Planning a wedding comes with a lot of undue pressure as well as delightful pleasures! Right from the lighting to the flower arrangements and decor, no detail is spared when turning your dream wedding into reality. However, nothing beats curating the Wedding Trousseau for an Indian Bride; acollection of pieces laboriously put together for the celebrations and events that follow, like parties and the honeymoon!
Though Wedding Trousseaus are often associated with new outfits in vibrant hues, it is a treasure trunk that extends far beyond pieces of clothing. One of the most primary parts of a trousseau is the bridal jewellery. And special care must be given when picking the perfect pieces, as they transcend the wedding celebrations and become family heirlooms.
Whether it is Temple jewellery from down south or Kundan from up North, modern brides have a plethora of options to choose from! This allows them to express themselves and add a personal touch to age-old traditions. But it is vital to select pieces that you can re-wear throughout your life! This assures that they do not remain locked in boxes before being passed on. To help you select timeless pieces for your special day as well as after, here’s a lowdown on some of the most precious jewellery crafts of India that are ageless and eloquent!
Kundan-Jadau Jewellery
If you are a maximalist bride who is all set to have a Big Fat Indian Wedding, then the age-old craft of Kundan-Jadau is an ideal choice for you! While Kundan is the name given to the semi-precious stones used, Jadau is the name of the very craft of adjoining the metal and stones.
This is one of the oldest artforms, which dates back to the opulent Mughal & Rajput era. The arduous method of making Kundan-Jadau ensures that all the stones are set into a solid base. This results in minimal risk of damage over the years, making them a worthy investment.
Kundan-Jadau jewellery is often a riot of colours featuring various stones like diamonds, emeralds and rubies, making the pieces even heavier! Despite being bold and dramatic, this timeless craft can be worn for years without ever going out of style.
If you are wondering which design to invest in, opt for a classic, enigmatic Kundan necklace that sits daintily on your collar. You can choose the weight of the design based on how comfortably you will be re-wearing it after the wedding. A heavy Kundan necklace is a statement-maker that can be styled with dresses and blouses having deep necklines. With such a voluminous neckpiece, you can even skip the earrings to attain a look that exudes understated glamour! Another great option is a kundan kada, which is a broad, chunky bangle studded with hand-cut stones. This is great for casual styling with sarees and party dresses as it exudes an air of effortless luxury.
Temple Jewellery
It comes as no surprise that this jewellery craft finds its origin in Southern India. Built by various historic dynasties over centuries, the region is a
haven for ancient temples that stand tall to date. The name of this craft derives from the literal motifs used in the designs, depicting temple structures, Gods and Goddesses.
Traditional Temple jewellery is purely made of gold or silver without any stones. The intricacy and minimalistic regality of this craft make it perfect for your wedding festivities as well as the occasions that come after!
If you want to invest in authentic heritage Temple jewellery, opt for a classic Kasulaperu; an mesmerizing necklace made of Goddess Laxmi coins. The speciality of this spectacular design is that it can be layered with shorter length chokers or worn singularly.
Diamond Jewellery
As the saying goes, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend!” and no better way to prove it than by adorning chic yet contemporary Diamond Jewellery on your wedding. Whether your bridal looks are ornate and regal, minimal or fusion, statement diamond pieces have the potential to enhance any look. Consider going for a quaint diamond necklace that is as exquisite as your personality! You can also go that extra mile to choose pieces with coloured stones like rubies and emerald to match your outfit. Take inspiration from vintage designs or go for something edgy and modern; Diamond Jewellery is classy and multifunctional.
Choose your diamonds with care and precision and go for smaller or larger cuts depending on your personal style. No matter what kind of designs you go for, the versatility of these durable precious stones make them easy to pair with all outfits. Planning to invest on a chunky diamond bracelet? Wear it to brunches and dinner parties as the only statement piece & steal the spotlight with minimum efforts! Lightweight pieces like brooches and earrings also go a long way after the wedding. They are elegant and can be styled for several occasions without looking over-the-top!
Enamel Jewellery
Nothing quite echoes the vibrancy of Indian hues as much as Enamel jewellery, also known as Meenakari. The art of enameling began in 18th century Rajasthan, pioneered by Rajput & Mughal Kings because of their vivid colours.
Apart from metals and stone, a distinct component of this craft is glass, which is fused with the colourful enamel to attain a glossy, luxurious finish. Traditionally, Enamel Jewellery comprises colours like red, green and blue, used to depict elements of nature like birds and trees. Baby blue and pink are a few of the popular pastel shades used today in this timeless artform.
The unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements make Enamel Jewellery ideal for today’s brides. Invest in an edgy necklace that will steal the spotlight when paired with your wedding lehenga! Later, you can even style it with a flowy maxi dress for the ultimate fusion look! Another classic piece is a pair of jhumkas or chandbalis. These statement earrings can be worn for multiple occasions and attires with or without any neckpiece. Explore the market and choose from various renditions available, including heritage designs and new-age patterns.
Apart from looking fantastic in your wedding pictures, it is important to think ahead when spending graciously so that you do not look back with regrets! Buying wedding jewellery for the bridal trousseau is anything but impulsive. From the engagement ring to the heavy set for the wedding day and the lighter pieces for everyday wear after the occasions, the items you pick as a bride stick with you throughout your life. Naturally, the designs need to be timeless, and can be worn multiple times for various occasions. Regardless of the craft you choose, it must match your innate sensibilities and become an eternally prized possession; one you can return to time and again.