Jewels for life

Surekha Kadapa-Bose checks out trends in bridal jewellery for this wedding season

Come festive season, especially weddings, and the entire talk and worry over the escalating prices of the yellow metal goes for a toss. A recent survey has indicated that though gold had hit an all-time high, there was still 30 per cent increase in the sale of gold during the Dasehra festival.

Clockwise from top left: Designs by Varuna D. Jani’s Bridal Collection; Tanishq Wedding Collection for Punjabi bride; and Vikas Chain and Jewellery

"Not only was there an increase in the sale of gold, but also when it comes to personal use, women are going in for even bigger pieces! They prefer to have large necklaces or cuffs," explained`A0Revathy Kant, head design and innovation at Tanishq in Bangalore.

Add to this the new trend of studded jewellery. Gold ornaments, studded with diamonds, besides coloured stones, are gaining popularity among women of all economic strata.

"Gold and diamond will stay in trend this year. Adding a trademark jewellery piece accentuates the charm and beauty of the bride. This season, women would want to give themselves a royal touch. They would prefer to go for old, classic and evergreen jalidar motifs. Polkis and uncut diamonds are in trend these days," said`A0Sulish Verma, designer with Vikas Chain and Jewellery of Delhi.

Mumbai-based Shezad Zaveri of Minawala jewellers says, "This wedding season more women will be going in for diamond jewellery. The price of each piece will depend upon the cut and quality of the diamond. So depending on one’s budget, one can opt for the type of jewellery to suit them. But my advice to all brides-to-be would be — buy only one piece but buy a superb quality one. After all, diamonds are forever!"

They all agree that a good trousseau should have a mix of gold and diamonds and also the designs should be both traditional and contemporary. They feel that instead of going in for four to six jingling thin bangles, one can opt for a broad cuff, which can be designed in a smaller quantity of gold highlighted by a central motif made of polki or uncut larger diamond. The price can be slashed further by combining the central motif mixing uncut diamonds with other coloured precious stones like rubies, emerald etc. Such pieces can be worn on a sari, western attire and suit all occasions.

Another item which will be in demand this season will be earrings. Danglers, old-fashioned jhumkas have staged a sure comeback.

According to Sulish, women between 20 and 30 should go for choker sets, big chunkies, bandgalas etc; women between 30-45 can go for plain line sets, good strings with four or five lines look good. Older women should opt for an elegant design with a sober look. At the same time, heavy sets with light designs will also compliment their personality.

Revathy admitted that Polkis have definitely gained momentum over the years but in terms of comparison with gold, it still has a long way to go. This emanates from the fact that gold has a better re-sale value. Also, gold jewellery these days is not restricted to mundane styles but has been transformed into many patterns that are truly glorious and breathtaking in nature and appeal. The use of Meenakari has enhanced the jewellery a lot.

Zaveri admitted that women are looking for heavy traditional designs with a contemporary twist as women want to be trendy.

So his advice for brides to be is to go for jewellery with colourful stones. White gold is another hit these days keeping the ensemble in mind.

All the designers advised that one should always go with the jewellery that not just compliments the outfit, but also suits one’s personality.