A trousseau is a treasure trove of tradition, culture and memories, filled with clothes, accessories, makeup and everything in-between that a newlywed would need as she embarks on a new journey. Her wedding wardrobe will also become a reflection of her unique personality. Among the assemblage of essentials and covetable items, jewellery surely holds a top position, both in terms of sentimental value as well as monetary value. More than style or sparkle, the vibrant colours and elaborate designs of wedding jewellery carry deep symbolism in Indian heritage, steeped in cultural significance and centuries-old customs. Considering that jewellery costs a fortune, it is not uncommon for mothers to collect heirloom jewellery and new pieces for her daughter way before “the one” has been found.
Unfortunately, post the wedding, most of the heavy jewels that make up the bridal trousseau get stowed at the back of a safety deposit box. But gone are the days when brides would rarely wear their wedding jewellery, perhaps for a family occasion. Today, brides are using their trousseau as a reason to put together versatile pieces that can be reworn and re-styled in various ways long after the celebrations come to a close.
The best bridal bijoux strike a balance between traditional and contemporary jewellery. Think trinkets that are gorgeous and never gaudy, ones that can be worn at a festive occasion just as easily as a cocktail night. With the cornucopia of designs available, it can be a daunting task to select pieces that are stylish and will hold the test of time. So we put together a guide of the most varied and versatile pieces worn by celebrity brides that every bride ought to invest in too. Whether you layer them or wear them as individual statement pieces, they have the power to instantly elevate all your traditional looks. We suggest you take notes.
Choker
Whether demure or dramatic, a choker’s timeless appeal, combined with its ability to beautifully frame the neckline and layer with long necklaces, makes it a standout choice. “Chokers have a remarkable ability to enhance a bride’s overall look. With a stunning choker, you have a piece that not only exudes elegance but also serves as a meaningful accessory that can be cherished for years to come. It’s a versatile and enduring addition to any bridal ensemble, embodying both style and sentiment. We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional chokers, infusing them with contemporary elements, whether that means melding jadau with new designs or adding gemstones or a unique finish,” shares Harit Zaveri, founder, Harit Zaveri Jewellers.
Polki
At its heart, polki is uncut diamond in its purest, most ethereal form. Dating back to the Mughal era, it is a centuries-old technique of hand-crafting uncut diamonds into fine jewellery. Polki is often used in its original version, meaning no two pieces are alike. Given its exclusivity, polki has become a favourite among celebrity brides. Sonam Kapoor-Ahuja wore a polki set for her mehndi, Priyanka Chopra opted for polki for her pheras and haldi, and Anushka Sharma and Neha Dhupia picked polki pieces too. Most recently, Radhika Merchant and Alia Bhatt wore the most exquisite polki for her Big Day. “Our journey with polki jewellery intertwines the grandeur of India’s royal heritage with the aspirations of today’s modern bride. At Amaris, our vision for polki jewellery goes beyond its traditional confines and aligning it with contemporary aesthetics,” says Prerna Rajpal of Amaris.
Rani Haar
A Rajasthani wedding staple, rani haar is a regal and stately-looking piece. “There are different types of haars to fit every occasion for a bride, from a saat-ladi haar for a maximalist look to a single-ladi dainty haar for a touch of sparkle. There are also different styles of haars wherein traditional gemstones are set into modern cuts and styles. The customisation options are endless,” says Tarang Arora, CEO and Creative Director, Amrapali Jewels. Considering its versatile design, haars are usually a good fit with both high neck blouses and plunging necklines. Bollywood brides including Anushka Sharma, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone all gave a green signal to this style for their wedding.
Bangles
From sleek designs to chunky kadas, there are a plethora of bangles for every type of bride. “Bangles hold a special place in a bride’s ensemble. They signify the bride’s marital status, enhance her beauty and its jingling sound creates an enchanting aura during rituals and celebrations. Beyond aesthetics, bangles are often heirlooms, passed down through generations. Beautiful, broad diamond bangles with coloured stones are popular with brides today,” suggests Chitwn D Malhotra, Founder, Dillano Jewels. Khush cover girls including Parineeti Chopra, Yami Gautam and Kriti Kharbanda chose classic pieces for their wedding. More recently in July 2024, Sobhita Dhulipala stacked temple kadas for her engagement.
