A blushing bride peeps into the aarsi ‘mirror’ ring to coyly take a look at her groom. The little pieces of barrette twinkle when she moves her head. And the gorgeously crafted gold waistband wrapped around her waist is a head-turner. It’s that time of the year again. When along with the wedding bells that will resound in the backdrop, the highlight will be the treasures from your grandma’s trunk or the jewellers’ best wares.

It’s an arduous task to select that one striking piece that will leave your guests spell-bound. Is it okay to experiment with some funky and unusual pieces or take the safe route? Thankfully, the little events that surround your wedding provide ample opportunities to sport different styles of jewellery. Here are some jewellery trends for this bridal season which have been in demand for the main ensemble as well as trousseau. Which one do you want to dazzle in? The choice is entirely yours.

Back to your roots

The dazzling ‘kaashmalai’ that a Kerala bride dons, the classic Rajasthani ‘jadau’ set, Gujarati ‘haath-phools’ or the long ‘maanga harams’ of Tamil weddings. Wedding jewellery steeped in tradition never goes out of fashion. And the flavour this season is to go back in time and bring out select pieces that blend in with your culture and family history.

While the easiest option is to rummage through your mother’s or grand mother’s collections, there are many jewellery stores that specialise in jewellery patterns of the yore. Tanishq for example reiterated the trend with the launch of its Wedding collection specific to different communities, with pieces rooted to the art and craft form and culture of each state.

Traditional, with a twist

There are also exquisite jewels for those who don’t want to leave their roots behind yet want to add a dash of modernity to their bridal ware. Mirari has experimented with a Punjabi bride’s pride - the red and white ‘chudas’ – which they wear for a long period even after the wedding.

Mira Gulati has used white diamonds and rubies to craft single line bangles, a precious substitute to the lac ‘chudas’.

If one were to attend a traditional South Indian wedding, the ‘oddiyanum’ or waist band shimmering in gold cannot be missed. But brides today want to opt out of the gold bling look and buckle up something classy. Jaipur Gems has created a few pieces to give the traditional a classic touch. It designed a special waist band for a bride where it teamed a large diamond and white gold piece with strings of small pearls to loop around the waist and its stores still display a diamond version of the long gold ‘haaram’.

The ‘karan-phool’ which the bride wears to hold up her heavy earrings has also transformed from a mere gold link to a stylised ear wrap piece.

Statement pieces

Brides who do not want to pile on necklaces of varied lengths resembling a wedding metal armour, are now opting for one statement neckpiece that will make up for all the bling.

Usually in the form of a bib or short necklace, these statement pieces have a large attractive pendant to grab eyeballs. For the wrists too, brides prefer wearing a stunning jewelled cuff for the reception rather than stacking up matching bangles.

Another piece that has caught the fancy of brides is a large funky cocktail ring that can be flashed in the pre engagement functions.

Apart from Indian brands like Minawala and Popley, international jewellers like de Grisogono, Faberge, Cartier and others have colourful and exotic large rings that can be the centre of attention in your pre-wedding ensemble. The solitaires in your engagement ring can do the talking after that! What can also add a dramatic touch is a classy hair accessory. While it is difficult to team one with your traditional attire, it pairs well with fusion wear.

Dismantlables

When will I ever wear my wedding jewellery again? This is perhaps the most common predicament among brides across communities. Bridal jewellery tends to be so heavy and grand that one tends to think twice before sporting it at another do.

But jewellers are making it easier. Maangtikas that can be converted into pendants, pendants into brooches, earrings that can be made smaller and pendants that are dismantlable to the last ruby.

It’s the season to opt for easy mix and match rather than complicated ones.

Go dazzle!

Trousseau must-haves

Whether you wear these for the wedding or no, it’s great to stock up some elegant pieces of jewellery with the budget you have set for yourself. Instead of spending it all on a heavy kundan set or gold and ruby haaram, it’s best to pick a variety of styles and techniques to add an eclectic touch to your wedding trousseau.

Here are some interesting pieces you can look at:

- Maangtika or Netti chuuti: A simple one with rubies and emeralds or just plain diamonds that can be used with ethnic wear

- Trendy waistband: In strings of pearls or easy flowing metal links that can be paired with western dresses too

- Brooch: White gold studded with brilliant white diamonds or exquisite pearls is a winner all the way. You can also look at some colourful ones.

- Precious bag: In Swarovski crystals for a contemporary look or hand crafted in gold, silver and precious stones in aesthetic designs for an ethnic get up

- Kurta buttons: Diamond, ruby and emerald studded buttons add class to an ethnic kurta and can be teamed with other attires post-wedding as well

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