the Mughal Empire, the Kharanphool jhumka evolved into a single jewel, still maintaining its bell shape. Previously, the Kharanphool referred to the bejeweled round disc on the ear (the name itself meaning "flower for the ear"), and the jhumki referred to the bell shaped jewelry at the bottom of the piece. The jhumka have maintained their status throughout history in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh as coveted earrings. The origin of this popular earring style can be traced back to ancient Chola Tamil temple statues (which make them as old as 300s BCE).