The ear chain, called mattal in South India and kaan chain or sahara in the North, runs from the earring to the hair. It is decorative, but it also supports heavy jhumkas so they do not pull the earlobe. For bridal counters, ear chains are an easy add-on that improves comfort and look.
Styles
- Mattal (South India): a decorated chain from the earring to the hair behind the ear, part of bridal and dance jewellery, usually antique gold with kemp and pearls.
- Kundan kaan chain: Kundan links with pearls.
- Pearl chains: simple pearl strands.
- AD ear chains: sparkling CZ for receptions.
- Ear cuffs: modern designs that climb the ear edge, sometimes combined with a chain.
How they attach
Ear chains usually clip or hook into the hair above the ear and attach to the earring. Some are sold attached to jhumkas; others are separate and fit most earrings.
Check that:
- the earring end fits the earrings in your range
- the hair end grips without pulling
- the chain length suits different hairstyles, ideally adjustable
Quality checks
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Hair clip or hook | Holds securely without pulling |
| Length | Suits different ear-to-hair distances |
| Weight | Light enough not to add strain |
| Finish | Matches earrings |
| Link strength | Carries the earring weight |
Why they matter, and how to stock them
Heavy jhumkas and chandbalis pull on earlobes and are one of the most common sources of comfort complaints after a long wedding. An ear chain takes part of the weight to the hair, so retailers who suggest one with every heavy jhumka sale hear fewer complaints and make an extra sale at the same time.
- Offer ear chains with heavy bridal jhumkas, and separate universal chains as add-ons for customers who already own heavy earrings.
- Keep them in the main finishes of your earring range (antique gold, bright gold, silver-look), in two or three lengths, and in both temple and Kundan styles if you serve North and South Indian customers.
- Match chains to earrings in finish, stone colour and motif; when ordering jhumkas, add a matching chain design in the same batch so the pair leaves the factory together.
- Include a matching mattal, in the same kemp colours, in every dance set.
We make ear chains in temple, Kundan and AD styles at 400 pcs per design. See temple jewellery wholesale and jhumka wholesale.
Briefing an ear chain
Give the chain length, the number and style of decorative elements, the type of hair hook, and the loop that connects to the earring. Ask for the chain to be tested with the heaviest earring you plan to pair it with.
Care and selling
Ear chains are thin and tangle: store each pair on a card or laid flat in the pouch with the matching earrings, and advise customers to unhook the chain before removing the earrings. Many customers do not know how ear chains attach until they see it, so show them worn on a model or display head - a quick demonstration at the counter turns curiosity into a sale.