The Floral Jewellery Trend Is Going Nowhere (And We're Loving It!)

Floral jewellery is getting a well-deserved spotlight in Indian weddings, where fresh flower adornments seamlessly blend tradition with modernity. Whether opting for a breezy, playful aesthetic for haldi festivities or a regal, statement-making look for the sangeet, these accessories offer a versatile, on-trend alternative to conventional heavy gold and diamond-dripping pieces.

From intricate kaliras and bows to statement chokers and delicate hairpieces, blooms reimagined in artistic, unconventional designs are redefining festive accessorising.

How Flowers Became The Muse To Create Jewellery

“Fresh floral jewellery is more than just an accessory; it’s an extension of the bride’s personality and an ode to heritage,” says Srishti Kapur of Floral Art, whose fragrant creations have been worn by celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Karishma Tanna, Kiara Advani, and Sonam Kapoor. There’s no denying that the celebrity set is smitten with floral jewels: matha pattis, maang tikas, haath phools, anklets, bangles, and chokers.

For new bride Neelam Upadhyaya, who tied the knot with Siddharth Chopra, Priyanka Chopra's brother, this floral design wizard fashioned a matha patti and bangles using button daisies and Tagar kali. Srishti presents a compelling case for fragrant accessories, incorporating locally sourced blossoms and exotic blooms to create a range of items, from floral dupattas to ear chains and bangles. Dainty baby’s breath, too, lends a touch of whimsy, she adds. A refreshing departure from gold and diamonds, floral adornments are perfect for the fun-filled, festive day. Exotic blooms, peonies, and berries, too, are finding their way into lush accessories, she observes. 

Flowers like jasmine, long associated with auspiciousness and grace, are a popular choice among floral artisans entrusted with crafting intricate adornments.

 “Regional and cultural preferences play a significant role in determining floral selections for jewellery,” says Kapur. In Northern India, marigolds are favoured for their vibrant energy and striking hues, while in the South, mogras (Arabian jasmine) are cherished for their intoxicating fragrance. 

Meanwhile, lotuses, a sacred symbol across the country, are seamlessly incorporated into ritual decorations, adding a touch of heritage and meaning. Beyond aesthetics, the appeal of floral jewellery lies in its wearability. 

“We ensure each piece is lightweight and secure, allowing brides to move, dance, and enjoy their celebrations without worry,” says Poonam Sharma of Flowers by Design. At her atelier, she curates seasonal and exotic flowers, hydrating fresh blooms with floral food to enhance longevity, and incorporates pearls, beads, and gota embroidery into the design for added texture and dimension.

Floral designers ensure the neckpieces and chokers are made to complement the bridal outfit’s neckline, while bangles and haath phools draw on the style of hand accessories. The designs emphasise texture and volume, brought about with a mix of jasmine, roses, orchids, marigolds, mogra, and tuberose. By combining natural and artificial elements, each piece is crafted to prevent wilting and enhance longevity. “We avoid flowers that produce pollen to prevent allergies and staining,” says Sharma, who has also co-founded Poonam Mayank Sharma, a leading wedding planning company in Bengaluru. 

With sustainability at the forefront of bridal fashion, many floral designers, along with brides, are now finding ways to extend the life of these delicate creations. Flowers used in wedding décor are being repurposed into eco-friendly incense sticks, adding a meaningful, full-circle element to the celebration. Floral jewellery and ornaments aren’t a fleeting trend—they are a poetic homage to heritage, artistry and conscious luxury, reimagined for the modern Indian bride. 

Natural Jewels Rooted In History

Vibrant and evocative, floral adornment carries a rich historical legacy, deeply rooted in tradition and symbolism, observes Dr. Usha Balakrishnan, author, jewellery historian, and curator. “Kalidasa’s famed play Shakuntala beautifully illustrates this, with the heroine draped in delicate blooms—an enduring testament to the significance of flowers in adornment. The choice of flowers is far from arbitrary. Some varieties are deemed auspicious, frequently used in rituals and worship, while others are considered inauspicious.” For centuries, marigold (genda phool), jasmine (mogra), lotus (kamal), and rose (gulab) have been primary adornments for deities, with specific blooms chosen for different festivals and occasions.

This reverence has naturally influenced human adornment, shaping the long-standing tradition of floral jewellery. “The concept itself isn’t new—it has simply been reimagined in a fresh, more playful way. In the past, a small bottle of floral fragrance or fresh flower adornment could be procured for just a few rupees in the local bazaar. Today, similar handcrafted pieces command premium prices, transforming them from everyday indulgences into luxury accessories. Yet, the essence remains unchanged—an elegant expression of beauty, tradition, and cultural heritage,” explains the jewellery historian.

This story appears in Manifest India’s Issue 02. Subscribe here for more stories like this.