Jewellery05 Jul 20246 MIN

8 bridal jewellery essentials you can’t do without

Elegant and euphoric—trust us, these pieces are how you achieve sartorial success

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In collaboration with Aurus & Moi

For as far back as Puja Shah, the co-founder of Aurus and Moi, can remember, her childhood days were filled with marvelling over her grandmothers’ jewellery chests. Wander-eyed and kindled with curiosity, she would love to know the stories behind each shining jewel.

Today, as she recalls what ignited her lifelong love for art and jewellery, she credits it to her dadi and nani, who she fondly refers to as “the aesthete and the admirer.” One, with a discerning eye collected pieces that spoke of distinct design and craftsmanship. The other, who adored all things jewellery, would cherish pieces that visually stunned her. While their views were divergent, their shared love and affinity for thought-provoking jewels is what Shah holds close and carries forward as a legacy today.

Her design sensibility is rooted in history and reminiscent of memories, yet realised in the now. The beauty of her process—from the initial inspiration to the first sketch, through the hands of her skilled artisans, and finally, into your collection—is informed by an older, gentler version of India—an era defined by the birth of craft techniques that continue to reign supreme even today.

From her to you

Reflecting Shah’s experience, sentiments and passion for the craft, below are the essential pieces that would undoubtedly be part of her bridal trousseau if she were to curate it today. These selections embody her timeless style, blending tradition with modernity, and ensuring brides shine brilliantly on their big day and beyond.

"I want every piece of jewellery that I own to be wearable across multiple facets of my life and occasions spanning from formal parties to cocktails to weddings to receptions. I see myself in these pieces, pairing well with everything in my wardrobe. I can dress them up or dress them down—they're trend agnostic, classic like a little black dress that you never go wrong with," says Shah.

Discover below a curated edit of timeless essentials that deserve a special place in your trousseau.

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The epitome of luxury

An elaborate, embellished statement-making necklace should be a staple in your wedding wardrobe—or any wardrobe for that matter. This eye-catching piece isn’t just about tradition—it’s about making a fashion-forward impact that turns heads and sets trends, transforming your bridal look from beautiful to unforgettable. It's versatile enough to be paired with your lehenga-choli, a silk saree, or even a skirt-shit combination for those post-wedding soirées.

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Nine times iconic

When shopping for wedding jewels, it’s as important to consider the story they weave as the shine they radiate. And for the bride who wants a piece that narrates a tale as old as time, the Navratna necklace is worth revering. This is a piece that captures the essence of the universe, with nine gemstones each representing a celestial body—an intricate arrangement not only offering a visual delight but also a spiritual resonance, believed to bring balance and fortune to the wearer. Whether you decide to wear it solo or layer it together, the vibrant blend of colours makes Navratana jewels dressy enough for opulent celebrations and evocative enough to pass on to the generations ahead.

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An earful of romance

The splendour of a classic chaandbaali cannot be understated. A standout of the season is the Matsya earrings by Aurus that play with colours and proportions to deliver luxurious ease. Especially if you’re a follower of the less is more mantra, these shoulder dusters are all you need to take your outfit to the nines. For a more traditionalist approach, pair it with a rani haar, maathapatti and a set of gold bangles.

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For an old-world charm

Once a traditional jewellery piece, the hasli now enjoys an elegant, modern retelling, transforming into a cherished, wearable heirloom. With a myriad of designs to choose from—few with cascading gemstone drops, some with polkis, and several with strands of natural diamonds—each hasli tells its own unique story. What has truly caught our eye is the Kalki hasli by Aurus. Sleek and sophisticated, this piece is a testament to timeless elegance. Picture it paired with a crisp white shirt for an at-home brunch meeting, exuding effortless chic. Or imagine it gracing a vivid-hued anarkali at a welcome puja or even the haldi ceremony, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary flair. Embrace the versatile allure of the Kalki hasli and let it become a staple in your jewellery collection, enhancing every occasion and every ensemble.

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Can't really skip out on emeralds

Beloved by royals, silver-screen stars and modern-day brides alike, emeralds have rightfully earned their place even in the most discerning jewellery boxes. And there’s no reason why you should miss out on the glamour this gemstone brings. This exquisitely designed Nargis necklace, featuring a drop pendant and two-tiered neck chain is a stellar piece to own. Take a closer look at the pendant and you’ll see how the lush green complements the finery of the diamonds beautifully, exuding a regal authenticity like no other. Add to that the marvel of the refined carving on the centre emerald—a testament to the master craftsmanship that brings this piece to life. The delicate chains, juxtaposed with the dramatic pendant, make the Nargis necklace a go-to for turning heads and sparking conversations, whether you're gracing a glamorous soirée or a quiet pre-wedding dinner with your loved ones.

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Pearly perfection

The Indian royals have always known how to flaunt pearls, and no one did it better than Maharani Gayatri Devi. Her unique and chic pearl styling is still the gold standard of inspiration, proving that pearls have always been, and always will be, royally stylish. The mighty whites, the impeccably lustrous, the absolute symbol of femininity, a pearl choker is a perennial classic that you will definitely keep going back to for years to come. The Tarini choker by Aurus, featuring oodles of pearls and a jewel-encrusted centrepiece, sits perfectly on your neck, accentuating your collarbone and adding a touch of vintage charm to your look. Whether you pair it with a sharara for your mehndi function or wear it with a gown for your engagement night, this pearl choker seamlessly transitions from day to night, making it the ultimate accessory for any occasion.

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The finer things

You might have your wedding wardrobe sorted, but what about jewellery that effortlessly transitions from ceremonial wear to everyday elegance? Enter Moi, Puja Shah’s prêt jewellery line, offering an expansive range of avant-garde pieces that cater to every style. Start with these kaleidoscopic earrings—they’re perfect for elevating your sundresses, co-ords, and even casual ethnic outfits. For those who love rings, Moi offers designs that are a hit with both minimalists and maximalists, making them a coveted addition to any collection. If you prefer to keep things simple yet stylish, Moi’s bracelet and necklace options are not to be missed.

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Put a pin on it

Get ahead of the style curve with our insider scoop: Brooches and dress clips are making a triumphant return, and are now bigger and better than ever. Take the Moi Sunbird and Lovebird brooch for instance—these pieces are not just ornamental but also incredibly utilitarian. Use them to cinch your dupatta, your saree pallu or even to add flair to your pantsuits, these are sure to earn a mainstay spot in your trousseau.

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Visit Aurus and Moi at The Wedding Collective and take home a piece of Puja Shah’s artistry that sits beautifully on the cusp of history and modernity.