The New Heirlooms: Bridal Jewelry with a Personal Touch

How bespoke craftsmanship and storytelling are redefining heirlooms for India’s modern bride

Bridal jewelry in India has always been about legacy — a mother’s necklace, a grandmother’s kada, a treasure chest of family memories. But for today’s brides, jewelry has evolved into something deeply personal. No longer just a wedding-day adornment, it is being reimagined as a bespoke heirloom that carries her individuality, her story, and her promise of continuity.

At Tyaani by Karan Johar, heritage is translated into relevance. Designer Maheep Kapoor has redefined kundan-polki for the contemporary bride, lightening its formality while preserving its soul. Think chokers that transform into pendants, bangles inscribed with love notes, and pastel-hued polki sets that feel as effortless at a cocktail as they do at the pheras. As a Tyaani spokesperson explains, “Our brides want jewelry that feels as fluid as their lives — something that honours centuries-old artistry but is wearable, versatile, and personal. From detachable polki necklaces to pieces inscribed with secret messages, we see jewelry as an heirloom of emotion as much as design.” This blend of craftsmanship and storytelling ensures that a Tyaani jewel never sits in a locker; it lives and moves with its wearer.

Amrapali, meanwhile, has always made legacy its language. For the house, bridal jewelry must remain timeless — beautiful today, yet meaningful when worn decades later by the next generation. With its mastery of kundan, meenakari, and jadau, Amrapali turns bespoke commissions into modern heirlooms: necklaces that carry family motifs, bangles engraved with initials, and modular sets designed to evolve with a woman’s life. “Every piece is crafted with the idea that it will outlast trends and become part of a family’s collective memory,” says an Amrapali spokesperson. “What begins as a bride’s adornment transforms, over time, into an heirloom that tells her story to future generations.”

At Reva by P N Gadgil & Sons, heirloom jewelry is imagined as versatile and intimate. Filigree, hand engraving, and diamond detailing meet clever craftsmanship that allows for transformation — earrings that adapt to multiple looks, necklaces with detachable pendants, jewels designed to live beyond the mandap. As a Reva spokesperson shares, “Today’s bride values both sentiment and practicality. She doesn’t want jewels to be locked away; she wants them to evolve with her lifestyle. We design pieces that can be treasured as heirlooms yet enjoyed every day, carrying forward a family’s love and legacy.”

Other maisons like Jewel Saga, House of Diamonds, and Origem enrich this movement with their distinct voices. At House of Diamonds, custom bridal jewelry is treated as an intimate collaboration. Brides are encouraged to weave their personalities into every detail, from initials inscribed discreetly inside rings, to gemstones chosen for personal or astrological significance, to designs that echo their wedding attire. Polki has emerged as a favourite for bridal looks, while sleek diamond pieces with striking coloured stones dominate cocktail and pre-wedding events. As founder Yash Jain explains, “Even if a piece is worn for just one day, its emotional value is immense. Our aim is to create jewels that reflect the bride’s individuality and family heritage, making them meaningful heirlooms.”

At Origem, the focus is on timelessness and precision. Known for bespoke bridal services, the brand allows every element to be tailored — from the choice of metals and the cut of stones to the scale of the design. Brides may opt for a solitaire engagement ring or commission full sets featuring diamonds up to 100 carats, each crafted to mirror their vision. “Bridal jewelry should be as personal and enduring as the love story it celebrates,” an Origem spokesperson shares. “Our goal is to create heirloom-worthy pieces that go beyond trends, designed to be worn, cherished, and passed down through generations.”

Together, these perspectives reveal a powerful shift: the modern bride is investing not just in beauty, but in jewelry that embodies emotion, memory, and legacy. These are not ornaments to be locked away, but living heirlooms — gold and stones carrying whispers of love, heritage, and individuality. A forever piece, worn today and treasured tomorrow.

The result is jewellery as narrative, gold and stones carrying whispers of love, heritage, and individuality. A forever piece, worn today and treasured tomorrow.