5 Brides On Their Most Cherished Jewellery Pieces

Manifest speaks to five cool women on how the jewellery they wore on their wedding day served more than just an accessory...

Jan 4, 2025
  • For women around the world, a piece of jewellery is often more than just a pièce de résistance—it symbolises love, culture, heritage, and tradition. Trends are fleeting, but a solid jewellery collection built from the day when you choose to walk down the aisle is for life.

    Jewellery, for many of us, holds unquantifiable sentimental value. It is an act of love passed down from our mothers. Every bracelet, necklace,kadaor ring comes with an intention. They are cherished in the same manner as they were many decades ago. They are timeless, versatile and can be worn in so many ways.

    Ahead, five stylish women tell us what creating modern heirlooms means to them.

    Young, Stylish Women On Their Bridal Jewellery

    Of diamonds and mother’s love

    "My wedding was a dream come true. Every moment was magical, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. When it came to my jewellery, I wanted pieces that were as timeless as my love for my now husband. My mom and mother-in-law helped me pick stunning diamond necklaces that are versatile. On my big day, I kept my look simple yet striking. A gorgeous four-row diamond necklace was the star of the show, paired with elegant earrings, delicate bangles, and a simple maang tikka. It was the perfect complement to my red lehenga. Moreover, these are such classic jewels which never go out of style. To me, these aren’t just pieces of jewellery; they’re symbols of love and family. I can’t wait to pass them down to future generations. I’m saving my bridal jewellery for special occasions. They’re safely tucked away, waiting for their perfect moment to shine. However, I do occasionally wear earrings and bracelets, as they’re easy to style with different ensembles. If I were to be a bride in 2025, I’d still choose the same timeless pieces and cherish them forever."

    -Sunaina Khera, Designer

    The last-minute bijoux

    “I got married three years ago and I still remember so clearly how I felt… I was at peace, there was a sense of calm. I didn’t get jitters, it felt like a natural progression taking place in my life. The jewellery I picked up for my wedding day was a necklace that I repurposed by joining each of my nani’s and My dadi’s polki and Kundan necklaces. I think it made such a statement that I didn’t feel the need to add any other piece. The earrings I paired with the necklace were such a spontaneous decision I made! I was getting ready and happened to find them on my mother’s dressing table. These were polki drop earrings and they just looked so much better than the pair I had initially decided to wear. The maang tikka is also one of the pieces passed down to me by my mum. I think the jewellery I wore seamlessly intertwined with my trousseau. I consciously didn’t decide to go for heirlooms but…everything just organically fit so well. All these pieces to me feel so special because they have been a part of my family for so long. And apart from being attached to them emotionally, I just feel the jewellery crafted back in the day was of impeccable quality. You don’t find that kind of jewellery now. I paired it with a red chiffon sari that was lying in my wardrobe and my mum had got it for me many years ago from Paris. I used an old border from my grandma’s sari and later it was sent to a particular village in Lucknow to get traditional mukaish hand work done on it. Most of my looks came together last minute and very organically (much to my friends’ shock!)  I am not one to over-plan. I think there is beauty in spontaneity, and going with what feels natural to you at the moment–is how I live. So it would have been inauthentic for my wedding day to be any different.”

    -Tarini Manchanda, Digital Content Creator

    The statement-making jewels

    “I had an Anand Karaj ceremony, I couldn’t sleep the entire night. I woke up with jitters, we did my chooda that morning…the feeling of leaving my house and realising I will not visit my home the same way I did is a bittersweet feeling that I remember so clearly even to date. But, once I started getting ready, I was just myself. For the ceremony, I wore a stunning three-layered Kundan polki necklace featuring hues of emerald green and ruby red. The set was chosen by my mother, it was the best choice she made! I earlier had planned to break down the rows and wear it as a choker but I am so glad I didn’t. I think I was a different bride because I didn’t choose a lehenga or opt for a traditional red ensemble—rather I wore a white Sharara from Shobika Bhandari. I also wore amaang tikaand apassa. It was minimalistic yet was just the kind of look I wanted, everything spoke to me and I truly believe fashion needs to be who you are. The glow that reflects on your face when you are simply being who you are is just incomparable.  The five-set sharara look featured intricate work and the veil that came with it weighed 9 kilos! It was a floor-length veil and was tied all together with a belt. My mother styled the entire look for me. Today, I continue to repurpose my earrings from the wedding so often—they are heavy yet so wearable and add so much character to any outfit. I will wear them to other people’s weddings, at Diwali parties or with a flowy kaftan. It is a pair of jewellery that will not go unnoticed. From my wedding set, I got my veil repurposed into a stunning sari that I love to wear whenever possible.”

    -Jesicaa Siingh, Founder of Stanley Communications

    The love of legacy, heirloom, and polkis

    "On my wedding day, a sense of peace washed over me as I was enveloped in love. On my wedding day, I wore a timeless five-layered polki set that I bought from our jeweller, Bharany's. I chose this particular piece as I found it regal and felt I could wear it for years to come.

    The jewellery I choose along with my parents holds a special place in my heart. I knew I had saved them for this very day. I styled the jewellery with a beautiful gold-toned lehenga from Manish Malhotra with beautiful pearl detailing. I married recently and am still waiting to wear my jewellery with a minimal outfit. However, I love timeless pieces like polki, pearls and rubies. These are a few of my favourites and for a touch of sparkle, I think a beautiful maang tikka can elevate a look.”

    -Sonali Batra, Founder MiCasa Collective

    Elevating pure joy with classics

    "My wedding day was a dream come true, filled with excitement, nervousness, and pure joy. My jewellery played a significant role in making the day even more special. I chose timeless pieces—an intricate polki choker, elegant polki earrings, and a delicate maang tikka. Each piece was thoughtfully picked to reflect my style. The jewellery was styled to complement my outfit without overpowering it. We went for a layered look with the choker and a longer necklace, and the earrings paired beautifully with a neat bun and soft makeup to keep things balanced.

    I love how versatile these pieces are and can be reused in so many different ways. The choker works beautifully for festive looks, the earrings are perfect for weddings, and I sometimes even mix the maang tikka with lighter outfits for a fun, experimental touch. I believe a well-designed choker or a statement pair of earrings can instantly elevate any bridal look, framing the face beautifully and adding the perfect touch of sparkle.”

    -Reshma Malhotra Arora, Founder Ressa Jewellery

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

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    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

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    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

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    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    The fact that it comes with band, baaja and baraat — what's not to love?And that is the reason our first issue celebrates:
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    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

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