Jhumka
There are several styles of earrings that a bride can choose from. Among the must-haves, jhumkas take the prime spot. Its origin traced back to south Indian traditional temple jewellery, where they were crafted for deities, with their silhouette mimicking the domes of Indian palaces and temples. Bride Patralekhaa Paul went with jhumkas for her wedding with Khush Man Rajkummar Rao for their Big Day, while Aditi Rao Hydari opted for temple jhumkas for her intimate wedding with actor Siddharth in September 2024. “As an owner of a heritage jewellery business, I believe it’s important to opt for something timeless, like jhumkas. They take many shapes and forms, from traditional uncut stones to the classic combination of pearls and diamonds. Our design sensibilities include crafting transitional earrings with reversible or detachable pieces,” says Tarang, Amrapali Jewels.
Chandbali earrings
Speaking of timeless classic, chandbali earrings deserve a spot in every bridal trousseau. The name chandbali comprises two words—chand that refers to moon and bali is earrings. With the crescent moon shape as the main element of design, the chandbali earrings are set intricately with crystals and fringed with tiny pearls. From the early iterations of Rajasthan’s royal Rajput dynasties to Hyderabad’s Nizams, the presence of chandbali earrings can be traced back to the early rulers. Furthermore, celebrities, from Athiya Shetty to Deepika Padukone, who have chosen the style to elevate their ethnic looks on various occasions is proof. Chaandbalis promise to become your go-to saviours with any kind of Indian outfit. Whether you style your hair up or down, pair them with an anarkali or a Benarasi silk sari, there is no resisting the charm of these trusty bejewelled earrings.
Gemstone jewellery
Ruby, alexandrite, pearl, opal, garnet and pearl among a kaleidoscope of gemstones are perfect to infuse colour and character to any outfit. If you don’t know where to start, pick your birthstone to make the piece exclusively yours. Whether or not you believe in the significance of the Zodiac signs, the cosmic movements or the mythology behind birthstones, adding a personal touch to your jewellery collection will not disappoint. Birthstones are said to bring luck and positivity to its wearer, and who doesn’t need that. Kiara Advani and Parineeti Chopra surely agreed, who opted for emerald jewellery with their bridal lehengas. “We modernise gemstone pieces with innovative settings and cuts, introducing geometric shapes, asymmetry, and minimalism into our designs. Mixing various gemstones in a single piece can create a vibrant look. Diamonds and sapphires in deep blue or unique colours are lucrative investments,” says Chitwn of Dillano Jewels.
Chandelier earrings
While classic styles are perfect for the traditional wedding look, evening events call for adding shine and sparkle to your look with statement earrings. The ideal accessory to go with the night vibe is chandelier earrings encrusted with fine diamonds. “Design being Anmol’s major element, we have some of our best chandelier earrings that work as statement pieces and can go with any outfit. These are showstoppers crafted in gold paired with diamonds and some with precious gemstones. Chandelier earrings instantly help you elevate your bridal look,” reveals Ishu Datwani, Founder, Anmol.
Diamond necklace
Between earrings, rings and head accessories, the necklace is likely to steal the thunder. When it comes to glamorous sangeets and receptions, a diamond necklace will vie all the attention. “Whether a diamond choker, a lariat or a collar design, there are endless necklace styles to pick from. A bridal jewellery box can have an array of options, from classic white diamond necklaces to necklaces with precious gemstones like rubies and blue sapphires,” shares Ishu Datwani, Founder, Anmol. Take cues from Priyanka Chopra’s diamond bib necklace for inspiration. Anushka Sharma wore an eye-catching diamond choker with hand-crafted with rose cut diamonds, solitaires and briolettes from Sabyasachi Fine Jewelry with her gold Sabyasachi lehenga for her reception.
Commitment jewellery
Promise and engagement rings to wedding bands, rings hold a special place in marking milestones in every woman’s journey. Today, there’s a kaleidoscope of styles available for the modern bride to wear them as stand-alone conversation-starting ornaments and as investments for posterity. From gemstone rings to creating custom stacks, the styling opportunities are endless. For Hindu weddings, the mangalsutra is undoubtedly the most notable symbol of marital commitment and spiritual union.
