Ever since she stepped into the spotlight as an MTV VJ almost two decades ago, Malaika Arora has mastered the art of nailing a look. The supermodel and television host turned fitness entrepreneur and reality TV judge is a style chameleon of sorts. While she can do demure and delicate, the 46-year-old truly thrives when she steps out in her signature risqué looks. Few can pull off the daring silhouettes she so effortlessly glides in.

The mom-of-one’s celebrated taste is not just restricted to her outfits, it’s a sensibility she extends to her complementing jewellery as well. Arora knows a thing (or many) about the subtle art of balance. Given her penchant for bold ensembles, she deftly uses jewellery to gently enhance her looks without going overboard. 

Malaika Arora’s traditional and western jewellery picks

When it comes to Indian wear, jewellery often makes or breaks the look. In Arora’s case, it’s mostly the former. Remember her gota skirt and black cropped blouse by Itrh? What made this viral look even more headline-making was the accompanying emerald jewellery–pear-shaped multi-strand emerald necklace, drop earrings and matching cocktail rings, all by Goenka India.

Gemstone jewellery, in fact, seems to be the star’s go-to. Often in a hue that contrasts her outfit. With a sheer yellow Raw Mango sari, she wore uncut diamond and emerald jewellery with meenakari work by Sunita Shekhawat and Satyani Fine Jewels. And with her dusty rose and gold Seema Khan lehenga for Akash Ambani and Shloka Mehta’s post-wedding celebrations, it was a Russian emerald and polki choker (no earrings). Yet another time, the trendsetter opted for head-to-toe red in a diamond and ruby Farah Khan necklace with a siren red Amit Aggarwal sari gown.

It’s rare to see this tastemaker go unnecessarily extra with her jewellery. When the occasion demands it, she has no qualms in playing favourites between her necklace and earrings. But the times she does go all in, it’s because her outfit is relatively simple. Such as the time she finished a printed Rohit Bal sari with a regal choker, oversized maang tikka and ring.

With her Sangeeta Kilachand patola sari, she added layered silver necklaces from Apala by Sumit. A brand whose shoulder dusters she also wore to complete her Anamika Khanna cape and draped skirt set.