Something Old, Something New

In a world of fleeting trends, heirloom jewellery truly endures as consistently affirmed by bridal trends over the decades

- Shweta Vepa Vyas

What could be more poignant than taking your wedding vows adorned in a piece of jewellery passed down from your mother or grandmother? Heirloom jewellery in India has been above trends, always holding a revered place in wedding traditions. For centuries, our grandmothers and mothers have lovingly saved cherished jewels that they in turn inherited from their elders. Wearing ancestral jewellery on your wedding day is a profound gesture—one that, in many ways, signifies your ancestors bearing witness to your special day.

Timeless Traditions

This practice in fact transcends social and cultural boundaries. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony at home or the biggest wedding in the country, that ‘something old’ has always been a part of Indian tradition. Take for instance, the recent wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant—the bride was seen in an ornate choker set that was also worn by her sister on her wedding day in 2020. Reportedly, this set was worn by her mother and maternal grandmother on their own wedding days as well. Isha Ambani Piramal too, is often seen swapping jewellery with her mother. For her wedding, Ambani Piramal wore her mother's wedding sari as a dupatta along with bespoke family jewels. During the recent wedding festivities, she was seen wearing her mother's statement emerald necklace with matching earrings. Another noteworthy piece from the event was an ornate kamarband from Jadau Jewellery by Falguni Mehta. Mehta who has been working with the Ambani family for the last fifteen years shares her experience of creating the custom heirloom-inspired style. "We wanted to create something floral and delicate that enhanced the whole look. The Ambani family has always had a fabulous eye for detail, and have been open to trying new things while retaining the intrinsic value of old pieces."