We can almost hear the wedding bells ring as brides-to-be draw up huge shopping lists. Here’s some help with the most precious item on a bride’s shopping list - jewellery! Check out the trends, what you need and how to match jewellery with bridal wear.

Make a mental note

Since you will spend a substantial amount of money on bridal jewellery you don’t want to make any mistakes. “Buy jewellery with a timeless aesthetic value. Remember it has to be special and bring out the true essence of the bride’s personality,” advises international jewellery designer Farhana Vohra of House of Fara.

What’s the trend?

Farhana says, “Everything is going back to the past. My jewellery collection this year takes inspiration from the Mughal era but it is very lightweight to make it wearable. Classic pieces with minimum clutter are also very sought after.”

Mumbai-based jewellery designer Vidya Zaveri adds, “Small diamond clusters are out. Brides-to-be want big, chunky stones and diamonds. There is also a huge demand for coloured stones especially yellow and pink.”

What you need

There is no escaping from the trappings of tradition. So while your mom and your groom’s mom want you to pile on the family heirlooms, we have a list of pieces that are a must.

According to Farhana, new brides need that one piece of jewellery that will instantly make them stand out from the crowd. It should be a conversation starter, a statement piece that can uplift the simplest of outfits.

If you love diamonds, Vidya recommends that brides buy at least one pair of solitaire earrings, a solitaire ring and a diamond pendant for everyday wear.

Matching jewellery with clothes

Mitesh Gajera, MD of Cygnus Jewels offers some fabulous tips on matching jewellery with your bridal wear.

1) Heavy-bordered saris - Long chandelier earrings or big studs
2) Simple traditional saris - Thick beaded necklaces with a big diamond centerpiece or smaller diamond earrings
3) Traditional lehenga - Thick necklace or choker clubbed with a single kada studded with exquisite diamonds and small earrings. Alternately, you can also wear a thin gold chain with a big diamond pendant and match it with a pair of large diamond earrings and chunky kadas.